Located near the town of El Chalten in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, the Laguna de Los Tres hike in Fitz Roy is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
The lake is named after the three peaks of Mount Fitz Roy that can be seen from its shores. It is also the inspiration for the Patagonia logo!
The hike takes 8-10 hours round trip.
The trailhead to Laguna de Los Tres is at the north end of El Chalten and can usually be reached within a 5-15 minute walk depending on where your hotel or hostel is. There is no entrance fee to Laguna de Los Tres.
Here’s the step-by-step guide on what to do instead to save time and an uphill climb in the beginning. Even better, it serves as a point to point hike, instead of an out and back trail. This means new, epic scenery along the way.
- The day before, confirm shuttle service to the Electric River Bridge. We used Frontera Sur and they were timely and professional.
- The shuttle service will pick hikers up around 8am and then it’s a 30 minute drive to Piedra del Fraile.
- So it begins! The path to Laguna de Los Tres is accessed via the Electric River Bridge.
- Follow the yellow marked trail for half a mile and then turn left, marked with red stakes.
- The path crosses a bridge and begins a mild ascent through a forest.
- Continue to follow the signs for Laguna de los Tres. Around the 2 hour mark, you will come across Mirador Glacier Piedras Blancas and an amazing view of a glacier.
- An hour later, the next major landmark will be the Poincenot camping ground, a bridge over a stream and then another base camp. This is also where all of the warning signs are.
- From here, it’s a 1-1.5 hour uphill rock battle to the top. The rocks can be loose so take your time.
- Once at the top, make your way down to the lake and walk to the left side to see a waterfall and second lake.
- Admire the view, have lunch and give your feet a break.
- Then head back down and start following the signs for El Chalten. This should take about 3 hours.
- Once back in town, grab a beer at La Cerveceria Chalten or Fresco Bar, both minutes from the trailhead.
Tips for hiking Fitz Roy:
- A guide is not necessary – the path is well marked and there will be other hikers along the trail.
- Weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly. Check the forecast (though not always reliable!) and come prepared warm layers and sturdy footwear.
- No need to pack more than one bottle of water. There are streams along the way you can refill.
- Trekking poles aren’t essential on this trek.
- This can certainly be done as a day hike. Most people who camp want to see the sunrise over the summit – this is the hardest part and it can be dangerous in the dark so bring bright head lamps.
- The Patagonian wilderness is a fragile ecosystem that should be treated with respect. Follow the Leave No Trace principles and pack all of your trash.
