Cerro Torre

Information

Cerro Torre, one of the many ragged mountains in the southern Patagonian Andes, is an impressive granite spire with an altitude of 3.128m. Its distinct shape not only makes it stand out among the surrounding landscape, but also qualifies it as one of the most beautiful peaks on earth. Cerro Torre’s beauty and its vertical walls have been attracting adventurers and climbers ever since its discovery. While for a long time getting close to the mountain meant going on an expedition, nowadays the nearby town of El Chaltén serves as a comfortable hub for trekkers and explorers.

The first written description of Cerro Torre was made in the year 1782, by spanish explorer Antonio de Viedma, who only saw the mountain from far away. De Viedma was not the first human to get to see Cerro Torre though. Southern Patagonia and the vast plains east of Cerro Torre had been inhabitat by the native nomad tribes of the Aonikenk (or Tehuelche) for centuries. The mountains of the southern patagonian Andes were sacred to them and they had many legends about their gods and the mighty peaks. Near the end of the 19th century Francisco “Perito” Moreno, the famous explorer and geographer, gave the peak its name during one of his surveys in southern Patagonia.

Located in Parque Nacional los Glaciares in Patagonia, Cerro Torre stands on the eastern edge of the Southern Patagonian Icefield, on the disputed border between Argentina and Chile and is the highest of a chain of four mountains: Cerro Torre, Torre Egger, Punta Heron and Cerro Standhart. Its icy west face slopes down towards the Circo de los Altares and the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. Its impressive east face drops almost vertically into the Torre Valley, where it is opposed by Fitz Roy‘s west face. The top of the peak is crowned by a mushroom of rime ice formed by strong winds, constantly blowing humid air all the way from the Pacific in the west. Westerly winds are generally the main influence for the weather in the area, which is known to be changeable and sometimes unforgiving.

Cerro Torre
Cerro Torre

Cerro Torre

Quick Info Panel

Here you can find all you need to know about Cerro Torre. See below to learn the most important facts, check it out on a map and view an image gallery. Scroll down even further for travel advice and more photography.

Facts

  • Height: 3.128m / 10.262ft
  • Mountain Range: Andes
  • First Ascent: 1974

Location

  • Country: Argentina/Chile
  • Nearest Town: El Chaltén
  • Nearest Airport: El Calafate (FTE)

Cerro Torre

On the Map

  • GPS: 49°17'26.5776'' S / 73°5'50.2908'' W
  • Lat/Long: -49.290716, -73.097303

Cerro Torre

Image Gallery

View Gallery

Cerro Torre

Climbing History

Cerro Torre is not only known for its beauty but is also famous for its turbulent climbing history. For decades the mountain was believed to be impossible to conquer. Lionel Terray, the french climber who first ascended neighbouring Fitz Roy in 1952, called Cerro Torre an “impossible mountain” and doubted that it could ever be climbed. The first attempt by italian Walter Bonatti in 1958 failed – he didn’t even make it halfway up the mountain.

Cerro Torre

On the Blog

Cerro Torre in soft morning light

Seasons Change

When autumn arrives in Patagonia sometime between late March and early April, a transition is started. Every day the sun stands lower above the horizon and the…

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Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy reflected in an infinity pool during an intense sunset.

Double Delight

Usually the end of a year - or the beginning of a new one - marks the period of looking back. Unfortunately last year didn't quite turn out to be THE year to…

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Cerro Torre seen from Circo de los Altares

Circo de los Altares

Many of you might have seen pictures of Patagonia's majestic mountains. Some of you might have even been there and have seen them in person. If you have ever…

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Fitz Roy reflected in Laguna de los Tres at sunrise.

In Patagonia

Since I'm being treated to some decent internet connection these days I thought I'd give you a little update about my whereabouts... I'm reciding in Ushuaia at…

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Stars and moonlight above Cerro Torre, Patagonia.

The Light of the Night

If you'd wake me up in the middle of the night and ask me about my favourite mountains, Cerro Torre would probably be one of the first I came up with. Ever…

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Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy at night

Silent Watchers

Patagonia is mostly known for its famous mountains, but you’ll also find a fair share of stories being told about the notorious weather. And indeed it’s not…

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Sunset on the mountains surrounding El Chaltén

Los Glaciares: Trekking around El Chaltén

It was on the bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén, when I first saw the panorama of the cordillera and the shapes of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy with my own eyes.…

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