When the cold weather settles in, many abandon El Chaltén until spring brings the warmth once more. Come winter, when snow blankets the RÃo 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 MartÃn 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.
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