We stopped in El Calafate to visit the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, staying at the beautiful Posada Newenkelen.  The glacier is 5 kilometres wide and 60 metres high and the only glacier advancing.

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It is peak tourist season and the little town was bursting at the seams with visitors.  We experienced the full force of the Patagonian winds (95 kph), like being sandblasted while walking the dirt roads.

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Further north is El Chaltén, situated right in the northern sector of the national park.  It is possible to step out of the hostel and begin walking.  It is free to enter and camp.  We spent 4 days trekking around Mount Fitzroy (3405 metres) and were fortunate to see many wild flowers, birds and animals.  The weather was perfect to start, but deteriorated into howling winds, rain and hail by the last day.

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