If you’re a go-getter, and you have a reputation for going big or going home, then this trip is perfect for you for you. Here’s how you can hike four mountains in the Southern Patagonia region in five days starting in Ushuaia and ending in El Chaltén. This is not for the faint heart. You’ll be on long bus rides, juggling flights, followed by long hikes and unpredictable weather. But if you’re an adventure warrior, you can totally pull it off like I did. The best time to complete this is during Argentina’s Summer or early Fall (December through early March) when the weather is far less inclement and treacherous.

DAY ONE: 1/2 day hike followed by one overnight stay.

Martial Glacier

Hike #1: Glacier Martial
Highlights: a spectacular view of Andorra Valley, Vinciguerra Glacier and Mount as well as postcard pictures of the Beagle Channel, Navarino and Hoste Islands.
Mountain Range: The Andes
Region: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Elevation: 1,050 MASL
Distance: TBD
Approximate time to complete:
Level of Difficulty: Easy. The first slope is the steepest.
How to Get There: the best way is by taxi, but I’ve seen trekkers walking 2 km uphill from Ushuaia city.
Fun Fact: it is the most important source of fresh water in Ushuaia. It has been named after explorer Luis Fernando Martial, chief of the French expedition that reached the area by scientific purposes in 1883. Amazing Race was filmed here (airdate: March 18, 2007).

Sleep, and get rested for next hike.

DAY TWO: Full-day hike

Laguna Esmaralda

Hike #2: Laguna Esmeralda / Ojo del Albino Summit
Region: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Highlights: Panoramic views of the mountains, flora and fauna, emerald lagoon, white lagoon, and hanging glacier
Mountain Range: The Andes
Region: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Elevation: 350 MASL / 980 MASL
Distance: 14 km round trip
Approximate time to complete: 10 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate difficulty in good weather
How to Get There: Start at Nunatak Shelter by shuttle bus or car.

DAY THREE: (Transporation Day / Rest Day)
Fly to El Calafaté: Fly. Check out prices on Skyscanner.
Bus from El Calafaté to El Chaltén: 3-4 hours (weather permitting)

DAY FOUR: You’ll have traveled many hours getting you into El Chaltén at an early hour. Check into your accommodation and eat (time permitting) and then head out on the trail.

Hike #3: Cerro Torre
Highlights: flora and fauna, a waterfall, Fitz Roy River, wide valleys, and views of Cerro Torre mountain and the quiet glacier lagoon
Mountain Range: The Andes
Elevation: about 250m (820ft)
Distance: 21 km round trip
Approximate time to complete: 7-8 hours round trip
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
How to Get There: Walk from El Chaltén village

Get some rest and prepare for the next day.

DAY FIVE:


Hike #4: Mount Fitz Roy
Highlights: the most sought trek in Argentina, Fitz Roy massif, an emerald lagoon, flora and fauna, and vast landscapes. This viewpoint is the closest you can get to the Peak’s walls in a non-technical hike.
Mountain Range: The Andes
Elevation: 800 meters (2,624 feet)
Distance: 20.4 km round trip
Approximate time to complete: 9-10 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate difficulty in good weather
How to Get There: Walkable from El Chaltén village

Sleep or take a bus to El Calafaté where you can continue your adventure.

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Adventure Travel Blogger

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