The hike to Cerro Cristal must be one of the most underestimated attractions close to El Calafate. The views on a nice day are spectacular!Caltur takes you to camping Lago Roca in the morning, and the driver waits with the bus until 6pm to drive back to El Calafate (March 2014: 200 ARS). At the administration of camping Lago Roca you can get a hand drawn map to the trailhead, but it is easy to find just a way back in direction of El Calafate. The ascent to Cerro Cristal took me roughly two hours. The covered distance is small, but some parts of the hike are quite steep. I was happy for my hiking poles especially for the last steps up to the peak, which led through loose gravel mixed with snow.From the peak, it was possible to see Perito Moreno and several lakes and mountain ranges, Torres del Paine also makes part of the beautiful 360 degree panorama.I spent a bit more than an hour on the peak and took a lot of time for the descent thanks to a twisted knee, but nevertheless arrived around 4pm back at the camping admin, where I enjoyed the sun for another two hours before heading back to El Calafate. It is also possible to hike along Lago Roca, for example to the spot where it joins with the South arm of Lago Argentino - stunning color differences.During the hike to Cerro Cristal, I saw four other people....incredibly peaceful, incredible views!!
you will probably stop here on your naturepark tour- its also a campingsite and have a lovely cafe. the scenery is amazing.
Love the national park tour, it's a very peaceful and beautiful place to go to. Too bad the weather was not good. We have also missed the post office, now I have an excuse to revisit the place again.
We took a van from the station in Av. Maipu (Estacion Linea Regular, AR$200 per person) and went to the National Park. Track to this lake is easy and well signalized, and the landscape is breathtaking! Close by there is a Cafe where you can rest and be picked up by the van again!
If you have the chance go canoeing or camping into the Park close to the lake. There are few facilities but it's a great experience face to face with nature.
Lago Roca is a cute, scenic lake, just beside Lago Argentina. It offers amazing camping, beautiful lakeshore and absolutely breathtaking views from hikes close by. My husband and I went to Lago Roca on our last day staying in El Calafate. We bought return bus tickets from the El Calafate bus station and did a day trip. The bus drops you off at the lake's camp ground. If you need information on hikes in the area, you can ask the campground staff, who spoke good English (if needed).We did the summit hike of Cerro Cristales which is about 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down. This hike is a bit strenuous at times, with very steep sections but you are rewarded with a phenomenal view of Perito Moreno Glacier, Lago Argentina, Lago Roca and Torres Del Paines, Chile. You also get this wonderful sense of being on top of the world! My recommendation for those who go is to bring lots of water with you since the sun is hot and there are no streams along the way and also bring trekking poles if possible. Overall, this place was one of the highlights of our trip and the hike was one of the best that we did in Patagonia!! I definitely recommend it!
In Tierra del Fuego National Park, there is a four mile round trip hike called Hito XXIV. This leads over a gorgeous trail to the Chilean border. We hiked it on a sparkly day and really enjoyed it. The trail, for us, was 1 1/2 to 2 hours each way with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. Then, you get to the sign for the Chilean border. The first part of the trail is quite easy, b ut it gets a little more challenging as you go over a few rocks and follow the yellow sign markings. Buses from Ushuaia take you hear for hiking. You might also consider lunch or a dessert at the Laga Roca Restaurant. The trail is marked "moderate" and this is what we found---not just a stroll, but certainly doable for a couple retired people like us! We would highly recommend this.
Located in Tierra del Fuego National Park, this large lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife, birds, etc. There are campsites here, picnic tables, and a small restaurant with bathroom. From this lake you can see the dividing point between Chile and Argentina.
We visited Lago Roca on 9 December 2013. Beautiful lake. Quiet a distance to walk. We saw families camping. Some were having barbecue and some were dancing with loud music. There was a cafe and restrooms for convenience.
this lake is the end of the sends costera trek. sparkling blue water mirroring snow capped peaks of the hills that frame this lake. the visitor center right in front of this lovely lake has a museum, shop as well as a small cafe. the egg/cheese empanada there was nothing to write home about but the view of this lovely lake framed by the large windows was an unforgettable sight. the bus back to ushuaia picked us up at this spot at 5 after a lovely day of hike through the tierra del fuego park