EXPERIENCES

The trek starts from Electric River Bridge, located 18 km away from El Chalten: this is an easy walk up to Fraile, without unevenness. Transfer from El Chalten to Electric River Bridge (18 km). Two-hour peaceful hike through lenga forests, fording small streams, up to Piedra del Fraile where Father de Agostini became the basis for his explorations in the area. From this point you get a unique Fitz Roy view: the northwest wall. The area has also a refuge named "Los Troncos", where you can have a snack (not included) and has camping facilities. This is a private property so visitors should pay an entrance ticket when arriving (included)

Departure from a downtown office in Ushuaia (very close to the port), towards the glacial valleys near the city. A few kilometers from Ushuaia, the Tierra Mayor Valley and the primitive forest begin to open up to welcome us for a walk to reach one of the gems in Tierra del Fuego. We begin a walk through the primitive forest, which for at least 7000 years made life possible for the first inhabitants in these latitudes. Leaving the forest, surrounded by mountains, we find ourselves in a dreamlike landscape: an imposing valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The glacial water of the Esmeralda River encounters the engineering feats of the beavers, which found some sort of a paradise here: Surrounded by plenty of food, and despite of the absence of predators, they still apply themselves to their favorite entertainment: the construction of dams. Then we start the ascent towards the Esmeralda lagoon (due to the peat -spongy mass of wet organic material- we suggest the use of rubber boots or perhaps bring spare shoes). The walk to Emerald Lagoon does not present much of a challenge to exercise-loving travelers: with the appropriate clothing, this walk is quite easy and very panoramic. After crossing the valley, we leave behind the lenga forest and begin a sustained ascent along a slightly steep slope. Emerald Lagoon is located at the foot of the Ojo de Albino glacier, between Cerro Bonete and Cordón Toribio in an area of wonderful chromatic amplitude. This is one of the most impressive landscapes in this region! The way back becomes shorter, in a little steep descent, with new panoramic views. We reach the refuge to enjoy dinner (with drinks included, before returning Ushuaia. Attractives: Tierra Mayor Valley, Emerald Lagoon.

The route of this beautiful circuit includes the full range of landscapes that can be enjoyed in this privileged region. The first stop would be in Villa la Angostura where we will have time to get to know the center and its main street. We continue taking the "7 Lakes Route" towards San Martín on a wooded road that crosses rivers and streams, while bordering several lakes such as Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner and Machónico. Bordering Lake Lacar, we arrive at San Martín de los Andes to have lunch and get to know the city, its main street and the lake's coast. The return is by paved route that passes through Junín de Los Andes, La Rinconada, Collon Cura and joins National Route N40, with a rural and steppe landscape, crossed by beautiful Andean rivers that flow towards the Limay. Thus we arrive at Traful Confluence, where the rocky figures of the "Enchanted Valley" and the surprising formation of "El Amphitheater" are added to this magical landscape. Bordering the river to its source in Lake Nahuel Huapi, we return to Bariloche.