Hike to Piedras Blancas

From camp Poincenot lead two paths along the river Rio Blanco in the north direction – one directly along the river – along this one we are going now because it is possible to get directly to the lagoon Piedras Blancas. The second path leads through the woods relatively high above the river and the lagoon can be seen from here more panoramically. This second path is easier for orientation and terrain.

The path along the river is not very comfortable, but the surrounding countryside is very nice. You will meet much less tourists here than on the main trail. Moreover, most tourists walk only to the lagoon and back.

After an hour walk you will get to a small side valley. Here awaits you a few minutes of climbing on big stones, if you want to get right to the lagoon. According to the map, the path continues up to the valley of Rio Electrico /about another hour walk/, but from this place almost nobody walks here and the path is almost not trodden. So we recommend it only for experienced hikers.
 

The second option is the way along the east bank of the river leading along a good-quality path to Hosteria El Pilar and further to the road leading along the river Electrico. After a short walk through the forest appears the first panoramic view of the glacier falling into the lagoon Piedras Blancas.

The glacier is beautifully blue and thence is visible significantly better than from the lower path.
 

The forest is full of old twisted trees. In some places is the terrain quite muddy, so it is vise that these sections are reinforced by battens. This path would otherwise be quite badly passable.

The main lookout of this whole upper hike is directly opposite the lagoon. You can clearly see huge rocks torn from the moraine that you had to manage on the way to the lagoon.
 

The path continues on through the forest to the north and slowly opens another nice view of Fitz Roy. Of course not as awesome as the classic one, but it is worth seeing.
 

After an hour of less interesting path through the forest you descent to river Rio Blanco. From there it is only a short walk to Hosteria El Pilar lying just off the state highway.

By road it is around 15 km to El Chalten. The first half leads along the river Rio Electrico and it is an interesting and pleasant walk. The second half is not very gripping, so maybe it is better to try to hitchhike – cars passes here now and then.

Or it is possible to continue upstream Rio Electrico in the direction Paso Marconi.