El Chaltén – Fitz Roy & Laguna de los Tres

The goal is to reach the famous Laguna de los Tres, the closest point to Mount Fitz Roy that a hiker can reach on foot within Los Glaciares National Park.

This is a moderate to high physical-demand activity, recommended for travelers who want to hike trails that cross native forests and mountain rivers, with unique views of the glaciers and mountains of El Chaltén.

Itinerary

The excursion begins at 05:30 AM, when the minibus picks you up at your accommodation in El Calafate. After all passengers have boarded, the vehicle departs toward El Chaltén on a journey of approximately three hours, traveling along much of National Route 40.

Along this beautiful scenic road, you can admire the vast Patagonian steppe and, in the background, the Southern Andes, with the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Fitz Roy standing out among the granite peaks that surround it.

Upon arriving in El Chaltén (around 08:15 AM), there is a short stop for restroom use. At this point, a second trekking guide joins the group to accompany the hike.

The start of the trail is at the Río Eléctrico Bridge, about 14 km from El Chaltén. There, the lunch packs are distributed, and the group begins the hike at approximately 09:00 AM.

On the first section (6.3 km, about 1.5 hours of hiking), the trail climbs to the Piedras Blancas Viewpoint. After the viewpoint, the trail gently descends to the Meeting Point, near the Poincenot Base Camp, where the group arrives around 10:30 AM.

Participants who choose not to continue the second, more demanding section will follow one of the guides as Group 2 to the beautiful Laguna Capri, one of the main attractions of El Chaltén. Lunch is served there, followed by the descent back to El Chaltén.

Group 1 continues with the other guide, crossing the Poincenot Camp, crossing the bridge over the Río Blanco, and starting a steep ascent of approximately 430 meters of elevation gain over nearly 3 km, until reaching the highest point of the trail: Laguna de los Tres.

During the ascent, the panoramic views become increasingly impressive, and the feeling of closeness to the Fitz Roy massif is indescribable. Around 12:30 PM, the group reaches the moraine viewpoint, from where it is possible to admire Mount Fitz Roy, the lagoon, and the De los Tres Glacier in all their splendor.

After a short descent to the lagoon itself, it is time to have lunch with an unforgettable view. After enjoying the area and taking many photos, the group begins the descent back to El Chaltén.

On the return, the trail passes again by the Poincenot Camp (where Group 2 separated earlier) and continues via Laguna Capri. Around 06:00 PM, the minibus departs from El Chaltén back to El Calafate, with arrival at the hotels expected between 09:00 PM and 09:30 PM.

Required Personal Equipment

• Small backpack

• Water bottle

• Non-slip sole footwear

• Warm jacket and waterproof jacket

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Hat and gloves for cold weather

• Hat or cap for sun protection

Recommended Equipment

• Waterproof trekking boots

• Pair of trekking poles

• Synthetic base layer and a change of clothes

Excursion NOT recommended for:

• Pregnant women, due to the physical demand

• People with heart problems

• Overweight individuals

• People with knee problems

• People with asthma, hypertension, or diabetes must carry their medication and be aware that we will be in a mountain area with difficult access, where ambulances cannot reach quickly — any assistance is slow and done on foot

• People who have recently undergone surgery

Important

• In case of very adverse weather conditions, the Trekking Guide will decide whether the group will continue with the second part of the itinerary.

Notes

• Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians, with authorization.

• Before the tour, a trekking consultant will evaluate your registration and determine whether you are fit to participate in the activity.

• On the day of the excursion, the passenger must sign an activity agreement; without this document, it is not possible to take part in the tour.

• The guide in charge may deny participation to any passenger who does not meet the minimum previously established requirements.

• In case of risks to the activity, the itinerary may be changed at the guide’s discretion.

Important

• Entrance fee to the National Park is not included.

• Amount: AR$ 45,000, to be paid in cash at the park entrance.