Los Cerros

Comfort, cuisine, and excellent adventures in this new hotel in Argentina’s trekking paradise, Mount Fitz Roy, southern Patagonia

A striking, wine-red mountain hotel in zinc, wood and stone, perched above Argentina’s trekking capital El Chaltén, Los Cerros offers a unique mix: very comfortable accommodation and an excellent range of adventures and gentler excursions with top-notch guides from Fitz Roy Expeditions.

Sink your pick into ice on glacier Torre, take a kayak down meandering Río de las Vueltas, cruise across deep green Lago del Desierto, or ride horses in the stunning valley: most excursions are included in your rates, and come with your own bilingual guide. Take a special expedition into the immense southern ice field or spend a week hiking the trails around Fitz Roy (pictured): awe-inspiring land-scapes abound. You may even see those mighty granite peaks turning scarlet at sundown. The 44 rooms are cosy rather than chic, but all have grand mountain views and the service from young staff is keen and friendly. Throw in a massage, Jacuzzi in your rooms and fabulous cuisine, and this is a surprisingly sophisticated Patagonian experience.

Highs

• Excellent range of activities for all fitness levels to explore the stunning mountains, glaciers and lakes literally on your doorstep
• Superb food and wine to restore you, and a friendly atmosphere with plenty of guests and sofas for socialising
• Excellent massages for those tired muscles; small spa with saunas
• Good, personalised service from caring young staff who help you choose trips
• Transfers available from El Calafate airport (3 hours away), and on to sister hotel Notros afterwards
• No need to go into El Chaltén itself; Los Cerros is elevated above the town

Lows

• Standard ‘Chaltén’ rooms are a little small; furnishings are simple, lighting a little gloomy
• El Chaltén: not a picturesque place but there are places to eat, drink and meet other people, if you want. NB no ATM in town
• Not a formal hotel so don’t expect 5 star treatment
• No TV or phones in the bedrooms, but there is a communal TV room, and you can make phone calls from reception
• Expensive compared with more budget options in El Chaltén, but the food and the mood are great