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MAGIC MOUNTAINS
Monte Fitz Roy
WHERE : PATAGONIA
Straddling the border between Argentina and Chile , Monte Fitz Roy is one of the tallest mountains in the Andes . It ’ s known as Cerro Chaltén in the Tehuelche dialect , which means ‘ smoking mountain ’ — a reference to the fact that its 11,100-foot peak is habitually shrouded in thick clouds . Its other name honors Robert FitzRoy , who explored the Patagonian coast alongside Charles Darwin as the captain of HMS Beagle .
Positioned on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field , Monte Fitz Roy is enclosed within Los Glaciares National Park . Trails that skirt its base are accessed from the village of El Chaltén on the Argentinean side — it ’ s a short hop from the city of El Calafate , which can be reached via a flight from Buenos Aires . Early fall ( March / April ) is the best time to trek , as the changing leaves bring a new dimension to the landscape and there ’ s even a chance of spotting the world ’ s largest flying bird , the Andean condor .
The 13-mile Sendero al Fitz Roy Hike promises perfect views of El Chaltén village with the sapphire waters of Laguna de los Tres at its feet . Stay overnight at one of the campsites en route to reach the viewpoint at daybreak and witness the rising sun bathe Fitz Roy in scarlet light . image : getty
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