El Chalten is a small town presided over by the majestic massif of Mount Fitz Roy, granite needles that turn this place into the mecca of the world. But the traveler who loves nature but is not climber also find your little paradise with a few treks that run through landscapes of great wealth. Located in a turn of the famous Route 40, can be reached from El Calafate (217 km) by bus. There are hotels, inns and some tent and a warm breath mingled with the touristic Patagonian.
Things to do
Legend has it that if the visitor fails to see the summit of Fitz Roy will have secured a return to Patagonia. The indians tehuelches called it Smoke Mountain because clouds have always stuck to its summit. And that will surely be the image you see. There is a more or less clear path that leads up through a beautiful walk to Laguna de los Tres, where you get stunning views from its walls. Be carefull with the changing weather.
Another beautiful hike is the one that takes you on the opposite side, south, toward the base of Cerro Torre, a mushroom-shaped mountain, with extreme difficulty for the climbers, who may see hanging on the wall. Along the way you'll pass through forests and shrubs of calafate. Eat the fruit and you return to Patagonia insured, according to local beliefs. There is a trail that connects this path with Fitz Roy, making a circle in two days. Take everything with you: food, water, sleeping bag...
Quiet excursion in the arounds of El Chaltén if you don´t like to walk too much. You can rent the tour with Chaltén Travel and come to this nice place, situated 37kms. from the town. Surronded by forest and virgin landscape. A sorht walk to a mirador at the end of the road offers beautiful views.
