I just experienced one of the ultimate highlights of traveling through Argentina and that would be finally knocking off Fitz Roy from my bucket list and it was a million times better than I could have ever imagined. Fitz Roy is on the Patagonian range in a very small town, El Chalten, which means “smokey.” The town got its name because the top of Fitz Roy always has a cloud over it, so it was thought to be a volcano. Fun fact: it’s also the mountain that’s on the Patagonia outdoor company’s logo. For anyone who loves to climb, boulder, hike, delve into nature, El Chalten is the perfect place, like a little oasis of natural playground free for anyone to experience. I spent a week in the area with Albergue Aylen-Aike hostel as our home base which had a great mix of hardcore climbers and hikers which was really inspiring to pursue more types of outdoor sports like ice trekking and climbing.
While the area is prone to high winds and cloudy days, for two days the winds were absolutely still and the sky blue as can be. Luckily for us, we had calm weather during our hike to Lago del los Tres which is one of the best spots for soaking in the view of Mount Fitz Roy and the glaciers.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” John Muir from My First Summer in the Sierra
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Alison Abbott says
What an incredibly beautiful spot. Your photos really capture it.
Kach of Two Monkeys Travel says
Hey lovely couple! I’ve been following your Argentina journey and been wanting to go there because of you guys!! But I think we should spend more time like how you guys are doing!! Awesome pictures too!! Hope to meet you somewhere here in South America!! x
Melody Pittman says
Patagonia looks so amazing. You’ve shot some great photos and I thank you for sharing. I’m not typically drawn to the cold and element, but these pictures are really enticing.
The Roaming Renegades says
Wow, those views!! Never heard of it but looks like I should add it to our bucketlist! I can’t get over those photos!
Jowita says
I love hiking! When I visit Argentina I will check this place out, thanks! 🙂
Christine Messina says
Looks amazing! Hikes give you the best views 🙂
Kristen Sarra says
Great photos. I’m a huge hiker and have this same trek on my list for my South American journey I’m saving up for!
susan_aksu says
Awesome Kristen! It’s completely worth it especially if you’re a hiker.
Anne Klien says
That water falls is so inviting, a great place for hiking oh patagonia is in my long list
differentdoors says
I can see why Fitzroy needs to be on everyone’s bucket list! I dont know if I’m fit enough to do the trek like you, but i’d sure love to!
susan_aksu says
Anyone can do it!! It looks very intimidating, but it’s truly not. Great experience!
laura says
Wow it’s so beautiful! It’s gone onto our bucketlist now 🙂
Morgan Sullivan says
These pictures are almost surreal.. I did a lot of hiking when I lived in Colorado, but not so much since I’ve moved to Korea. This post has got me all riled up to get back at it 🙂
susan_aksu says
Anytime there’s an opportunity to go on a gorgeous hike I take it! I feel ya!!
Elena Nacheva says
It was my highlight in Argentina too (together with El Bolson). I went in autumn, beginning of winter and the weather wasn´t perfect but the views were still amazing
susan_aksu says
We had really good weather at first, then not so good weather but with both conditions it was still great, but I could imagine it being super cold at the time of the year you went!
Milosz Zak says
Those mountains must be fairly young since they’re still so jagged. Beautiful shots!
susan_aksu says
Thank you! They could be, I didn’t know that jagged mountains were a sign of young mountains! Most of the mountains in the south are really jagged looking.
Saviour says
If you liked el Chaltén, need to add to your list Torres del Paine in southern Chile, but even better, La Cordillera Blanca in Perú. This last one is huge and has awesome views in every canyon or many of its over 6000 meter peaks cover with glaciers and clear deep blue lakes.
Susan Aksu says
Torres del Paine is very high on my list! I would really like to do the W trail. La Cordillera Blanca looks amazing, have you done this trek as well?
Saviour says
By the way, my wife and I did the ‘O’ circuit of Torres del Paine. Select window for dry weather!
Saviour says
There are so many climbs and treks in the Cordillera Blanca that you can spend months without repeating. Try Huaraz as base where you can find all you need for the trail.
There is also the famous Huayhuash trek that is 2 hours south of Huaraz.
Enjoy, Saviour.