Interview: Alberto del Castillo

Circo de los Altares

Alberto: This would depend on the mountaineer. Some climbers like high altitudes, others very steep faces and still others, isolated places. But K2 in the Himalayas is THE MOUNTAIN!

Nana: What is it about the Patagonia and or Fitz Roy Mountain region that appeals to you?

Alberto: It is steep, isolated, rough, wild and beautiful.

Nana: What do you consider the most difficult climb in the Patagonia region? Why? How many times have you done it?

Alberto: Cerro Torre is the most difficult and complex because of its vicinity in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the power of the winds there. I climbed only once to the summit and have attempted other routes without reaching the summit.

Nana: When is the best time to visit? How do summers differ from winters in the region? What is available during each season?

Alberto: If you like warm weather, summer is the time to go, but it is windy! I love the autumn because of the contrast between the colors of the trees and snow, red with everything. Very beautiful!

Nana: Tell us about Fitz Roy Expediciones, your expedition and guide company.

Alberto: My Company is more than ten years old. I started as a guide and now we are a big team working together. We offer from easy cultural and hiking trips to ice climbing courses and glacier treks to long ice field expeditions. We grow as a company and we also provide guides and know how to cooperate with other Patagonia companies like Patagonia Aventura with the company’s trekking on Viedma Glacier or Estancia Cristina in the northern part of Lago Argentino where we are in charge of guides and the trekking circuits.

Nana: I was very impressed by your tour guides, Diego De Angelis and Charly Cabezas. What training do your guides receive and how prepared are they in case of an emergency?

Alberto: All of them are certified mountain and trekking guides. They do courses with the AAGM (Asociacion Argentina de Guias de Montaña) and with the National Park Administration.

Nana: How are you able to balance family life with your adventures?

Alberto: It’s hard, but my wife and three daughters are also getting involved in the adventurous style of life.

Nana: What changes in perception towards the Fitz Roy region would you like to see? What changes would you like to see in the future?

Alberto: The place is booming with the new paved roads and airports; the place will be different one day, a kind of Zermatt of Patagonia. I’m not sure if is what I want, but looks like it would be impossible to change the coming future!