Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Trail

Route overview

Climb from the visitor centre across Pampa de las Carretas and through lenga forest to the exposed high viewpoint above the Fitz Roy River valley.

Unlike the main valley routes, Pliegue Tumbado gains continuous height and leaves forest for exposed, rocky terrain. Yellow markers lead toward the official viewpoint around 1,500 metres above sea level. The higher summit extension adds steep ground and is excluded from this record; snow is a reason to stop rather than continue.

Trail facts

Country

Argentina

Region

El Chaltén, Los Glaciares National Park

Distance

21 km return to the official high viewpoint objective

Typical duration

about 7 to 8 hours return

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

1100 m

Best season

November to May, only with a stable forecast and safe snow conditions

Trail type

Out and back

Access and logistics

Permits and access

Check current park-entry, opening and ticket rules with the official source.

Safety context

Exposure to wind, cold and sudden snow is substantial. Start at first light, carry a dedicated torch, navigation and warm waterproof layers, and turn around if markers, footing or visibility become uncertain. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.

1100 m ascent, extreme wind, snow, loose rock, fading upper tread, poor visibility and summit-extension confusion.

Highlights

Lago Viedma, Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, marine fossils, open alpine terrain and broad Patagonian views

Why find a buddy

Comparable climbing pace, navigation skill and conservative turnaround behaviour are central to a successful match on this exposed route.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

Explore and prepare

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