Beyond Rose

Everyday, I am still surprised about what I am able to experience. I feel really happy with how I have been spending it this year.

After the city, El Calafete, a short 3 hour bus ride took us to our next destination, El Chalten. The ride there was scenic: lakes, mountains, and countless lamas.

The main purpose for visiting this city was to meet another Patagonia site.. Fitz Roy! On the way there from the bus ride, you could see it from many angles. It built more excitement. By the shape and white snow, it appeared as if it was a castle made of mountains. I never thought that I would visit the famous mountain representing the Patagonia clothing logo.

Laguna De Los Tres (the hike to Fitz Roy):

Difficult level > Dangerous

The hike began easy and fairly straightforward. The entrance of the hike is only at the end of the city, very close to our hostel. Along the hike you reach a fork, one way brings you along side a pretty lagoon and the other brings more viewpoints of Fitz Roy. This was a great opportunity to make a full circle with different sights. Being able to select one way and take the opposite on the way back is so much more enjoyable. We also found out, that there are many camping sites. I am not a camper myself, but I could tell that experience would be phenomenal. Only of course, at a warmer time of the year.

Once you get closer to the endpoint,

you have quite a ways of a steep incline. There were signs recommending that those who move forward must be at a good fitness level. Many hikers would first prepare themselves with snacks. What made this so difficult and dangerous wasn’t the incline. It was the snow that turned to ice. I utilize the alltrails app, and the most recent reviews stated there was snow. The ice was unexpected to everyone. So as you can see below.. difficulty level: DANGEROUS!

The way back wasn’t too bad. I think because some of the ice melted. It was more of a fun challenge. I just felt bad for people who asked if they were close but was far in distance and would be slowed down due to the trail conditions.

Overall, the stay here was quite short. It was well spent with trying out a steakhouse, got to taste the best pizza in all of South America, and drink yummy beer.