So, El Chaltén is the "Trekking Capitol of Argentina". I know when you think "mountain trek", you think, "Oh, that's so Paola." Just know this, the only hiking I've ever done is in Griffith Park...the one that takes 30 minutes to complete. So, new friend Isabella from Italy and I got up early, packed our little sandwiches (salami & cheese) and headed off to conquer Cerro Torre. This is the smaller, pointier of the 2 peaks in El Chaltén. This is also considered the "easier hike".
Patagonia got off to another strong start on me. I huffed and puffed my way up a small hill for the first 15 minutes. I thought I could never make it, and was already planning on re-scheduling my stay here. But I kept going. And WOW WOW WOW WOW. The scenery was just incredible. I really can't put it into words. I was so obsessed with the autumn colors... SO red, orange and yellow everywhere. Then off in the distance, the beautiful Cerro Torre peaks. We hiked through rivers and valleys and forests... so unreal. 3 hours later we arrived to Laguna Torre, at the base of Cerro Torre, and had a crystal clear view...perfect spot for lunch!
The funniest part was when arriving at the end, there was a couple from Los Feliz of all places. He told me he's only ever hiked Griffith Park. HA! ME TOOOO!
The 3 hour hike back down the mountain was even more gorgeous as it was going up.
So, Round 2, goes to me, Paola, for kicking ass on this hike, even though it kicked mine first, but only in the beginning. I kicked so much ass on this hike, I decided to take on the "treacherous Fitz Roy 6 hour hike" the next day. Ehhh no problemo!!
Cerro Torre Pics!
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