Fitz Roy ExpedicionesEl Chaltén, since 1995Guided treks in El Chalténsince 1995
Paso del CuadradoOn requestPick a date

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Walking on snow, with the massif's walls in the first sun

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  • On foot
  • By van · 15,6 km

Paso del Cuadrado

The massif from the north, away from the crowds

distance
21.5 km
elevation gain
+1,350 m
highest point
1,729 m
duration
10 to 11 h
difficulty
Very demanding

Trail conditions: Take care · · strong wind up high

BookOn requestComing 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 EléctricoPaso del Cuadrado
  • On foot
  • By van

10.3 km · height 448 a 1,737 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
21.5km
Transfer by vehicle
15.6km
Total ascent
+1,350m
Total descent
−1,350m
Lowest point
449 m
Highest point
1,729 m
Steepest stretch
49 %average grade over 1 km
Steeper than 15 %
5.8 km
Walking time
10 to 11 h
Difficulty
Very demanding

The trek

A high mountain pass in the Fitz Roy massif that few people walk: from the top you see Fitz Roy, Poincenot, Saint-Exupéry and Mermoz from another angle.

We start early with the transfer to the Río Eléctrico bridge and leave the road behind. The first kilometres follow the valley, through lenga forest and streams, with hardly any climbing.

The great rock block above the scree and snow
The great rock block above the scree and snow

Out of the forest the real mountain begins: nearly all the climbing, about 1,200 m, comes in the last stretch, over alpine ground. Sure footing and a steady pace, with the guide beside you.

At the top, Fitz Roy, Poincenot, Saint-Exupéry, Mermoz and their glaciers, from a place few people reach. We have lunch, rest and come down the same way to the bridge, where the transfer waits.

How the day goes

  1. Transfer to the Río Eléctrico bridge
  2. Valley and lenga forest
  3. Climb over alpine ground
  4. Paso del Cuadrado
  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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Paso del Cuadrado: questions

What if it rains or is windy on the day of Paso del Cuadrado?

The trek goes ahead: we walk in rain or wind. The agreed date is the date.

How hard is Paso del Cuadrado?

Very demanding: about 21.5 km out and back from the Río Eléctrico bridge and 1350 m of climbing, nearly all of it in the last stretch, over alpine ground. You need good fitness and mountain hiking experience.

How long does it take?

10 to 11 hours, including the transfer to the bridge and back.

What do you see from the pass?

Fitz Roy, Poincenot, Saint-Exupéry, Mermoz and their glaciers, from the north side of the massif.

What is included?

A professional mountain guide, in Spanish or English, the transfer to the Río Eléctrico bridge and a VHF radio. The packed lunch is optional.

Are there fixed dates?

No: we run it on request, October to April. Write to us with the date and group size.

How high does Paso del Cuadrado go?

The highest point of the route is at about 1,729 m above sea level. El Chaltén sits at about 400 m.

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 · Day trip from El Calafate

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Photos

Walking on snow, with the massif's walls in the first sun
The great rock block above the scree and snow
Climbing the rocky ridge, with spires and ice behind
The massif's granite walls, up close
Between rock and snow, on the climb
A lake among rocks and snow
The lakes and the valley, looking down
Cerro Torre and its spires
A glacier among the spires
The massif on an overcast day

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 noWe still go in rain or wind, within the Park’s safety rules. Only a very heavy snowfall near winter moves the trek to the next day.
  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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