Things to Know about Hiking in Parques Nacionales Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine

Research

Upon researching how to hike Parques Nacionales Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine without a guide, I had to search several websites including the parks’ own sites, El Chaltén’s website, Trip Advisor, blogs and more to get a general idea of the process. At times, I felt confused and the research was very time consuming. I likely could have just purchased a travel book, but even the Fodor’s (copyright 2015) on occasion was outdated. This post is dedicated to information about hiking Patagonia. The details of our trip can be found in other posts under Argentina and Chile on this site. Continue reading “Things to Know about Hiking in Parques Nacionales Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine” →

lago viedma

Short Hikes Around El Chaltén, Argentina

After walking about 30 miles in the last two days, we considered an easy day of hiking today, especially given the crummy weather. We certainly weren’t going to be able to spot any tall granite peaks in the dreary, overcast skies, so we found some short hikes to enjoy just outside of town in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Morning Hike to Mirador de los Cóndores and Mirador de la Aguilas

Our morning hike took us to Mirador de los Cóndores and Mirador de las Aguilas. Both began at the same trailhead at the south part of town by the park office. We followed the trail up rolling hills with some flowers. As light drizzle fell, we heard a noise in the grass to the right of a trail. We were surprised to see an armadillo! Frightened, it scurried down the path and dug a hole in seconds. Continue reading “Short Hikes Around El Chaltén, Argentina” →

laguna de los tres

Laguna De Los Tres…The Most Sought After Trek in El Chaltén

Hiking to Fitz Roy

Yesterday we confirmed the weather with the hotel staff. Based on a sophisticated forecast system, it was suggested that today would be the best day to hike the Laguna De Los Tres trail for the closest views of Fitz Roy massif. While the trailhead may be reached by walking to the edge of town for an out-and-back trek, it is also possible to take transportation to Hostería El Pilar. I highly recommend arranging a bus/shuttle ride a few days in advance for $125 Argentinian pesos. It provided us the opportunity to see the Hostería El Pilar and the associated trail as well as the Laguna De Los Tres trail. Continue reading “Laguna De Los Tres…The Most Sought After Trek in El Chaltén” →

la cerveceria

El Chaltén…An Awesome Argentinian Town

Traveling to El Chaltén

We returned to the airport Saturday evening to take a flight to Buenos Aires. Things were rather uneventful until we landed in Buenos Aires late that night. We asked the information desk for the name of a hotel closest to the airport for our over night layover. It was suggested to go a new hotel, Hotel Aeroparque. After a visit to the ATM, we took a taxi that drove to a dark area by a parking garage and stopped. We looked at each other nervously and then David asked, “Where’s the hotel?” Continue reading “El Chaltén…An Awesome Argentinian Town” →