When the cold weather settles in, many abandon El Chaltén until spring brings the warmth once more. Come winter, when snow blankets the Río de las Vueltas valley, visitors break out the skis (both cross country and alpine trekking) and hit the trails in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Snowshoe to Chorrillo del Salto where you can practice ice climbing, and skate on frozen lagoons. Winter is the ideal time of the year for observing wildlife.

Getting There

One of the few tour operators offering winter excursions is Mountaineering Patagonia (Av. San Martín 16, Tel: 49-3194, URL: www.mountaineeringpatagonia.com).

Travel Tips

Check with the national park office about conditions in the park. Heavy snow may close some trails. Officially, you have to register your snowshoe or ski trek with the APN office. Snow will make markers impossible to see. Do not camp unless you have proper four-weather tent and other appropriate gear, and know how to snow camp. Several gear rental places have skis and snowshoes.

Location:
El Chaltén, Argentina

Other Activity

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Daypack, snacks, water; warm clothing, including wool or fleece hat, gloves, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots; sunglasses, sunblock.

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 15 Jul 2009

Updated: 22 Jul 2009

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