Story told by José Miguel de la Fuente:
FKT Story on Cerro Prat: An Adventure in the Heart of Patagonia
It all began as an idea Tito had been mulling over for years. Upon returning from the United States and traveling to Punta Arenas to visit his parents, he threw the challenge at me: to achieve the FKT (Fastest Known Time) on Cerro Prat. His enthusiasm was contagious, and although I had my doubts at first, I quickly became captivated by the idea.
With the weather as the ultimate judge, we focused on the forecasts for December 28 and 29, 2024. As a last-minute enthusiast, I bought my tickets from Santiago to Puerto Natales on the night of the 25th. There was no turning back. The weather window was now or never, and there was no better companion for this challenge than Tito—a friend and unmatched partner on the mountain.
The Start of the Challenge
On Saturday, December 28, we set out early at 6:30 a.m. from Puerto Natales toward Estancia Perales, the starting point of our adventure. After a 1-hour-and-30-minute drive, we reached the trailhead, located just 2 meters above sea level. In front of us loomed the imposing Cerro Prat, with a summit at 1,550 meters above sea level.
The trail began gently, running parallel to the Tenerife River, with a flat section that allowed us to warm up our legs. But soon, the true character of Cerro Prat revealed itself. The route led us to a dense calafate bush section, with tangled branches that tested our patience and agility. Further ahead, we entered a lenga forest, where the nearly non-existent tracks forced us to stay alert to avoid losing the trail.
The Ascent
Once out of the forest, the landscape opened up, offering spectacular views of the fjord, Monte Balanceada, the Mor range, and the Chacabuco mountain range. From there, we began the scree section: a steep and technical climb that required crawling at some points. The slope became increasingly demanding, and crossing a snowfield added an extra layer of challenge. (We recommend bringing crampons for this section to avoid unnecessary detours or risks).
After 2 hours and 40 minutes, we reached the summit. Exposed and majestic, the top of Cerro Prat rewarded us with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. The feeling was indescribable. We were on top of the world, with our hearts full of gratitude and our minds awed by Patagonia's vastness.
The Descent
After spending a few minutes at the summit to take photos, savor the moment, and catch our breath, we began the descent. Going back down the scree was quick, but the views remained just as thrilling, as if Cerro Prat was bidding us farewell with its finest spectacle. Once again, the tangled forest and calafate section challenged us, but the final flat stretch led us back to Estancia Perales with smiles on our faces.
The entire route totaled 15.50 kilometers with 1,634 meters of elevation gain—a true physical and mental challenge that we completed in approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Final Reflection
Cerro Prat is not just a physical challenge; it’s a reminder of nature’s majesty. This climb, taking us from nearly sea level to 1,550 meters of altitude, was a transformative experience. Doing it alongside a great friend, in perfect weather, and surrounded by unforgettable landscapes turned this athletic achievement into a deep connection with the essence of Patagonia and the freedom that only mountains can offer.