Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
An increasingly popular way to get to Chile is crossing the border here with a one- to
three-day trekking/ferry combination to Villa O'Higgins, the last stop on the Carretera
Austral. The route is also popular with cyclists. Plans have started to put a road in here,
but it may take decades.
Tours
Las Lengas
BUS TOUR
( 02962-493023; Viedma 95, El Chaltén)
Minibus service to Lago del Desierto (AR$150,
two hours), leaving El Chaltén at 8am, 12pm and 3pm daily. At the south end of the lake,
travelers can dine in the inviting restaurant at
Hostería El Pilar
(
02962-493002;
Hielo Sur
BOAT TOUR
( 56-0672-431821;
www.villaohiggins.com
)
This Chilean catamaran takes border-crossers
from Candelario Mansilla. Some trips go to Glaciar O'Higgins (CH$68,500) on the
Southern Ice Shelf, on the way, others go directly to Villa O'Higgins (CH$42,000) via
Puerto Bahamondez. From Puerto Bahamondez, bus service to Villa O'Higgins is
CH$2100.
Ice Climbing & Trekking
Many companies offer ice-climbing courses and ice treks, some including sleds pulled by
Siberian huskies. Multiday guided hikes over the Hielo Patagónico Continental (Contin-
ental Ice Field) have the feel of polar expeditions. Catering to serious trekkers, this route
involves technical climbing, including use of crampons and strenuous river crossings.
Fitzroy Expediciones
MOUNTAINEERING
( 02962-493178;
www.fitzroyexpediciones.com.ar
; Av San Martín 56, El Chaltén)
Runs glacier-
trekking excursions on Viedma Glacier, a five-day itinerary that includes trekking in the
Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre area, as well as other excursions. Note that Fitzroy Expedi-
ciones does accept credit cards, unlike most businesses in town.
Casa de Guias
MOUNTAINEERING
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
