El Chaltén trekking tour: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado 360° views

Walk above the valleys to see Fitz Roy and Torre from a single vantage point most trekkers never reach

A full-day trek in El Chaltén to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, a 1,500-meter alpine viewpoint, led by a mountain guide in English or Spanish. The trail crosses streams, Patagonian steppe and alpine terrain where you may spot 100-million-year-old marine fossils, and ends with a 360° panorama of the Fitz Roy and Torre massifs. No climbing involved, but a high level of fitness is required. The walk covers 12.4 miles over approximately 6 to 8 hours. Lunch is not included but can be added at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

• Depart from El Chaltén office
• Hike towards Toro Lagoon trail
• Ascend crossing streams and woods
• Reach viewpoint of Fitz Roy and Torre
• Continue hike across Pampas and alpine terrain
• Observe marine fossils and Patagonian weather
• Arrive at 1500 masl viewpoint
• Rest and have lunch with views
• Return hike to El Chaltén

The experience

How do you see both Fitz Roy and Torre without scrambling up a peak? This trek answers it: you climb to an exposed ridge called Loma del Pliegue Tumbado instead, where the two massifs sit in front of you at once. The trail starts from the El Chaltén office and heads toward Toro Lagoon, then spends the first hour ascending through small streams and beech and southern beech woods before breaking into open terrain. From there the route crosses the Pampa de las Carretas, the local steppe, and re-enters forest before climbing into alpine ground where low flowers grow and the wind can arrive even in summer.

The alpine section is where the geology shows itself: you may find marine fossils, ammonites and belemnites about 100 million years old, scattered across terrain that was once seafloor. The final push reaches nearly 1,500 meters, where the view opens to the valleys of both massifs and across Lake Viedma to the Patagonian landscape beyond. A mountain guide in English or Spanish leads the group, sets the pace and knows where to stop. The descent retraces the route back to El Chaltén town, where the trek ends.

The walk is 12.4 miles and takes 6 to 8 hours depending on fitness and conditions. You'll need trekking shoes, warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and gloves: the Patagonian wind and sudden snow are real even in summer. Bring water and a small backpack. A box lunch can be added at checkout. The schedule may shift with weather or the group's pace, and the trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy. Minimum age is 15.

What’s included

• Professional mountain guide in English or Spanish.
• the trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and back to El Chaltén town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Paid on siteUS$ 33

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Say Hueque Travel

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here because the guide sets the pace and can adjust for fitness levels across the day. Book this trek if you're a strong walker who wants a full-day mountain experience without technical climbing and don't mind the Patagonian wind.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly is Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and why is the view different from other hikes around Fitz Roy?

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is an exposed alpine ridge at nearly 1,500 meters that sits between the Fitz Roy and Torre valleys, so it gives you a 360° panorama of both massifs at once instead of the single-peak views from the more-traveled trails. The route crosses steppe and fossil-bearing alpine terrain to reach it.

Do I need rock climbing or mountaineering experience to do this trek?

No climbing is involved. The trek is a sustained uphill walk through streams, woods and open terrain, but no scrambling or technical skills are required. You do need a high level of physical fitness and the ability to walk 12.4 miles over 6 to 8 hours.

What's the weather like on this trail, and what should I actually bring?

Patagonian weather is unpredictable: wind and even snow can arrive in summer. Bring trekking shoes, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and gloves. A small backpack is essential for water and snacks. A box lunch can be added at booking for an extra cost.

Does the tour include lunch, and what happens at the end of the day?

Lunch is not included in the base price but can be added at checkout as a box lunch. The trek ends in El Chaltén town, where you'll need to arrange your own return to your hotel or accommodation.

Will I see fossils on this hike, or is that just something that might happen?

Marine fossils (ammonites and belemnites about 100 million years old) are scattered across the alpine terrain you'll cross, so it's quite possible to spot them. The guide will point them out if the group encounters them.