Fitz Roy ExpedicionesEl Chaltén, since 1995Guided treks in El Chalténsince 1995
Cerro Madsenfrom USD 425 per personPick a date

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A roped team in the snow, climbing Cerro Madsen

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  • On foot
  • By van · 15,6 km

Cerro Madsen

A real summit, with the Ice Field behind

distance
23.1 km
elevation gain
+1,420 m
highest point
1,786 m
duration
10 to 11 h
difficulty
Very demanding

Trail conditions: Take care · · strong wind up high

BookUSD 425Coming as a group? Ask for our group rate

Stretch by stretch

The trail cut into stretches, measured on the track. Tap one to see it on the map and the profile.

Transfer · 16 kmPuente EléctricoCerro Madsen
  • On foot
  • By van

11.0 km · height 449 a 1,800 m

Approximate route: OpenStreetMap trails to the top. Touch the profile to see the height at each point.

The numbers

Measured on the OpenStreetMap route (approximate), with heights from the Copernicus GLO-30 model.

Walking
23.1km
Transfer by vehicle
15.6km
Total ascent
+1,420m
Total descent
−1,420m
Lowest point
449 m
Highest point
1,786 m
Steepest stretch
48 %average grade over 1 km
Steeper than 15 %
6.4 km
Walking time
10 to 11 h
Difficulty
Very demanding

The trek

An alpine ascent for experienced hikers: from the top of Madsen you see Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, the Viedma Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

We start early with the transfer to the Río Eléctrico bridge and follow the classic trail toward Río Blanco through the lenga forest.

The lake with ice, at the foot of Fitz Roy
The lake with ice, at the foot of Fitz Roy

Leaving the main trail, the climb steepens up rocky slopes. Varied, demanding ground: sure footing and a steady pace, with the guide beside you.

At the top, one of the most impressive views in Patagonia. We come down carefully the same way.

How the day goes

  1. Transfer to the Río Eléctrico bridge
  2. Trail to Río Blanco through the forest
  3. Climb up rocky slopes
  4. Summit of Cerro Madsen
  5. Down the same way

Wind on the way

It is the first thing we check in the morning. Town can be calm while the lake is blowing hard, so we show both heights.

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Cerro Madsen: questions

How hard is Cerro Madsen?

Very demanding: about 23.1 km out and back from the Río Eléctrico bridge, 1420 m of climbing, and the last part up steep rocky slopes.

What do you see from the summit?

Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, the Viedma Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Are there fixed dates?

No: we run it on request, with a guide for your group. Write to us with the date and group size.

The best hikes in El Chaltén · 2 to 5-day itineraries · Packages with hotel and transfer · When to visit El Chaltén · The National Park and its fee · How to get to El Chaltén · Short hikes

Photos

A roped team in the snow, climbing Cerro Madsen
The lake with ice, at the foot of Fitz Roy
Lenga forest with Fitz Roy behind, on the way

What happens when you book

The full policy →
  1. 01Written confirmationYour place is confirmed once we receive payment and send you the confirmation.
  2. 02Meeting point and timeThey come with the confirmation. Depending on the trek, we meet in town or pick you up.
  3. 03What to bringWe send you the list: hiking boots with good grip, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, water and food.
  4. 04If the weather says noThe guide decides. If we cannot go, we move you to the next date or give you credit for another trek.
  5. 05If you need to cancel30 days or more before: full refund; 15 to 29 days: 50%; under 15 days: no refund.

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