Up for a challenge? Cerro Tonelli awaits, not visible from Ushuaia itself. This peak hides behind Mount Martial offering a rewarding climb for those who seek it.
Cerro Tonelli stands tall at 1367 meters above sea level. It presents three possible routes to reach its summit. You can ascend from the Martial Valley. Alternatively, try from the Cañadón de la Oveja. Or even from Cañadón Negro, passing through the Andorra Valley. All routes eventually converge on the south face of Cerro Tonelli.
The shortest route starts from Martial. However, this path requires crossing two glaciers. The other two routes involve traversing only the Tonelli Glacier. The trail through Cañadón de la Oveja can be tricky. Expect fallen trees and sections where the path disappears. A long rocky slope leads to the ridge connecting the Pirámide del Martial with Cerro Tonelli. The Andorra/Cañadón Negro route is longer. Its forest is dense and tangled with numerous trees. Also, there is no clear path in this section.
Let’s talk about the Martial route. The ascent begins from the chairlift parking area. Hike along the ski slope if it is winter. If it is not ski season, hike on the slope itself. Cross the river. Pass near the refuge. Head north towards the Martial Glacier. The trek to the glacier is straightforward. A visible path is marked by stones on both sides.
Once you reach the glacier, gear up. Helmets, harnesses, crampons, ice axes, ropes are essential for a safe passage. If it is winter, the crevasses might be covered. Caution is still necessary. If you are unfamiliar with the crevasse locations, ask someone who knows the area.
Roped together, proceed towards a small hill. It is located below and to the right of the Pirámide del Martial. This hill marks the highest point on the glacier. It serves as the gateway to the Cañadón Negro valley. From here, you will get your first glimpse of Cerro Tonelli. From this point, you can unrope. If there is no snow, remove crampons to walk more easily on the rocks.
Walk close to the ridge. Gradually descend towards the Tonelli Glacier. Before reaching it, put your gear back on. Rope up again. It is only a short distance across. But it is highly recommended. This glacier also has crevasses.
After exiting the glacier, remove any unnecessary gear. Leave it among the rocks to lighten your load. A 150-meter elevation gain remains to the summit. It is usually not too difficult. The view from the summit is stunning. As it usually happens on all the high peaks of the island.
The starting altitude at the Martial parking area is 320 meters above sea level. The altitude at the Martial hill is 1210 meters above sea level. Cerro Tonelli’s altitude is 1367 meters above sea level. The estimated time from the parking area to the summit is six and a half hours.
Start early. This will give you more time to enjoy the hike. Cerro Tonelli is not frequently visited.
Cerro Tonelli offers a unique adventure. It is a challenging yet rewarding experience in Ushuaia.