2012-02-16
On a clear day, the famous and distinctive peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre tower over the small town of El Chalten. El Chalten is actually the native name for Fitz Roy, meaning "smoking mountain", which probably refers to the wispy clouds that often hover around it. The landscape and buildings, as well as the packs of dogs that chase each other around give the town a very wild, frontier atmosphere.
The land on opposing sides of the mountains couldn't be more different. To their back is the huge Viedma Glacier, but to their front is an arid canyon land of grass, shrubs, and some patches of determined trees. The angularity of the mountains combined with their glacial shoulders lends them an exotic and foreboding look. It's hard to believe I hiked to such icy spectacles wearing just a t-shirt.
Shockingly, at least 80% of the travelers I met here were female, an oddity anywhere, but especially unexpected in a remote hiking town. Not that I'm complaining.