Pliegue Tumbado
A spectacular hike that doesn't go deep into a valley, but rather soars above it. It offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in the entire El Chaltén area.
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Itinerary
The trail starts at the National Park Ceferino Fonzo Visitors` Centre, where a small fence indicates two paths: to the left, the trail goes to Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints, and to the right towards Pliegue Tumbado and Laguna Toro / Paso del Viento.
This trail maintains an ascending slope of approximately 1100 metres in total (3,610 miles), until reaching the viewpoint located at about 1500 metres (4,920 feet) above sea level. Due to its height, the absence of trees and the total exposure to the wind, you should go prepared with a windproof jacket and warm clothes since a small snowfall is not uncommon even in the middle of summer.
Having walked for about an hour, the trail crosses a plain called “Pampa De las Carretas”, from where you can appreciate the impressive Mount Huemul, the Viedma lake to the south and the whole imposing Andes to the northwest where Mount Torre and Mount Chaltén stand out.
The trail then enters a beautiful forest until reaching an altitude of approximately 3,280 feet above sea level, where the landscape changes abruptly: the trees turn to bushes and scrubby vegetation, and among the many stones on the way it is possible to find the remains of marine fossils which are bout 100 million years old.
The last part of the trail fades but continues marked with yellow signs until reaching the Mirador del Pliegue Tumbado, which offers an incredible view of most of the mountains in the El Chaltén area, along with the Fitz Roy River valley and Laguna Torre.
The summit of Pliegue Tumbado requires another hour of hiking, ascending another 280 meters of elevation gain from the viewpoint with a somewhat steep slope; the summit offers an extraordinary 360-degree panoramic view. This last stretch may be snowy, and in this case, it is not recommended to continue.
If you don't want or doesn't feel safe to do this hike on your own, you can hire the services of a travel agency in El Chaltén or a National Park Service Provider Guide.
Schedules
It is advisable to start the hike very early, if possible at first light.
Take into account the sunset time so you can return with daylight.
Always carry a flashlight (not a cell phone) just in case!
Possible snow
In autumn or spring, check for the possible presence of snow or mud toward the end of the trail, which crosses a rocky area with a steep slope where it is dangerous to progress safely and where it is easy to become disoriented.
Before starting
Always check the status of the trails at the National Park Visitor Center.
Do not forget
Pack lunch and water bottle.
Sun hat and sunglasses.
Sunscreen lotion.
Gloves, warm hat and warm jacket.
Torch.
Waterproof jacket.
Entrance to the trail
Admission is subject to a fee.
Entrance tickets are purchased and paid for online.