El Chalten
El Chaltén, nestled in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, is known as the country's trekking capital. Surrounded by towering peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, it offers world-class hiking trails, including those to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre.
The town’s charming, rustic vibe attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. With its dramatic landscapes, glaciers, and vibrant Patagonian culture, El Chaltén is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Fun Fact: El Chaltén was founded in 1985, making it one of Argentina's youngest towns.
To reach El Chaltén, fly to the nearest airport in El Calafate, located about 220 km away.
Flight Times to El Calafate (direct flights only)
From Buenos Aires 3h 15m
From Bariloche 1h 45m
From Ushuaia 1h 30m
From El Calafate, travel to El Chaltén by bus (3 hours) from El Calafate Bus Terminal or rent a car for more flexibility. The scenic drive along Ruta 40 offers stunning views of Patagonia.
If coming from Chile, cross the border via Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales and continue to El Calafate before heading to El Chaltén.
Fitz Roy Laguna de los Tres hike
The hike to Laguna de los Tres is one of the most iconic in Patagonia, offering stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy and its surroundings. Best way to do so is starting at the Puente sobre el Río Eléctrico, about 8 km from El Chaltén. You can take a bus to the trailhead—check with your hotel for the schedule.
The bus will pick you up at your hotel, pay directly to the driver. Don’t forget to bring some money to enter the park too, cash or card. If you are planning on going into the park two days in a row, bring your ticket from the day before to get a discount on day two.
Here's why I recommend beginning the hike at Puente sobre el Río Eléctrico:
If you begin the hike at the main entrance near El Chaltén, the first 3-4 hours will be a steady climb. But if you start at Río Eléctrico, you’ll save that tough uphill for the end of the hike, when you’ll enjoy a much easier and more rewarding hike descending.
Starting at Río Eléctrico allows you to complete the hike without repeating the same route in both directions. You’ll experience different landscapes and types of nature every hour, keeping the hike exciting and fresh throughout. Plus, it allows you to see more of the park’s beauty without repeating parts.
The trail begins easy. Don’t cross the bridge—stay to the left, following the clear signs. After a small ticket stand, keep left and follow the poles with yellow or orange tops. The first stretch takes you through a rocky, open area with low bushes. Then, you'll enter a dense lenga forest for about 2.5 km (1 hour).
Along the way, you’ll pass the Mirador del Glaciar Piedras Blancas, offering one of the best views in Patagonia. Suddenly, the forest opens up into a wide field with dry grass and bushes. If the weather is clear, you’ll get stunning views of Fitz Roy.
Follow the signs to Laguna De Los Tres and walk through the forest near campsite Campamento Poincenot. After the campsite, cross the white wooden bridge Puente Río Blanco, over the Río Blanco, White River. From here, the hike gets much harder.
Keep climbing the steep trail through the forest. Soon, the trees will thin out, and the path will become rocky. Take a moment to enjoy the amazing views around you.
When you start wondering how much farther the climb will be, you’ll see a sign saying it’s one more hour to the lake, one more km. If you keep a steady pace, you can make it in about 45 minutes. This section is extremely steep and the most challenging part of the entire hike—arguably the toughest I’ve ever experienced on a hike. The rocky trail climbs 400 meters in elevation, but the effort is more than worth it, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise lake nestled beneath the towering spires of Mount Fitz Roy - on clear days.
When you arrive at the top, don’t forget to walk a little bit down to the left to get a view of the lake next to Laguna De Los Tres, Laguna Sucia. I didn’t know it was there and I still feel very stupid about it.
After enjoying the scenery, descend 10 km (3–4 hours) on the main trail by crossing again the Puente Río Blanco and through the forest where the campsite Campamento Poincenot is located.
From there, follow the signs to El Chlatén, hiking via Laguna Capri, a picturesque lake offering reflections of Fitz Roy. The trail then winds through forests and gradually descends into El Chaltén, completing the 21 km journey in 9–11 hours, depending on your pace.
Tips for the Hike
Start Early: Begin the hike at dawn to make the most of daylight and avoid crowds.
Gear Up: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers, and bring trekking poles if you have them.
Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a rain jacket (Patagonian weather is unpredictable).
Check Weather Conditions: Fitz Roy is often shrouded in clouds, so clear weather makes a big difference.
Info
Distance: ~20-25 km round trip (depending on starting point)
Time: 8-10 hours total
Elevation Gain: ~800 meters
This is not an easy hike!
