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Trekking Trail to Laguna de los Tres in El Chalten (Fitz Roy)

Trekking Trail to Laguna de los Tres in the Fitz Roy Massif

May be, the highlight trekking trail in El Chalten, with the trek to Cerro Torre. An amazing 25 km trekking expedition to enjoy un unforgettable view of the Fitz Roy Mount, and the beautiful Laguna de los Tres.

Trekking to Laguna de los Tres: General information

The trekking to the Laguna de los Tres, right at the base of the Fitz Roy peak (3405m), is the most popular route from the remote town of El Chaltén in Argentine Patagonia. It´s a long trek with 25 km in total that will take between 8 and 9 hours, along a beautiful unique landscape with a big more of 700 mts of atitude gain.

Trekking to Laguna de los Tres: General facts

Difficulty: high
Distance: 25 km in total
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Maximum altitude: 1174 mts
Elevation gain: 770 mts

Trekking to Laguna de los Tres: details

The head of the trail begins at the end of Avenida San Martín, where the urban ejido of El Chaltén ends and the area for parking vehicles is located. During the first hour of walking, the slope is somewhat steep and you will access a natural viewpoint of the De las Vueltas river valley. In a few more minutes you enter the valley of the Del Salto stream in the direction of Mount Fitz Roy. The ñires begin to be more and more numerous around the path and approximately an hour and a half into the journey you access a well-marked natural rocky viewpoint, with a sign that allows you to interpret the mountainous and glacial panorama that is presented in front of the hiker.

The path always continues up the Del Salto stream to the drainage area of the Madre and Hija lagoons. About 4 hours after leaving El Chaltén, you will first arrive at the Poincenot Base Camp which is one of the most popular camping sites in the National Park, and after crossing the Blanco River, at the Río Blanco Base Camp used by climbers who arrive to the area from around the world.

From here the path continues with a somewhat steep slope of approximately 400 meters of unevenness to the De los Tres lagoon, which will require more than an hour of effort. The road ends at the old moraine ridge an amazing huge arc-shaped formation that currently contains the lagoon, formed by the action of glacial advance and subsequent retreat, with an extraordinary view of the lagoon and De los Tres glacier. This is the closest view of the granite wall of Mount Fitz Roy and its amazing unique needles.

If you make the effort to arrive at dawn the prize will be double, since you will be able to witness the extraordinary moment in which the hills are stained red with the first rays of the sun. Going down the moraine, and skirting the lagoon to its mouth, you will find a path that will take you to another impressive sight: the desolate Sucia lagoon and its hanging glaciers. Although access to this viewpoint is possible all year round, from April to October it will depend on the accumulation of snow on the trail, especially on the final stretch.

When to do the Laguna de los Tres Trekking Trail in the Fitz Roy?

Patagonia’s climate is known worldwide for being hostile and changing all the time. Throughout the year, there is abundant cloudiness, occasional rainfall and strong winds. Completely clear days are the least, and it is not uncommon for visitors to spend several days there and have to return without a single, completely clear panoramic view of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre range. That is why climbers must frequently spend long periods in the village until they find a favorable window of good weather.

Please note, there is not a dry month in the El Chaltén area. September and November are the least rainy months, but not by a great difference. Because the temperature is more pleasant and the days are longer, November to March are the best months. November is the best of all, as there are fewer people than in midsummer (January and February) when Argentines go on vacation.

Trekking to Laguna de los Tres: Rates and Permits

This route is free and does not require permits. There is the option of registering at the park entrance, but access to Los Glaciares National Park does not require any charge.

More trekking trails to the Fitz Roy Massif?

If you´re looking for other alternatives from El Chalten, to enjoy the Fitz Roy Massif, read my article Trekking Trails to Fitz Roy from El Chalten

Tours including El Chalten and Fitz Roy Massif

We have many tours to visit Patagonia, and of course El Chalten and the Fitz Roy Massif area. Take a look at some of the suggested tours to visit the area: