December 22, 2024

Yesterday at Cerro Torre, we were wondering why Cesare Maestri had chosen these particular mountains. Today, we met Andrea Fava, the daughter of Cesarino Fava, who climbed Cerro Torre in 1959 with Cesare Maestri and Toni Egger (who tragically lost his life during the expedition).

Andrea (a kind blonde woman—Andrea, in every language except Italian, is a female name) told us the story of her father, Cesarino, who moved to Buenos Aires and later settled here because he was in love with these mountains. It was Cesarino who wrote to Maestri, saying, “Here is the mountain for you.” A simple way to persuade him to come.

Today was our last day in El Chaltén before we set off again on our bikes tomorrow.

We split into various activities. Alberto, Pierluigi, and Fabio went to the Paredón—a sheer 300-meter cliff with a trail that climbs 700 meters (at a 20% incline).

It was the perfect terrain for Alberto, with Fabio and Pierluigi struggling behind. Thrills awaited them at the top of the cliff, where the wind gave the unnerving sensation of being blown off the edge.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying saunas, pools, massages, and shopping.

Tomorrow, the cycling adventure resumes!