Explore El Chalten : Hike Laguna Capri and Chorillo del Saltado

By Earth's Pilgrim
Read the entire Series - Exploring Patagonia - Argentina and Chile
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After reaching El Calafate the day earlier from Ushuaia, we checked the weather and it looked great. So, we decided to get our much awaited hike in El Chalten to Lagna Capri and Chorillo del Saltado. We had an early morning start, filled fuel at the station just outside town(YPF) and off we went just as the sun was raising on the horizon. The ooad was flat out with very less traffic except for the notorious Guanacos enjoying their morning meals.

We had seen El Chalten in numerous travel journals, Instagram reels etc– the peaks, the road , the scenery – and we were raring to take it all in. I’m not a fan of driving but this is one of the most scenic road I have driven in. Just as you leave El Calafate and turn left toward El Chalten – After a couple of hours and crossing La Leona you see the snowy mountains appear and then the famous peaks of El Chalten. There are several laybys to stop and click pics – but hold on the scenery gets more better as u get closer to the town – and I guess the final layby just before heading down into the town offers the best views

It was quite a long drive, but we enjoyed every bit of it. Soon we pulled into El Chalten village. A little place surround by the thunderous mountain peaks, a hub for hikers from different parts of the world, picked some snacks for our hike later and a little surprise for Addy. Addy had just turned 4 and we wanted to celebrate the moment with her in the outdoors while we hike to Laguna Capri.

We parked at the Parking lot at north end of Avenida San Martín and off we went to our second biggest hike in our exploration of Argentina and Chile. Everything depends on the weather, and we had to be flexible to reschedule, drop, change plans based on the weather. Lucky for us our last leg at Ushuaia was a blessing with great weather, this leg did have some thunder storms on day 2 and hence we had to change  plans and do El Chalten immediately. And today had turned out to a great day with the sun shining and winds were not so strong to start with.

This hike is quite steep and it gets you pumping right from the word go. Addy was raring to go but it was quite steep for her so she reverted back to the carrier this time. After the initial steep incline, the path flattens out a little after the viewpoint of the De las Vueltas river valley.

We had a little drizzle along the way but nothing worse. It was Autumn and the leaves were changing colours which added to the beauty of the place. This trail to Laguna Capri is part of a bigger and most famous trail to Laguna de Los tres – the most clicked picture of El Chalten. Hoping someday we visit El Chalten again to do this part of the hike- but for now with Addy we stuck to the planned Laguna Capri hike. After hiking uphill for almost 2 hours we reached the our first pitstop – Laguna Capri – a beautiful glacial lagoon at the foot of the intimidating peaks of El Chalten.

We stretched our legs and backs, before throwing in the surprise birthday cake for Addy. She was so elated seeing the cake. After celebrating her 3rd birthday at Lake Garda in Italian Dolomites , now we celebrate her 4th birthday at Laguna Capri in one of the most remote parts of Patagonian wilderness surrounded by crystal clear lake, beautiful snowy mountains and few guests  – Caracara birds who were eyeing her cake. Happy birthday my sweetheart.

This was a circular loop hike and we head further taking in further views of Mount Fitz Roy – the crowning glory of El Chalten. The weather was warm, though the wind was now picking up. Our initial plan was to hike towards the Chorillo del Saltado waterfall – which according to various trail maps can be a deviation from the Mount Fitz del roy viewpoint and then hike down from the waterfall to the parking lot. However, we couldn’t find the trailhead after the viewpoint – we wandered around looking for one but everywhere we saw steep drop down – which looked quite dangerous to be honest. It was then we found out that this is not a marked trail and not recommended by the rangers – so basically avoid it as it involves walking on a steep cliff edge and with a kid, we simply couldn’t risk it.

So we continued ahead with our loop hike continuing our way towards the parking lot. Somewhere I was disappointed that we couldn’t do the waterfall! From the map I would see that the waterfall would have been to our left and luckily after walking down few kilometres I happened to see a car driving in that direction – so meant there is a road and we can still do it. The hike down was easy but at the same time hard on our knees and now the wind had picked up. The wind was so strong we had few hikers fall to the ground and that included Li as well – a little bruise on the knee but nothing serious.

Finally after a gruelling hike we made our way down and the most elated of us all and the one celebrating the most, screaming “we did it” was Audrey. It’s really nice to see her being part of these hikes, blending in with nature and enjoying the outdoors.

So now I had to find a way to get to the waterfall, thanks to google maps – I charted a gravel road going in that direction and off we went before pulling into a parking and walking 500 meters before arriving at the gorgeous body of water thundering down the rock face – The Chorillo del Saltado waterfall.

We sat on the rocks taking in the view. Our legs and backs had gone for a toss, and we still had a long drive back to El Calafate. As it was almost evening, we started to make our way back out of the town, before picking some chocolates to celebrate a great day at El Chalten. The drive back was equally beautiful as the drive In. It was just getting dark as we pulled into our home at El Calafate and called it a day. We had a great time at EL Chalten and we looking forward for our next leg , next escapade to a new country – Chile.

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Earth's Pilgrim

This is Aldrin and my partner Amoli. We bring you "Earths Pilgrim" - a unique insight into our travel escapades while leaving life in a cubicle. If you are looking for some inspiration to break the shackles of a regular life, then you are the right place. Read more about us- Click here.

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