March 10, 2017
El Chaltén is the jumping off point for Los Glaciares National Park known for its spectacular scenery and fantastic trekking. The full day hike to view Fitz Roy starts with a flat trail that winds along the river. After crossing the river, the trail begins the steep ascent. This was my introduction to just how crazy the Patagonia weather can be. After hiking through the woods in a tank top I reached the summit wearing everything I brought plus the guides down coat. Lesson learned – lots of layers and always bring extra warm clothes in case the wind and rain sweep in! Our blue sky day was thwarted by clouds looming over Fitz Roy but it made the peaks look dark and moody with the glacial turquoise lake below. Had a magical quality to it.
The hike back down loops through the other side of the mountain with seeking views of the valley that look like a watercolor painting. After ending the hike in town, treated myself to some hot chocolate at La Chocolateria. Nice way to warm up after a long cold day.
In between Perito Moreno and El Chaltén, stop at Cuevos De Los Manos for a history lesson. Translated to the “cave of painted hands”, there is hand painted artwork on the cave walls dating from 7300 BC.
