Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten | Dates 2027

Name: Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten - Refugio Cagliero - Laguna de los 14 - Piedra del Fraile - Fitz Roy - Patagonia
Start: 2027-01-10T09:00:00-03:00
End: 2027-01-14T19:00:00-03:00
Location: El Chalten, Santa Cruz
Rating: 4.8

Proposal

Itinerary:

Day 0: We recommend being in El Chalten the day before the program starts.

Day 1: Meeting in El Chalten.

Talk about the adventure ahead and gear check. Mandatory check of the personal equipment to bring on the trek.

Overnight in El Chalten, not included.

Day 2: El Chalten - Refugio Cagliero (Laguna Diablo):

Vehicle transfer to Estancia Los Huemules. First trekking stretch, uphill, to Refugio Cagliero, next to Laguna Diablo.
Approx. duration: : 3 hours approx
Lodging at a mountain refuge, rooms with bathroom.
Max altitude: 800 m.a.s.l.

Day 3: Refugio Cagliero - Laguna de los 14:

Second day of trekking. Long day. We skirt the lagoon, climb up to Laguna de los Témpanos. Gorra Blanca Sur Glacier and descent to Laguna de los 14.
Overnight at a new refuge or in tents.
Approx. duration: 9 hours
Max altitude: 1430 m.a.s.l.
Final altitude: 830 m.a.s.l.

Day 4: Laguna de los 14 - Piedra del Fraile:

Third day of trekking. Crossing the Río Eléctrico zip line. Descent through the valley of the same name to Refugio Piedra del Fraile.
Overnight at the refuge.
Approx. duration: 6 hours
Final altitude: 540 m.a.s.l.

Day 5: Piedra del Fraile-El Chalten:

Final day of trekking and descent to El Chalten. Trekking to the road and transfer to town. Longer option: passing through Poincenot + Laguna de los 3.
End of the route.

Elevation Profile

Included Services

Transfers:
- Round-trip transfer to and from El Chalten.
Professionals:
- Certified mountain guides.
Camping - Lodging:
- 3 nights of accommodation: Refugio Cagliero, Refugio de los 14, Refugio Piedra del Fraile (possible tent).
Mountain Cuisine:
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners + trail snacks.
Safety:
- General first-aid kit.
- Guide with international WFR certification.
- Handheld radio and satellite communication.
Adventurer assistance:
- Detailed guidance before the activity
- Informational meetings.
- Validation of required gear to make sure you’re prepared
- 24/7 support on departure day

Services NOT included

Drinks
Porter services
Any service not specified in this program.
Tips.
Accommodation and meals in El Chalten before and after the program.
Travel to El Chaltén.

Note

Medium-difficulty trekking. You need to carry your own backpack.

Trail lunches (cold meals): milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, snack platters, salads, appetizers, etc.
Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo colorado stew, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with assorted sauces or stew, grilled meat (chivito), chow fan, chicken with rice casserole....
Breakfasts and afternoon snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

It’s important to fill out the personal/medical form to note if anyone has any dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Technically no, the terrain is off-trail, with scrambling, a zip line and steep sections.

Where do you sleep?

In refuges with mattresses (bring a sleeping bag), with bedding provided at one of them.

Who's a good fit for Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten?

Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde El Chalten, Santa Cruz , in the region Patagonia, Argentina. It lasts 5 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten?

Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta.
• The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day
• The physical demand
• The technical level of the terrain and required equipment
• The degree of mental strength required
• The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:

What equipment do I need to take part in the Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten?

En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo.
Chequealo ahora! ->

What's included in Trekking the Refuges of El Chalten?

Transfers: Round-trip transfer to and from El Chalten. Professionals: Certified mountain guides. Camping - Lodging: 3 nights of accommodation: Refugio Cagliero, Refugio de los 14, Refugio Piedra del Fraile (possible tent). Mountain Cuisine: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners + trail snacks. Safety: General first-aid kit. Guide with international WFR certification. Handheld radio and satellite communication. Adventurer assistance: Detailed guidance before the activity Informat

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

60%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles

80%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

60%

Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles

40%

Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles

How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level

Recommended for intermediate level

Previous experience and good physical condition required.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters) + rain cover (or a large garbage bag to cover it)
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Trekking poles

CLOTHING

1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition). Preferably high-cut (we’ll cross sections with snow)
1 second pair of footwear (can be sneakers, sandals or crocs)
Underwear
Several pairs of trekking socks (at least 4 pairs)
3 t-shirts and/or shirts (synthetic dry-fit type for hiking, and cotton for off-activity time)
Trekking pants (no cotton or jeans)
Spare/backup pants
Shorts or swim trunks
2 warm layers (fleece pullover, wool or soft shell-windstopper)
Warm jacket or down vest (optional)
Fleece or similar gloves
Warm hat (fleece preferably, or wool)
Sun cap (with flaps)
Fleece neck gaiter or scarf (for the neck)
Third-layer jacket (waterproof and, if possible, breathable windbreaker, Ultrex/Gore-Tex type or similar)

PERSONAL ITEMS

Passport, ID card.
Medical/health insurance.
Completed medical and personal form, authorization.

MISCELLANEOUS

HEAD lamp with batteries (spare batteries).
Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

Mountain sunglasses with good protection.
Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
Sunscreen, lip balm
Soap, shampoo (travel-size, to share) and a small towel.
Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.

COOKING

Personal tableware: plate, cup and cutlery.
Water containers, 2 liters minimum (can be a plastic bottle)
Camelback, Nalgene or similar

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (depending on space and weight)

Camera.
SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
Mate, bombilla (straw) and yerba.
Steel thermos.
Binoculars, monocular. Photo or video equipment.
Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
Pocketknife

Rental Equipment

Available

Trekking sleeping bag

View details

Available

Pair of Trekking Poles

View details

Available

Rental mittens

View details

Available

Pair of Crampons

View details

Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe

Available

Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax

View details

Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords

Available

Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness

View details

Available

Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom

View details

Available

Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

View details

4.8

147 Google reviews

Mariano Marchioni

Excelente servicio de principio a fin, te ayudan y acompañan en todo el proceso de preparación para tu salida y tienen los mejores guías, por servicio y calidad humana

Luciana Durante

Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.

Maxi Cuska

Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!