Page 258 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

256  ARGENTINA REGION B Y REGION

Exploring the Northern Sector } Sendero Laguna de
los Tres
The northern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is Laguna de los Tres is a glacial
dominated by the awe-inspiring peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. tarn that sits at the base of
Since the 1930s, climbers have attempted to conquer Mount Fitz Roy. The trail to its
the 11,168-ft (3,402-m) Mount Fitz Roy and the 10,280-ft shores is arguably the most
(3,133-m) Cerro Torre. They are considered two of the world’s scenic in the park. The out ward
trek from El Chaltén takes
most techni cally challenging moun tains as their summits are around 5 hours, making a return
formed by “mushrooms” of snow and ice that are in constant hike just about possi ble in a day.
danger of collapse. More recently, avid hikers have also Other wise, it is best to plan for
flocked to the area, converting the tiny settlement of two days and set up camp.
El Chaltén into Argentina’s trekking mecca. The trail’s first section, an easy
3.5-hour hike to Río Blanco,
traverses a landscape of ancient
} Sendero Laguna wood land, marshy wetlands,
Torre and crystal-clear lagoons. Visitors
This low-difficulty, 6-mile must note that camping here is
(10-km) hike can be done per mitted only for climbers who
in one day from El Chaltén. have made arrange ments at the
Hikers should note that the park office. Midway to Río
return journey takes about Blanco, and a 10-minute detour
7 hours. The trail follows from the main trail, is Laguna
the Río Fitz Roy valley and Capri, a secluded lake with
climbs through lush lenga fantastic vistas of the Fitz Roy
and ñire forests, finally range. Basic campsites for
ending at Laguna Torre, a visitors are located here and at
hidden emerald lake that Campo Poincenot, 2 miles
Campsite on a sunny hillside sits at the foot of the (3 km) away.
magni ficent Cerro Torre. Río Blanco marks the trail’s
Centro de Visitantes Breath taking views from the final section to Laguna de los
Guardaparque Pedro Fonzo lake encom pass the mountain, Tres, named in honor of the trio
Ruta 23, before entering El Chaltén. its sister peaks, Egger at 9,514 ft of French climbers, René Ferlet,
Tel (02962) 493-004. (2,897 m) and Standhart at Guido Magnone, and Lionel
Open 10am–5pm daily. 9,186 ft (2,798 m), and the Terray, who became the first to
Visitors planning to go for treks sweeping Glaciar Torre. scale Mount Fitz Roy in 1952.
in the national park should first Ice-trekking excursions on A medium-level trek, it ascends
register at this office. It is Glaciar Torre can be arranged in an incline that gets progres sively
conveniently located at the El Chaltén. Hikers can choose steeper, rising 1,312 ft (400 m)
entrance to El Chaltén. The staff between the single- and two- in a mile (2 km). Views from
are friendly, helpful, and able to day options; the latter involves the lake are mag nificent, with
give advice on difficult trails and a night’s stay at the basic yet towering Mount Fitz Roy rising
expected weather condi tions. comfort able Thorwood base above the lake and the Glaciar
Climbing permits can also be camp, with simple facilities, close de los Tres spilling downwards
purchased here. to the beautiful Laguna Torre. towards its far shore.

The spectacular Laguna de los Tres at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp282–3 and pp296–8

256-257_EW_Argentina.indd 256 05/08/16 10:42 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm