Fitz Roy: Laguna de Los Tres

The Laguna de Los Tres hike, spanning 24 km (15 miles), is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the area. Accessible from the charming town of El Chaltén in the heart of Argentinian Patagonia, this trail, like much of Los Glaciares National Park, offers stunning natural beauty. With just over 2,000 inhabitants, El Chaltén is a cozy town renowned for its outdoor activities. From rock climbing to trekking, kayaking, and more, adventurers will find no shortage of rich experiences to explore—all easily accessible on foot!

How to Get to El Chalten

Regardless of where you stay in El Chaltén, you’ll find the trailhead within a kilometer’s reach.

When preparing for the hike, it’s advisable to pack light, especially considering the steep ascent in the final leg of the trail. Carrying a heavy backpack can be burdensome as you navigate the mountainside. If you plan to camp along the route, you’ll have the opportunity to drop off your bags at the campsite before tackling the more challenging terrain, allowing for a smoother journey.

The Route

The lagoon is situated 12 km (7.5 miles) from the trailhead, resulting in a total round-trip trek of 24 km (15 miles). Fortunately, the hike is punctuated with several miradors (scenic lookouts) along the way, providing opportunities to rest, capture photos of the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy some trail mix to refuel.

Río de Las Vueltas lookout awaits just 0.7 km (0.4 miles) into the trail, providing expansive panoramic views of the valley.

The Mirador Fitz Roy, situated 4km (2.5 miles) into the trail, is a must-visit stop offering breathtaking views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding rivers and mountains that define this remarkable landscape.

At the 8km (5 miles) mark, you’ll reach the popular Poincenot campground. If you’re camping, take advantage of this opportunity to lighten your load by dropping off your heavy bags and setting up your tent before continuing on the trail. Even if you’re not camping, this area provides a serene spot to rest by the river, refill your water supply (this is your last chance), and refuel before tackling the final stretch of the hike. The campground features two outhouses, with an additional one located approximately 15 minutes further along the trail—be sure to utilize these facilities before continuing.

Once refreshed, continue along the same trail toward Laguna de Los Tres. With just 4km (2.5 miles) remaining to reach the lagoon, it will take approximately 1.15 hours to cover this distance. The final hour of the hike involves a steep ascent on rocky terrain, so proceed with caution and consider using trekking poles if available.

Once you arrive at the lagoon, find a comfortable spot on one of the many giant rocks—it’s time to celebrate your accomplishment! Enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of one of Argentina’s most iconic landmarks, Cerro Fitz Roy. If you’re overwhelmed by a sense of awe while absorbing the scenery, know that you’re not alone. The image of Cerro Fitz Roy left such a profound impression on Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard, that he chose to use the mountain range as the logo for his company.

When you’re ready to continue exploring, take a short stroll down to the lagoon (approximately 2 minutes) for an opportunity to capture up-close and personal photos of the ice-capped water and the stunning mountain scenery.

After the hike:

As you’re making your way back into town, pop into any one of El Chaltén’s craft breweries or local restaurants for a much-deserved local beer and a hearty meal.

What to bring:

• Day pack
• Trekking poles (not essential, but they can be good to have for the last section of the route)
• Water
• Snacks & lunch (these may be provided on your tour)
• Sun cream & sunglasses
• Be sure to have warm layers on hand so you can spend plenty of time at the lagoon comfortably. Once you arrive, you may find yourself reluctant to leave this captivating place!

Best time of year to go:

November to March

Grade of difficulty:

Moderate to challenging

Stats:

• Distance: 24km (15mile) round trip
• Elevation gain: 882m (2,894ft)
• Time: approximately 6 hrs of hiking time

The park is home to native wildlife unique to the Patagonia region, including huemuls (deer) and carpinteros (large woodpeckers). Spotting these animals on your own can be challenging and often requires expert eyes and advanced knowledge of the area. If you’re eager to gain deeper insight into the region’s wildlife and maximize your chances of sightings, we highly recommend hiring a guide for your hike. Their expertise will ensure you get the most out of your wildlife experience in the park.

Ready to start planning your trip? Visit us here to find an expert local guide to show you the area!