(see map) - trin: This sign was posted in several places on the bus between El Calafate and El Chalten. Backpackers' feet don't exactly smell like roses...
The Fitz Roy section of the Los Glaciares National Park was our next destination. This park is pretty cool and it is free. El Chalten is the town in the park. Most of the major attractions can be reached by doing day hikes from the town. We opted for backpacking two nights and stayed in town before and after the hike.
El Chalten is a little like the wild west. It is remote but it is being built up right in front of your eyes. While we were there, they were putting in the sidewalks on the main road.
Shopping for food supplies was a challenge. We visited both markets and a bakery. We ate a lot of pasta and bread. On the final night we threw everything that was left into the pot and ended up with Salami Soup. It was actually pretty good.
Mount Fitz Roy was pretty spectacular. The first day we hiked to Campamento Poincenot at the base of the mountain. The hike was leisurely and the mountain was visible for a large part of the hike.
After we set up camp we hiked further up to Laguna de los Tres and got a close up view of Mount Fitz Roy. I am afraid the pictures don't convey the grand scale.
The following day we hiked to Campamento do Agostini with hopes of viewing Cerro Torre. But, the weather gods had a different idea. The peak didn't emerged from the clouds.
That night we had high winds. But, my wind paranoia finally paid off and our tightly secured tent held strong.
The following day we waited for Cerro Torre to emerge and the rain to let up but neither happened. So, we packed up camp and hiked out in the rain. You can see I was happy to reach the town.
The following day we took an early bus back to El Calafate. Along the way, we had an amazing sunrise.
Then we had to say goodbye to Patagonia. It was an amazing trip and I would like to think we'll be back someday.
Technorati Tags:patagonia, patagonia travel, el chalten, fitz roy, trekking patagonia
1 comment:
Man, look at that mountain!
I'll bet you guys would love a couple of nights at the Conrad in Bangkok at this point ;-)
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