This is an easy walk through a beautiful and mature lenga forest, which takes you to the private campground of Piedra del Fraile; the departure point for all expeditions who dare to cross the Southern Ice Field.
Itinerary
We leave El Chaltén with a transfer to the bridge at Eléctrico River (17km north of the town).
Having crossed various small streams in a relatively open area of the valley of the Blanco River, we start to walk up the valley of the Eléctrico River. We will enjoy a tranquil walk in the company of various birds and after about 2 hours we will arrive at Piedra del Fraile.
The location was named “Piedra del Fraile” in honour of the famous Patagonian explorer Father Alberto de Agostini, who used this rocky outcrop as a base camp in order to protect himself from the strong winds blowing off the Ice Field. (“Piedra” meaning “Stone” in Spanish and Fraile being “Father”.)
From here, various more difficult paths start for example; Paso del Cuadrado, to access the base of Mount Fitz Roy, the path to Pollone glacier and towards Marconi Pass, the entrance to Southern Ice Field.
After relaxing and some lunch, we return along the same path to the bridge of the Eléctrico River and drive back to El Chaltén in the afternoon
OPTION
Trekking to Pollone glacier
From Piedra del Fraile we walk another 2 hours along a stony and uneven terrain until we arrive at the Pollone glacier. This is one of the principal attractions of the area; from here you can appreciate a different view of Fitz Roy (North East face) and the interesting phenomenon of the smoking mountain. The legend of “El Chaltén<”. On this hike we will also see the beautiful Eléctrico Lake, Marconi glacier and the Paso del Viento (The port of entry to any expedition entering the Southern Ice Field).
Includes - Mountain guide (AAGM/EPGAMT – APN) & entrance into private property
Not included – Tranfer from El Chaltén to the bridge of Eléctrico River (8US$ per person)
