Description
This full-day excursion leaves from El Calafate at approximately 7:00 a.m., heading into the heart of Patagonia.
The journey follows the legendary Route 40, tracing the shores of Lake Argentino until reaching the La Leona River. From there, the road continues alongside the canyon for another hour, arriving at the historic La Leona roadhouse, an iconic stop that feels like a living museum of Route 40. Here, a pause is made to enjoy coffee and a traditional Welsh cake.
The route then skirts the vast Lake Viedma, with the towering Andes Mountain Range unfolding in the background. The majestic silhouettes of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre begin to dominate the landscape as the journey approaches the mountain village of El Chaltén.
The entire trip covers 137 miles (220 kilometers) each way and takes approximately three hours, including several photo stops at fantastic panoramic viewpoints of the Patagonian landscapes.
Once in El Chaltén, the main activity is trekking along well-marked, self-guided trails that lead towards the base of Mount Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre, offering unforgettable views of these iconic peaks.
After a day immersed in breathtaking scenery, the return journey to El Calafate marks the end of this adventure.