Day hiking from El Chaltén
Los Glaciares National Park is home to the magnificent Fitz Roy Massif and more glaciers than any other region in Patagonia. The park is renowned for its day hiking - nowhere else …
Why do a multi-day trek?
- See all the highlights by combining all of the famous trails into one longer trek
- Take the trails a little slower and drink in the scenery, stopping at campsites along the way
- Explore mountains, lakes and forests off-the-beaten-track and escape the more crowded main routes
- Take the opportunity to delve even further into the wilderness, and do some mountaineering or ice hiking offered only in the remotest areas
Cerro Torre, Los Glaciares NP
Paso del Viento
Lago del Desierto
Rio Electrico Bridge
Piedra Blanca
Laguna Torre hike
Paso del Viento
Tyrolean crossing
Lago Viedma from Paso Huemul
Tyrolean crossing
Types of hiking
Multi-day treks
Connect the famous day hikes in the centre of the park into one longer multi-day trek, visiting all the most popular highlights (Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado), and stopping at mountain campsites each night. You'll wake up amongst the peaks, and can really take your time on the trails, immersing yourself in the scenery for 3 or 4 nights.
Doing a multi-day trek also allows you to venture into the more secluded areas of the park. Extend your trek into the secluded Los Huemules Reserve, the dramatic Electrico Valley, (known as the gateway to the Ice Cap), Tunel Valley or up to the windy Paso del Viento.
Cerro Torre, Los Glaciares NP
Challenging treks
These treks bring an extra element of challenge, whether it's going up and around the mighty Viedma Glacier (The Huemul Circuit), or venturing beyond Lago del Desierto, crossing the border into Chile and connecting with the famous Carretera Austral (Quetru Crossing).
Paso del Viento
Swoop says
The hiking in El Chalten has so much more to offer than just Mount Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre. The valleys further north and south still remain virtually untouched and the Southern Patagonia Ice Field is well worth climbing to for its jaw-dropping views.
Off the beaten track expeditions
Leave the crowds behind and adventure into the most secluded areas of the park. Here you will tread where few have been before, with the mountains and valleys yours to discover. You'll work closely with expert local guides to find the hidden gems deep in the wilderness, staying at remote campsites and estancias along the way.
If you want to combine your trek with a non-technical mountaineering expedition, the Ice Cap or the Gorra Blanca Summit can be explored by anyone with an adventurous spirit. Previous experience using crampons and ice axes isn't necessary, but will certainly stand you in good stead.
Los Glaciares Wilderness Trek
What our customers think of Multi-Day Trekking in Fitz Roy
Multi-Day Trekking in Fitz Roy trips scored 4.4/5 from 43 reviews
Review:
says
Falling asleep to the thunderous sound of Viedma Glacier calving in the distance is a night's camping I'll never forget.
Swoop Expert
FAQs about multi-day hiking in Fitz Roy
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How long should I spend hiking in Los Glaciares?
We recommend a minimum of a three-night trek. This allows you to explore the central areas around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, as well as the northern and southern sections of the park. For more challenging and adventurous treks, you should expect to spend at least four nights in the mountains.
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Do I need to carry my own equipment?
You will have porters to carry your tent, food, and cooking utensils (pots, stove, mugs etc). However you should expect to carry your own sleeping bag and roll matt (these can be borrowed upon request) and your spare clothing. A personal porter can be hired if you want to hike with absolute minimal weight. The going rate is around US $100-150 per day.
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What facilities do the campsites have?
The main campsites at Poincenot and Prestadores have long drop toilets. There are no showers or running water, but all campsites are located close to a fresh water source so you can wash and replenish your water bottles easily.
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What's the best time of year to visit the Fitz Roy range?
The warmest and dryest months are between December and February. Between March and May the temperature cools down, and the scenery is full of reds, golds and oranges as autumn creeps in. The shoulder season from October-November is springtime in Patagonia, conditions are still mild and you avoid the crowds of summer season.
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Do I need any specialist equipment?
A sturdy pair of high-ankled walking boots and reliable waterproofs are essential for any multi-day hikes in Los Glaciares. A well-fitted backpack is recommended but these can be borrowed upon arrival. For any expeditions to the Ice Cap, Gorra Blanca or surrounding peaks, all technical equipment is provided including crampons, harnesses and ice axes.
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Where can I relax after my trek?
There are several special lodges and hotels in El Chalten that you can choose to unwind in after your long trek in the mountains. The Aguas Arriba Lodge is located on the edge of Lago del Desierto and offers true luxury and seclusion. The Destino Sur, tucked away in the heart of El Chalten, has spa facilities and a fine restaurant. For a true taste of Patagonian tradition, soak up the hospitality of Estancia Helsingfors or Estancia Cristina.
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If you're in good shape, keen to don ice-axe, crampons and snowshoes and aching to get deep into the Patagonian Wilderness, then this is the one for you. The Patagonian Ice Cap is the world's 3rd largest mass of ice after Antarctica and Greenland, split into the Northern and Southern Ice Fields.
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