Patagonian Wilderness, El Chalten

As El Calafate was not quite far enough in the bush, we decided to head to El Chalten 220km up the road for some proper "nothingness" i.e. unguided trekking, more glaciers, magnificient mountain views etc.etc.


Road side hotel with a map of the area... Hey, there is Helsingfors here???


Cerro Fitz Roy and the sourrounding peaks ahead - still 60km to go.


Almost there - getting a closer look at El Chalten and Fitz Roy from a view point just before the town.

Posing with the town sign.


Our first trek up Las Aguilas and Los Condores peaks.


Amazing views of lake Viedma. The quietness was deafening here.


Peak Los Condores didn´t disappoint as we saw tens of condors gliding through the sky.


El Chalten downtown - can´t say it was buzzing in here.


David is getting obsessed with taking photos of the most nacked cars ever... Renault 4 being one of the favourites.


Views from our second trek - glacier emerging between mountain pass.


Cerro Fitz Roy, most impressive mountain we´ve seen so far, at the background.


Views just don´t get better than this.


We were advised that stream water is drinkable, so filling up the water bottles - this may have been a mistake as I am having severe stomach problems at the moment :/


Valleys were pretty windy at times.


Spotted some woodpeckers on the way - locally known as giant or crazy carpenters.


Finally at our destination, Laguna de los Tres. Unfortunately the lake was still frozen, but views of the Fitz Roy were magnificient.


Heading back down the tricky trail.


Diverse colours.


Never seen sky looking like this... just amazing.


This 25km trek with very diverse terrain was our favourite by far.


Back at El Chalten. The town looks almost decent in the sunset.


Day 3 - on our way to Laguna Torre, another 24km round trip ahead.


Vallyes on this side were filled with weather beaten trees and bushes.


Laguna Torre with Glaciar Grande and Cerro Torre in the background.


Closer view of Glaciar Grande.


Almost back at the town - my legs are dead now!!


Mind the Argentine Gauchos!


At the airport waiting to board - destination Buenos Aires. Weather conditions sunny and clear.


...20 min later - still waiting to board. Flight delayed. Weather conditions questionable.