Can You Walk Everywhere in El Chaltén? A Town Navigation Guide
I am standing at the reception desk of the Vertical Lodge, watching the receptionist swipe my credit card for the fourth consecutive time. Outside,…
The Unique “Haunted Forest” of Laguna Torre: A Photography Walk
We did not arrive in El Chaltén as elite mountaineers. We arrived as unrepentant foodies who had enthusiastically eaten our way through Argentina to…
The Flat Valley of Laguna Torre: Patagonia’s Most Relaxing Walk
Somewhere on the steep, rocky descent from Mount Fitz Roy, with my feet throbbing and my legs feeling like encased lead, I actively began…
Trail Markers in El Chaltén: How to Track Your Progress Without GPS
I am standing at the edge of the trekking capital of Argentina, wearing a hiking pack loaded with an absurd amount of candy, while…
Is El Chaltén Worth Visiting if You Hate Hiking?
Somewhere on the brutal, knee-destroying descent from Mount Fitz Roy, a very specific thought entered my mind. My feet were throbbing and aching so…
Hiking in El Chaltén Without a Guide: How Easy is the DIY Route?
Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: you do not need a guide to hike in El Chaltén. The “Trekking Capital…
The “Faux Trekker” Survival Guide to Hiking El Chalten, Patagonia
Picture this: you’ve just rolled into the undisputed trekking capital of Argentina. Everywhere you look, there are chiseled, elite mountaineers strutting around in technical…
Hiking in El Chaltén with Bad Knees and Sore Feet: The Mental Game
There is a beautiful, highly romanticized myth surrounding the trekking capital of Argentina. It is a myth perpetuated by elite mountaineers, sponsored outdoor athletes,…