If you like trekking and nature, one of the excursions not to be missed during your visit to El Chaltén is Piedra del Fraile – the name given to a huge block of rock located near El Chaltén. This place was used as a base camp by the famous Italian missionary, photographer and mountaineer Alberto María de Agostini, who in the 1930s came to this unexplored area and with his publications put southern Patagonia in the spotlight of the mountaineering world.
From this mountain refuge that offers lodging, food and services to visitors who want to spend the night in this privileged natural environment, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the north face of Fitz Roy and other emblematic How to get to Piedra del Fraile?
To get to Piedra del Fraile from El Chaltén, take Provincial Route 41 towards Lago del Desierto. About 16 km from the village you will find the bridge over the Eléctrico River, where there is a sign indicating the beginning of the trail to the refuge. You can get there with your own vehicle or with regular transports that leave from El Chaltén. The hike to Piedra del Fraile is of low difficulty and lasts approximately two hours. The trail begins in an open area with no slopes, and the path is always close to the river and gains altitude very slowly. When you reach the refuge you can spend the night at the campsite or in the dorms, for a fee. Reservations are not necessary, except for groups of more than four people. It is necessary to bring a sleeping bag and note that there is no hot water or shared kitchen. Once you are settled in Piedra del Fraile, there are several options to continue enjoying the nature and the views. One of them is to go up to the natural viewpoint Piedra del Fraile, which is located about ten minutes from the refuge along a path that quickly gains height. From this point you can see the Eléctrico valley to the west and to the south the north face of Mount Chaltén (Fitz Roy) and the Mermoz and Guillaumet needles. Another option is to continue on to the Eléctrico Lake, which is about 5 km further along the valley floor. This lake has a deep green colour and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. For the more adventurous, there are other more demanding hikes starting from Piedra del Fraile, such as the Pollone Lagoon, the Marconi Glacier or the Paso del Cuadrado. These routes require more time, equipment and experience, and it is recommended to consult with the National Parks Administration before doing them.What to do in this wonderfule place?
When is the best time for trekking at Piedra del Fraile?
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