Monte Tronador (3554m)
The "Thunder Mountain" was the site of the 1999 Eco-Challenge. No fewer than seven glaciers carve the sides of this huge volcanic peak. Huge chunks of glacial ice calve off and crash down loudly into the surrounding hanging valleys, thus giving the name Monte Tronador -- Thunder Mountain!
Several tall waterfalls flow from the melting glaciers into the valleys far below, resembling the Yosemite Valley in California
We camped near Refugio Otto Meiling (photo right), right beside one of the glaciers and we could hear the crashing ice in the middle of the night! Incredible panoramic views of the Southern Andes and the Patagonian Lake District.
We stayed in Bariloche, the urban centre of the Lake District. Bariloche is a picturesque, lakeside mountain city that reminded me of Whistler. Amazing hiking, great food, gorgeous weather and an awesome youth hostel (Ruca Hueney Albergue - $8/night and smoke-free!) made for a perfect visit! |
