Trekking to Laguna de los Tres: the Fitz Roy viewpoint

Walk to the most impressive viewpoint on Mount Fitz Roy. The trek to Laguna de los Tres is the most iconic excursion in El Chaltén and one of the great classics of Patagonia. The day begins with a transfer to Electric River Bridge, 18 km from the village, to do the complete circuit without repeating a path.

Accompanied by a guide authorized by Los Glaciares National Park, You'll cross forests of ñire trees, pass the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint, and the Poincenot Camp, before the final ascent: a steep slope that culminates at the lagoon, at the foot of the granite walls. The return journey descends via Laguna Capri and ends with a hike back to El Chaltén. 22 km and between 8 and 9 hours trekking, for people in good physical condition.

• Itinerary

  Detailed itinerary of the excursion

  The day begins early in El Chaltén, meeting the guide and traveling to the Puente del Río Eléctrico (Electric River Bridge), 18 km from the town. Starting from this point allows for a much more varied trek than going and returning along the same path, and ends with a walk directly back to the town.

  Meeting in El Chaltén

  Between 07:30 and 08:00 at the accommodation

  Transfer to the Electric River Bridge

  18 km from the village

  Lenire Forest and Piedras Blancas Lookout

  First section, with a view of the hanging glacier

  Poincenot Camp and Río Blanco

  A break before the most demanding section

  Final ascent to Laguna de los Tres

  Steep slope · the biggest challenge of the day

  Descent through Laguna Capri

  Another of the classic viewpoints on the circuit

  Arrival on foot at El Chaltén

  Included in the tour

  Meeting and closing point

  The complete circuit, without repeating any paths.

  Most people who hike to Laguna de los Tres independently start and return from El Chaltén along the same route. Our suggested route begins at the Puente del Río Eléctrico (Electric River Bridge): a walk through ñire forests to the Mirador del Glaciar Piedras Blancas (Piedras Blancas Glacier Lookout), a hanging glacier surrounded by mountains, and continues through the valley to Camp Poincenot.

  The final climb and the postcard

  After the break at Río Blanco comes the most demanding section: approximately an hour of steep ascent. At the top appears the picture-perfect view that justifies the entire day's hike: the lagoon at the foot of Fitz Roy, the Glaciar de los Tres (Three Glaciers), and the granite walls. There's time to rest, have lunch, and take photos before starting the return journey.

  The return via Laguna Capri

  The descent passes by Laguna Capri, another classic viewpoint on the circuit, and ends with a hike to El Chaltén. In total, it's about 22 km and takes between 8 and 9 hours of trekking. If you're looking for something similar but less demanding, check out the Trekking to Laguna Torre, or the Half-day trek to Laguna Capri.

  This activity is subject to weather and operational conditions. The guide may modify the route for safety reasons. The weather in El Chaltén changes rapidly: we recommend not leaving this excursion for the last day of your trip.

• Info to keep in mind

  The guided trek to Laguna de los Tres can be booked directly with us, local operators in El Chaltén, without intermediaries or online agency commissions. Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park is paid separately.Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Excursion details

    Duration

    8 to 9 hours

    (Meeting times may vary depending on the accommodation)

    Difficulty level

    High

    22 km with a final steep climb. Requires good physical condition and experience walking for several hours on uneven terrain.

    Age

    From age 14

    Children must be in good physical condition and accompanied by a responsible adult.

    Season

    October 1st to April 15th

    Groups of up to 14 passengers.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    Good physical condition and experience walking for several hours on uneven terrain are required. The day includes a final steep climb. Not recommended during pregnancy or for people with knee, back, or heart problems, or those who have recently undergone surgery. Minimum age: 14 years.

  • Recommendations

    Hiking boots with good soles, layered clothing, a waterproof and windproof jacket, a hat and gloves even in summer, sunscreen and sunglasses, and enough water and food for the whole day. The wind is constant and the temperature varies considerably between the town and the higher viewpoints.

  • Includes
    • Transfer El Chaltén → Electric River Bridge.
    • Trekking guide authorized by Los Glaciares National Park.
    • Trekking poles.
    • Emergency communication equipment.
  • Does not include
    • Food, meals and drinks.
    • Urban use rate of El Chaltén.
    • Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park. Get your ticket in advance here.

    This excursion requires an entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park (not included). We recommend booking your ticket in advance. ventaweb.apn.gob.ar, because connectivity in El Chaltén is limited and disappears on the trails.

  • Climatic conditions
    • The excursion takes place in light rain or moderate wind. The route is suspended or modified in the event of strong winds, storms, or snow at high altitudes. that compromise the group's safety.
    • The guide may shorten the tour or change the return point for safety reasons, without this implying a refund.

Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in El Chaltén available in our catalog.