1 March 2020
Today was a 220km bus trip to El Chalten.
En route we passed Lake Argentino then turned north stopping briefly at La Leona, a small roadside shop & cafe on National Route 40, Argentina's longest national highway (5,224kM). Then we travelled east along Lake Viedma that is fed by the Viedma Glacier
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| Lago Argentino |
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| Roadside stop - La Leona |
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| Roadside Map at la Leona |
El Chalten
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| El Chalten is located along the river valley with the commanding peak of Mt Fitz Roy in the clouds |
The colourful village of El Chalten is located on the riverside of Rio de las Vueltas, within the stunning Northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park (section Reserva Nacional Zona Viedma) near the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy spires, both popular for climbing.
Founded in 1985, It is also a popular base for hiking numerous trails, such as those to the base of surrounding peaks and glacial lakes, such as Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres (near the base of Fitz Roy). Most guide books say it is the top hiking village in Patagonia.
In 1877, Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno named mount Chaltén as mount Fitz Roy, in honour of Robert FitzRoy, captain during the Second voyage of HMS Beagle in the 1830s. Mount Chaltén/Fitz Roy makes the town worth visiting because one can seek the impressive peaks from any area. The whole village finds a gorgeous view that keeps expanding due to the tourism and beautiful location.
Mt Fitz Roy walk
It elected to walk the 8 Km round trip to the Mt Fitz Roy Lookout. The first 2Km are a steady 40% climb then a rough path for the remainder. (the bad erosion was caused by heavy spring storms and had not been repaired )
The elevated views of the river from the walking track were beautiful.
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| El Chalten and the river valley (looking South) |
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| River view looking North |
The real pay off was Mt Fitz Roy Lookout
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| Set in the clouds |
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| Mt Fitz Roy is the highest mountain of the Andes ranges in Patagonia on the border between Chile & Argentina |
On the journey back, Lake Argentino took on a beautiful glimmer in the late afternoon light
A long and perfect day
March 01, 2020
Tags :
El Chalten
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Mt Fitz Roy
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