I undetook this trip in February 2011. I reserved to do the two day trip up the Ruta 40 from El Calafate to Bariloche before setting off for Argentina and paid for it at the Chalten Travel Turismo office in Buenos Aires when I arrived. This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to return to this part of Argentina and I was aware of the mixed reviews about this trip:Narrative Version from my Travelblog account:"I knew it would be a two long days of travelling with an average of 12 to 14 hours on the bus but I underestimated the amount of time it really took when I sat on the bus all that time!I decided to do a narrative version of the trip and divide this into two parts so it does not become too long winded for anyone to take in.I left El Calafate around 8.00 am in the morning after having a wonderful stay there. I had to change bus at junction of the Ruta 23 (towards El Chalten) and...
4 more images
Bajo Carcoles
by spidermiss
A small settlement in the middle of nowhere where only basic services are offered and the last place to fill up with their expensive petrol before reaching Perito Moreno or Tres Lagos on the Ruta 40. This is probably one of the most unattractive places I visited on my Argentina trip!
4 more images
El Chalten & Environs
by spidermiss
In El Chalten, there is a number of hiking trails for travellers of all abilities ranging from a hour to several days!There is an easy walk to Chorillo del Salto, a waterfall, that passes the Rio de las Vueltas and takes under another hour to reach the falls. You can do another walk taking in Las Aguilas and Los Condores Viewpoints and this takes an average of 2.5 hours to complete. You can do longer day hikes to the foothills of Cerro Torre and Monte Fitz Roy. Each trail has miradors of the Fitz Roy Range and serves as landmarks for those do only want to do shorter walks.There are multi-days hikes such as the three-day Fitz Roy/Cerro Torre loop and the Laguna Torre and Paso del Viento.You have to bear in mind the unpredictable weather whilst in El Chalten. One minute it'll be sunny and warm but the next rainy and cold! The winds have a big factor where the gusts can be suddenly fierce...
4 more images
Laguna Nimez
by zweiblumen
Just west of El Calafate is the shallow Bahía Redonda, itself part of the vast Lago Argentino. On the edge of Bahía Redonda is the Laguna Nimez a bird reserve with an entrance fee of less than $1. Once you have gained entry you are free to wander around at will and observe the birds; birdwatchers will know that it is not a thing to be done in a hurry ... if you are patient you will be rewarded, so it is with the Laguna Nimez. The Chilean Flamingoes are obvious by their size and colour ... but look around and see how many other species you can see.
2 more images
Perito Moreno Glacier
by zweiblumen
Unique among the glaciers of Parque Los Glaciares (and indeed almost the whole world) in that the Perito Moreno glacier is not retreating, this 5km wide, 60m high massive wall of ice bisects two of the arms of Lago Argentino, those of the Brazo Rico and Canal de los Témpanos. The most popular and exhilarating activity is that of 'mini-trekking', essentially this is strapping on crampons and walking around atop the glacier for an hour or two. If you are not bold enough to do this you could opt to watch the glacier calving (where large chunks of ice break free from the glacier and crash into the lake) from the Peninsula Magallanes
4 more images
Glaciar Perito Moreno
by Trekki
Glaciar Perito Moreno is one of the only "growing" glaciers today, coming down from Hielo Sur, Patagonia's southern ice cap.It's majestic peaks at it's front are an impressive view itself - but also standing there and just listening to the sound of the glacier is breathtaking. You always hear breaking, cracking - results of the glacier growing.If you are travelling backpacking, stay camping for one night in the park - it's absolutely rewarding: stars, silence, occasionally broken by the glacier sounds.Please see my Perito Moreno page for more pictures and tips.
Magnificent Cerro Torre
by Trekki
To stand on top of El Cerro Torre is surely a dream for the worlds best mountaineers. But also to see him from the basecamp is a magnificent experience.His granite needle protrudes out of the surrounding mountains - he almost has a soul with his eternal ice bonnet. A simple hike of 30 minutes from El Chaltén (it's base village) brings you to the "Cerro Torre Viewpoint", another 2-3 hours to the basecamp at Laguna Cerro Torre.BUT: due to the unpredictable weather conditions, a view like this is not always guaranteed. Mostly, his head is covered by clouds building-up by the heavy winds coming from westerly Patagonian ice field.
Sign in with Facebook
Comments