Argentina/Chile (3,359 m, 3,128 m) – Jagged Peaks of Patagonia
Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre are part of the absolutely unparalleled range of peaks that demarks the Patagonia region at the southernmost tip of South America. The mountains of this region are among the narrowest, sharpest peaks anywhere, and no mountains anywhere are better described as dragon’s teeth. Fitz Roy is named in honor of the captain of the HMS Beagle.
The mountains of Patagonia were undiscovered when European explorers first arrived in the area in the 16th century. It is possible that they were first spotted by Magellan during his ground-breaking round-the-world voyage. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, considered among the most technically difficult mountains to climb in the world, were not scaled until 1952 and 1977 respectively.
Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre are arguably the most remote mountains in the Americas, at least from the standpoint of civilization. The closest major town is Punta Arenas, nearly 200 miles away to the south in Chile. Because of this the mountains of Patagonia are generally the destination for only the most intrepid of mountaineers only.
Leave a Reply