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Chaltén Mountain Escape

Trek between four established campsites linking spectacular viewpoints in some of the wildest areas of the park. Hike to Laguna de Los Tres for unrivalled views of Mount Fitz Roy, see Cerro Torre at dawn, climb to the Viento Pass and look down on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and hike through the spectacular River Túnel glacial valley.

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Chaltén Mountain Escape

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Trip type

Guided Activity

Trip length

7 Days

From

$2,480

Location

Los Glaciares

Chaltén Mountain Escape - 7 Days - $2,480

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén 

Day 2: Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; Poincenot campsite 

Day 3: Trek to the Maestri viewpoint; Torres campsite 

Day 4: Trek to the Agachonas Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Day 5: Trek to the Viento Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Day 6: Trek to Pliegue Tumbado Hill; El Chaltén

Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate

Start from El Calafate and end at El Calafate

Landmarks visited on Chaltén Mountain Escape

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén

On arrival at El Calafate Airport you'll take a minibus directly to El Chaltén on a 2.5-hr drive across the Patagonian steppe and through wind-hewn gorges. Once the vehicle turns to the west along the huge glacial Lake Viedma you'll have your first spectacular views of the famous granite peaks and immense hanging glaciers.

This evening you will have time to meet your guide for a briefing on the itinerary, and to ask any questions you may have. Your guide can recommend gear hire shops in town if you require any last-minute additions.

The small town of El Chaltén, nicknamed the 'Argentine capital of trekking', and only established in 1984, is nestled in a small valley between the Patagonian steppe (prairie) and the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field and very much retains its 'frontier feel'. The gateway to such famous peaks as Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre make this a climbers' and trekkers' paradise and it's also a great town to base yourself for the various day hikes in the region. You should try the locally-brewed beer in the Cerveceria, or perhaps the hot chocolate in the Chocolateria. Either way, this little town will enchant and make you want to stay for longer.

Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)


Day 2: Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; Poincenot campsite

Leaving El Chaltén by car in the morning, we'll drive 17km to our starting point.  From here we'll hike the beautiful trail through the lenga forest to the Poincenot campsite where we'll leave out overnight gear. We'll stop at the Piedras Blancas viewpoint for excellent views of the Glacier Piedras Blancas. Continuing from here there are great views of the Fitz Roy mountain range as we make our way to the Laguna de Los Tres. At this lagoon you'll be able to soak up the closest, and best, views of Mount Fitz Roy.

We'll then return to Poincenot campsite for the evening and eat dinner with our fellow travellers.

Length of hike: 6-7hrs, 11km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Poincenot campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 3: Trek to the Maestri viewpoint; Torres campsite

After breakfast at the camp, you'll begin the descent into the valley of the Madre and Hija lagoons, with permanent views of Mount Fitz Roy. This trail leads you to the next valley: that of Cerro Torre. Always surrounded by lenga forest, we'll take a short hike to Torres campsite where we'll leave our overnight gear.

We'll then continue on to the Maestri viewpoint, from where the legendary Italian climber, Cesare Maestri, planned his climb of Cerro Torre in the 1950s. After admiring the views, we'll return to Torres campsite for a relaxed evening and dinner.

Length of hike: 7-8hrs; 8km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Torres campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 4: Trek to the Agachonas Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Following breakfast, we'll begin our day of trekking by hiking to Lake Torre and crossing the River Fitz Roy on the zipline. Once across, the trail will take us through the forest then along a rocky stretch, finally leading to one of the best views in the valley: the Agachonas Pass.

From this point, we'll begin to descend towards the River Túnel valley, with amazing views of the glacier bearing the same name, as well as its neighbour, Mount Solo. Once in the vast glacial valley, we'll head westwards towards the next campsite at Laguna Toro.

Duration: 9hrs, 13km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Laguna Toro campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 5: Trek to the Viento Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Early in the morning, prepare for another intense day which begins with a second impressive river crossing, this time on the zipline across the River Túnel. After this we begin the gradual ascent across glacial moraine until reaching the Viento Pass. From here we have unrivalled viewing point of the Southern Ice Field and the main body of the Viedma Glacier.

When we've soaked up the views we'll return along the same path until reaching the campsite at Laguna Toro.

Length of hike: 9hrs, 16.4km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Laguna Toro campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 6: Trek to Pliegue Tumbado Hill; El Chaltén

This day will take us along one of the park's less-walked trails. During the first part of the trek we'll pass through the River Túnel valley before gently climbing towards Pliegue Tumbado Hill. Along this route, returning towards El Chaltén, you will enjoy the best views of Lake Viedma and each clearing in the forest will reward you with spectacular photo opportunities of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

As the trip draws to a close, you'll spend your final night in El Chaltén.

Length of hike: 6hrs, 16.5km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)


Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate

Transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate.

