The trek to Laguna de los Tres is the single most popular hike in Argentine Patagonia and one of the most celebrated mountain walks in South America. The objective is a glacial lake at 1,170 metres above sea level, sitting directly beneath the granite towers of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405m) - a peak that was first summited in 1952 and remains one of the most technically demanding in the world.
The hike begins in El Chaltén, a small village in Santa Cruz province established in 1985 specifically as a base for trekking in Los Glaciares National Park. The village has no entry fee and no park gate - the trails begin directly from the streets. Before departing, all hikers must check in at the park information office at the village entrance, where rangers brief you on current conditions, trail closures, and weather forecasts.
The Route
The trail heads north from El Chaltén along the Río Fitz Roy valley. The first 7 kilometres are relatively flat, through lenga beech forest, following the river upstream. The path is well-marked and wide - this is one of the busiest trails in Patagonia and the infrastructure reflects it.
At the Río Blanco campsite (approximately 9.5km from the trailhead), the trail splits. The left fork continues to Laguna de los Tres via a steep ascent; the right fork leads to Laguna Capri, a shorter alternative with good Fitz Roy views that can be done as a turnaround point for less experienced hikers. For Laguna de los Tres, take the left fork.
The final 1.5 kilometres from the fork to the lagoon involve a steep, exposed climb of approximately 400 vertical metres on loose rock and scree. This section takes 45 to 60 minutes of sustained effort. Fixed ropes are present on some of the steepest sections. Poles are useful here; the descent requires care, particularly in wet conditions.
The lagoon itself sits in a glacial cirque directly beneath the Fitz Roy massif. On a clear day the granite towers reflect in the water and the Piedras Blancas glacier fills the background. On a cloudy day - which is common - the view is still compelling, but the summit is hidden. Weather in this area changes extremely quickly; clear skies at the trailhead do not guarantee clear skies at the top.
Practical Details
Distance: approximately 21km round trip Elevation gain: approximately 800m total (with most of it concentrated in the final ascent) Time: 6 to 8 hours for most hikers; faster for experienced walkers Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous - the final section is steep and requires sure footing Trailhead: El Chaltén village centre; multiple access points lead to the same main trail
Gear: Waterproof jacket and trousers are essential regardless of the morning forecast. Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable and wind is the dominant hazard - gusts above 80km/h are not uncommon and can make the final exposed section very difficult or impassable. Gloves and a warm mid-layer are worth carrying even in summer. Sun protection is necessary on clear days at altitude.
Water: The río and streams along the route are clean and drinkable. Carry a filter or purification tablets if you prefer, but many local hikers drink directly from the streams.
Food: Bring enough for a full day. There are no facilities on the trail. El Chaltén has several supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants for pre-hike supplies.
Combining with Other Trails
The Laguna de los Tres hike can be combined with other El Chaltén trails on the same or subsequent days. The Laguna Torre trail (20km round trip, 5–6 hours) leads to a different glacial lake beneath the Cerro Torre massif and is the second most popular hike in the area. Some experienced hikers do both in one very long day; most people spread them across two days.
For multi-day trekkers, the Huemul Circuit (50km, 4 days) circumnavigates the Cerro Huemul massif and requires a permit, river crossings, and camping gear. It is significantly more demanding than the Laguna de los Tres day hike.
Getting to El Chaltén
El Chaltén is 220 kilometres from El Calafate by paved road. Daily buses run the route in approximately 3.5 hours. The journey itself offers views of the Patagonian steppe and the first glimpses of the Fitz Roy range in the final hour. El Calafate has the nearest airport (Malvinas Argentinas International), with direct flights from Buenos Aires.
Top Fitz Roy Trekking Tours: Prices at a Glance
Entry to Los Glaciares National Park is free and not included in tour prices. Most GYG-listed El Chaltén tours include a certified local guide and transport within the park. Free cancellation is available on most options up to 24 hours before departure.
| Tour | Duration | Includes | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Day Hike to Laguna de los Tres | Full day | Certified mountain guide, trail briefing, weather monitoring | from $45 pp |
| Guided Laguna Torre Day Hike | Full day | Guide, wildlife and glaciology interpretation | from $40 pp |
| El Chaltén Combo Trek: Laguna de los Tres + Laguna Torre | 2 days | Guide both days, 1-night accommodation in El Chaltén | from $130 pp |
| El Calafate + El Chaltén 3-Day Package | 3 days | Bus transfer between cities, guided treks both days, hotel | from $350 pp |
| Patagonia Multi-Day Guided Trek (El Chaltén base) | 4–5 days | Full logistics, guide, meals, accommodation | from $600 pp |
Browse all options via El Chaltén trekking tours on GetYourGuide.
El Chaltén tours include guided trekking to Laguna de los Tres with experienced local guides who know the weather windows and off-trail alternatives.
See also: El Chaltén travel guide · Things to do in El Chaltén · El Calafate travel guide · Patagonia trekking guide · Los Glaciares National Park guide · Argentina Patagonia itinerary