Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Guide
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: Panoramic Views of Patagonia's Majesty Guide
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, also known as Cerro Fitz Roy viewpoint, is a popular hiking destination near El Chaltén, Argentina, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Fitz Roy massif and the surrounding Patagonian landscape. This challenging but rewarding hike takes you through diverse terrain, culminating in a breathtaking vista that showcases the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the vast Patagonian ice fields. It's a must-do for any serious hiker visiting El Chaltén. The area around El Chaltén, including Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, has a relatively recent history of human settlement. The indigenous Tehuelche people inhabited the region for centuries, but European exploration and settlement didn't begin until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. El Chaltén itself was founded in 1985 to secure Argentine sovereignty in the disputed border area with Chile. The name "Chaltén" comes from the Tehuelche word for Fitz Roy, which they believed was a smoking mountain. The primary activity at Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is hiking. The trail is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) round trip and takes around 8-10 hours to complete. The hike is considered moderately challenging, with some steep sections and exposed terrain. The reward for your efforts is the stunning 360-degree views from the summit, which include Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, the Viedma Glacier, and the surrounding valleys. El Chaltén offers a variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Argentine cuisine, including hearty stews, grilled meats (asado), and delicious pastries.
Transportation
The trailhead for Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is located near El Chaltén. You can reach El Chaltén by bus from El Calafate. Several bus companies operate daily services. Once in El Chaltén, the trailhead is easily accessible on foot from the town center.