Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: the 360° view of El Chaltén

The only trail from which you can see Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre at the same time. The Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is a natural viewpoint at 1,500 meters that encompasses the two massifs, the glaciers of the Ice Field and the Patagonian steppe in a single panorama.

Are 20 km and more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain, with a steady climb for almost the entire route. In return, it's the only hike in the area that offers a complete view of the massif, and it's considerably less crowded than the two classic trails.

The trail crosses a lenga forest, emerges onto the steppe, and ends on an exposed hilltop where the wind is often strong. Conditions at the summit can be very different from those in the village.

Reserve your place!

Space for this experience is limited and sells out quickly in high season. Reservations are coordinated directly with our operations team through our inquiries channel. We will confirm availability and coordinate all the details for you to live the experience in an organized and safe way.

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• Itinerary

  Detailed itinerary of the excursion

  The trail starts at the Visitor Center, at the entrance to El Chaltén, with no intermediate transfers. The ascent is steady from the beginning.

  Meeting in El Chaltén

  Between 08:00 and 08:30 at the accommodation

  Start at the Visitor Center

  The trail starts at the entrance to the village.

  Forest of lenga and ñire trees

  First section of sustained ascent

  Exit from the forest to the steppe

  The landscape changes: low vegetation and wind

  Summit of the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

  360° View: Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, glaciers and steppe

  Descent along the same path

  Included in the tour

  Meeting and closing

  Both massifs at once

  From the classic trails you can see or Fitz Roy or the Cerro Torre, Depending on which one you choose. Here you can see both, plus the glaciers that descend from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the transition from forest to steppe. It's the hike that best explains the geography of the area.

  Less traveled

  Since it doesn't lead to a lagoon or a nearby viewpoint, it receives considerably fewer people than Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre. If you're looking for a challenging hike with fewer crowds, this is the option.

  Wind is the factor

  The final stretch is a steep, exposed hill. In strong winds, the guide may decide not to reach the summit: it's not a matter of comfort but of safety, because the gusts in that area can knock someone off their feet.

  The activity requires good physical condition: it involves more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain. The final stretch is very exposed to the wind. and the guide may decide not to summit for safety reasons, without that implying a refund.

• Info to keep in mind

  This excursion is booked directly with us, local operators in El Chaltén, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Excursion details

    Duration

    8 hours

    (Meeting times may vary depending on the accommodation)

    Distance

    20 km · +1,000 m elevation gain

    Round trip from El Chaltén.

    Difficulty level

    High

    A steady climb for almost the entire route. The final section is the most exposed to the wind.

    Age

    From age 12

    Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

    Season

    October 1st to April 15th

    Group size

    Maximum 14 passengers
  • Requirements and restrictions

    Good physical condition and experience walking uphill for several hours are required. Not recommended during pregnancy or for people with knee, back, or heart problems, or those who have recently undergone surgery. Minimum age: 12 years.

  • Recommendations

    Trekking boots with good soles, layered clothing, durable windproof jacket, A hat and gloves, even in summer, sunscreen and sunglasses with a secure fit, and water and food for the whole day. At the summit, the perceived temperature can be much lower than in the village.

  • Includes
    • Trekking guide authorized by Los Glaciares National Park.
    • Trekking poles.
    • Emergency communication equipment.
  • Does not include
    • Food, meals and drinks.
    • Urban use rate of El Chaltén.
    • Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park. Get your ticket in advance here.

    This excursion requires an entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park (not included). We recommend booking your ticket in advance. ventaweb.apn.gob.ar, because connectivity in El Chaltén is limited and disappears on the trails.

  • Climatic conditions
    • It is the most wind-sensitive excursion in the catalog. The final stretch is unrestricted and is suspended or shortened in the event of strong gusts.
    • With overcast skies, the panoramic view—which is the whole point of this hike—can be completely lost. The guide will assess whether it's advisable to continue.
    • When it is suspended, it is rescheduled depending on availability or the amount is refunded.

Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in El Chaltén available in our catalog.