El Chalten and Mount Fitz Roy
El Chalten is a small mountain village in Patagonia known as the trekking capital of Argentina. Above it rises Mount Fitz Roy, a jagged granite peak that pokes into the clouds.
Hikers love El Chalten because trails start right from the edge of town and lead to sparkling lakes and glaciers. The pointy shape of Fitz Roy is one of the most famous mountain views in the world.
Hiking Trails
Easy and hard trails wind through beech forests up to viewpoints of the towering peaks. The favorite hike leads to Laguna de los Tres, a bright turquoise lake beneath Fitz Roy.
The Smoking Mountain
Long ago, native people called Fitz Roy 'Chalten,' meaning smoking mountain, because clouds often swirl around its top. It really looks like the peak is puffing out smoke!
Windy Weather
Patagonia is famous for its strong winds, so the weather here can change from sunny to cloudy in minutes. The best time to see Fitz Roy clearly is often early in the morning at sunrise.