Cerro Madsen Ascent and Laguna Torre: 2-Day Backcountry Trek in Los Glaciares
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Strong cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance—regular hikers who train with elevation gain will fare best
Overview
A demanding but compact backcountry route from El Chaltén that combines a summit push on Cerro Madsen with the serene lakes of Laguna Torre. Two days of rocky ridgelines, glacial views, and guided camping in Los Glaciares National Park.
Cerro Madsen Ascent and Laguna Torre: 2-Day Backcountry Trek in Los Glaciares
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You leave El Chaltén before dawn, the town's sodium lights paling as the scrub and lenga forest take shape. By midmorning the trail opens, and the mountain announces itself: granite faces of Fitz Roy and the ragged skyline that give this corner of Patagonia an edge. On the first day you push uphill—rock underfoot, wind testing the campsite—until a narrow ridge rewards you with a view straight at Mount Fitz Roy. The second day unwinds into broad valleys and mirror-calm lagoons—Madre, Hija, and finally Laguna Torre—where icebergs drift like slow, white ships and the skyline keeps watch.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early to beat wind
Wind typically builds in the afternoon—begin your summit push before sunrise to maximize calm conditions and stable weather windows.
Layer for volatility
Pack breathable base layers with an insulated midlayer and a waterproof shell—temperatures can swing drastically in a single day.
Footwear with ankle support
Expect loose scree and rocky approaches—sturdy hiking boots reduce ankle injuries on steep descents.
Leave no trace at camp
Use provided camp facilities but pack out all waste; high-elevation soils are fragile and slow to recover.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
Los Glaciares National Park was created in 1937 to protect the Patagonian icefields and the dramatic granite peaks that attracted climbers and explorers throughout the 20th century.
Conservation
Trail use is concentrated to limit soil erosion and vegetation loss; visitors should follow leave-no-trace practices to protect fragile alpine plants and glacial waterways.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Chaltén
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against Patagonia's frequent wind-driven rain and sudden squalls.
spring specific
Sturdy hiking boots (ankle support)
Necessary for rocky ridgelines and scree slopes encountered on the ascent.
summer specific
Warm insulated layer (down or synthetic)
Camp nights and high-elevation mornings can drop well below daytime temperatures.
fall specific
Daypack with hydration system (2–3L)
Keeps water accessible and stores extra layers and snacks for long sections between water sources.
winter specific