Meals: Breakfast

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What our customers think of Chaltén Mountain Escape

Chaltén Mountain Escape trips scored 4.6/5 from 9 reviews

Crossing a raging river on a zip line. Seeing the Torres. Seeing Mt Fitzroy.

Travelled: March 2024

Dolly -

Dave and I really like the Argentina (Fitz Roy) segment of the trip. The views from Laguna de Los Tres was simply amazing.

Travelled: February 2024

Denelle -

There are multiple moments! This was the adventure of a life-time. Words can’t begin to describe just how incredible our 5 day trek in El Chalten was with the Serac team. Kayaking on the La Leorna river was also so much fun and a way to see Patagonia like no other! That was most epic trip ever!!!

Travelled: March 2023

Zeah -

Seeing the Southern Ice Field and the Viedma Glacier from the Viento Pass.

Travelled: December 2022

Rick -

Trip was fantastic, everything organized well.. guides ,drivers, staff all were wonderful. Friendly and helpful. Only surprise was how difficult it was to get Argentinian pesos.

Travelled: March 2021

Pinky Stuhldreher -

Highlight — going across El Paso de las Agachonas while in the middle of a blizzard. We thought we were on another planet. People — INCREDIBLE. My favorite group was the first with Chile Nativo, simply because it was the largest (7 ppl) and every single person was amazing. I still loved the other groups too. Landscapes / wildlife — landscapes were out of this world, with all the glaciers taking the spotlight. Wildlife was pretty good. Friends and family — I let the photos speak for themselves. They told me that it looked legendary. Surprises — Dickson campsite. All the icebergs nearby along with the glacier itself. Very lovely. Magical moment — again at Dickson campsite, by the lake, there was this small bank on the lake with perfectly still water and I caught a photo with the mountain and glacier in the back with PERFECT reflection. Looked like a mirror.

Travelled: March 2021

Christian -

The highlight was definitely the trekking tour - which was difficult, but rewarding.

Travelled: March 2021

Caroline Diaz -

Landscape was magnificent, meet some wonderful people that were on our trek and also in El Chalten. Was a bit surprised that there were so many people on some of the hikes we did, it got a bit crowded at times. Most magical moment was probably driving from El Calafate and seeing the Fitz Roy Peaks the first time

Travelled: March 2021

Peter Tiersma -

Having been there, met others, spoken to lots of people on the ground, the itinerary that Swoop pulled together looks perfect. We were v lucky with the temperamental weather - which helped a lot - and the local partners were excellent. Best parts were the more arduous days and the rewards of the views gained.

Travelled: March 2021

Steve Haigh -

Review:

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices for the 2023/24 season are:

6 people: USD $2,360 per person
4-5 people: USD $2,535 per person
2-3 people: USD $2,910 per person
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Book now to guarantee your place and price for the 2024-25 season.

We expect the operator’s rates to increase in the coming months, and we guarantee you will not pay more for your trip if you book before then. If the final rate is less than initially quoted to you, the lower rate will be honoured.

Prices for the 2024/25 season are:
6 people: from USD $2,480 per person
4-5 people: from USD $2,660 per person
2-3 people: from USD $3,055 per person

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Please enquire about joining a small group of like-minded travellers on an expedition to reduce the cost.

2024

2025

Start date Price (pp)
October 2024
13-Oct-2024 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire
31-Oct-2024 $2,480 Provisional Date Enquire
November 2024
21-Nov-2024 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire
December 2024
6-Dec-2024 $2,480 Provisional Date Enquire
19-Dec-2024 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire
January 2025
2-Jan-2025 $2,480 Provisional Date Enquire
14-Jan-2025 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire
24-Jan-2025 $2,480 Provisional Date Enquire
February 2025
4-Feb-2025 $2,480* Guaranteed Date Enquire
17-Feb-2025 $2,480 Provisional Date Enquire
March 2025
3-Mar-2025 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire
17-Mar-2025 $2,480 Provisional Date Enquire
31-Mar-2025 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire
April 2025
8-Apr-2025 $2,480 Guaranteed Date Enquire
21-Apr-2025 $2,480* Provisional Date Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $2,480

Additional Notes

Group size – Six maximum, two minimum.

Baggage – Trekkers are expected to carry only their lunch and personal gear. All sleeping and camping equipment will be set up at each campsite.

Accommodation An upgrade to the accommodation for the first and last days of the trip is possible. Please ask us for more information.

Includes

  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 4 dinners
  • Accommodation: 4 nights camping, 2 nights in hotel in El Chaltén
  • Full camping equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
  • Bilingual certified mountain guide
  • All technical equipment for Tyrolean traverse of Fitz Roy River
  • Transfer from/to El Calafate (city or airport)

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Personal porters: USD $150 per porter per day (includes their meals and insurance)
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • 50-55ltr backpack
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

Questions about this Trip?