El Morado Natural Monument and Glacier (3.500 m. - 11.475 ft.)
Andes Range

Meeting with the deep Andes

 

Highlight

A beautiful and stunning route, joining two spectacular Andean valleys. We will spend the night in front of the lagoon of El Morado, where a hanging snowdrift falls vertically from the magnificent mountain El Morado (4.600 m. – 15.082 ft.), in the depths of the Andes. Both valleys possess impressive mountains and glaciers that highlight this majestic mountain setting.

 

 

Description

Day 1: Valley of El Morado

From the Andean village of Banos Morales (1.800 m. – 5.901 ft.) a car path enters through the south bank of the river Volcan, to then serpent its way to the Morado valley. Here, from a place known as La Yesera, at 2.500 m. (8.196 ft.) of altitude, we will begin walking through the valley.

It is initially very wide, though it will narrow as we gain height until it is completely closed. To your surprise, we will find ourselves with an enormous ice wall and its lagoon. In its waters, we will see floating icebergs. It is a truly amazing sight, and so are the surroundings where other mountains such as Loma Larga and Cortaderas make themselves present with their own glaciers and colors. Here, in this magical place, we will spend the night.

Aditional option (strongly recomended): We offer the choice of enjoying the night in Colina Hot Springs, near the Morado valley. These hot springs are situated in the middle of the mountains and offer 4 different temperature pools, from hot to cool, besides, the mud can be used for its medicinal properties. To gaze at the starry southern skies relaxed in these rustic pools it is truly an unforgettable experience. Once we've reached the Morado lagoon we will return to the vehicle in about an hour and a half to then ride for 20 minutes to where the hot springs are found. Here we will set up the camp.

Note: This aditional option has an additional cost of 10.000 pesos p/p (20 US).  

 

Day 2: Morales valley

The next day we will start early. We will walk for about an hour and a half until we reach the car, where we will ride for about 20 minutes until we reach the Baños Morales village. Here is the beginning of our second trek through the green valley of Morales.  From the start, El Morado mountain astonishes us with its spectacular and famous south face. Just like mountain San Francisco, it shows off its own great glacier. Throughout the trek we will see wet grasslands where small mammals and birds find food and shelter. We will arrive as far as Laguna Morales, place where flocks of interesting birds like the cometocinos and chincoles approach looking for easy food. The surroundings are pleasant and beautiful. After a well-deserved break we will return via the same path.