A Hidden Loop: Discovering the Eastern Side of the Río de las Vueltas Valley

A short walk from the edge of El Chaltén, a metal bridge offers a gateway to the quieter, eastern side of the Río de las Vueltas valley. Our destination was vague, but the promise of exploration led us down a dirt track towards the prominent "Eco" Camp, its cluster of large orange domes promising luxury amidst the wild Patagonian landscape.

The true treasure of the day, however, wasn't the glamping site. Just before a sharp left-hand bend in the main track, an unassuming path branches off to the right. This is the start of a delightful circular trail that proved to be one of the most interesting short hikes of our trip.

We chose the right-hand fork, which immediately began to undulate along the top edge of the forest. The narrow trail wound northwards, granting us breathtaking "big sky" views across the valley to the jagged Fitzroy massif in the west.

Eventually, the path descended to meet the turquoise rush of the Río de las Vueltas. Here, on a bank of lush grass bathed in warm sunshine, we enjoyed a well-earned rest, and the most expensive sandwich in the world. A staggering 31,000 pesos (about €20)! To be fair, it was colossal, easily big enough for two.

The return leg plunged us back into the cool, damp embrace of the forest. This section was more adventurous, with muddy patches and several charming stream crossings that required careful footing. It was a delightful and engaging contrast to the open views of the first half, completing a perfect little loop before we crossed the bridge back to town.