Hiking Trails: El Chalten
The hike to Laguna de los Tres is the most iconic trail in Argentine Patagonia, delivering you to a turquoise glacial lake directly beneath the towering granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy. Whether you tackle it as a grueling day hike or camp at Poincenot for a sunrise attempt, this trail is an unmissable Patagonian experience.
Updated for 2025–2026 Season9 min readOverview
Laguna de los Tres sits at 1,170m elevation at the base of the Fitz Roy massif. The 25 km round-trip hike from El Chalten gains 1,200m of elevation, with the final kilometer being a brutal 400m scramble up a rocky moraine. Most hikers complete it in 8-10 hours as a day hike, but experienced trekkers often camp at Campamento Poincenot to catch the famous sunrise, when the granite towers glow orange and red. This guide also covers two excellent extensions: Laguna Sucia and the connection trail to Laguna Torre.
The main Laguna de los Tres hike is rated hard due to its 25 km distance and 1,200m elevation gain, with the final moraine scramble being the crux. Good cardiovascular fitness and comfort on loose rocky terrain are essential. The Laguna Sucia extension adds exposure on an unmarked moraine ridge. The connector trail to Laguna Torre is moderate but adds significant distance to an already long day.
Trails
Laguna de los Tres (Main Route)
hardout-and-backDistance
25 km
Elevation Gain
+1200m
Duration
8-10 hours
Type
out-and-back
The classic route starts from the northern end of El Chalten and climbs gradually through lenga forests before a brutal final ascent up a moraine to the glacial lake. The first 9 km are relatively gentle, gaining only 400m through shaded forest with views of Fitz Roy appearing and disappearing through the canopy. The final kilometer gains 400m on loose rock and requires hands in places. The reward is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of South America.
Highlights
Waypoints
Trailhead (El Chalten north)
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
The trail starts at the northern end of town, well-signed and reachable on foot from any accommodation in El Chalten.
Mirador Fitz Roy
4 km from start · +150m · 1h 30min
The first clear viewpoint of the Fitz Roy massif. On clear mornings, this confirms whether conditions are good for the full hike.
Campamento Poincenot
8.5 km from start · +400m · 3h 30min
Free designated campsite in the forest. Popular base for sunrise attempts. Flat sites among the trees with composting toilets. First-come, first-served.
Rio Blanco Junction
9.5 km from start · +450m · 4h 0min
Where the steep final ascent begins. A river crossing point with fresh water. Leave trekking poles accessible for the moraine.
Moraine Scramble
11 km from start · +800m · 5h 0min
The infamous final section: 1 km of steep, loose boulders gaining 400m. Use hands for stability. Take frequent breaks.
Laguna de los Tres
12.5 km from start · +1200m · 6h 0min
The turquoise glacial lake directly beneath the three granite towers of Fitz Roy. On calm days, the towers reflect perfectly in the lake surface.
- • Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
- • Layered clothing including windproof/waterproof shell
- • Trekking poles (essential for the moraine descent)
- • At least 2.5L water capacity
- • High-energy lunch and snacks for 10+ hours
- • Headlamp (essential if attempting sunrise)
- • Sunscreen and sunglasses
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: Walk from any accommodation in El Chalten to the trailhead in 5-15 minutes. No vehicle needed for the start. However, having a rental car in El Chalten provides flexibility for reaching other trailheads and making the drive to/from El Calafate (3 hours).
Water Availability: Abundant clear mountain streams throughout the trail, especially at the Rio Blanco junction. Filtering is recommended though many locals drink directly from sources. No water available on the moraine section.
Camping Options: Free camping at Campamento Poincenot (most popular, forested, composting toilets) and Campamento Rio Blanco (more basic, closer to the moraine). No reservation needed; first-come, first-served.
Best Months: November, December, January, February, March
Laguna Sucia Extension
hardout-and-backDistance
2 km
Elevation Gain
+100m
Duration
1-1.5 hours
Type
out-and-back
From Laguna de los Tres, a short but exposed scramble leads to Laguna Sucia (Dirty Lake), a milky-green glacial lake on the other side of the moraine ridge. Far fewer hikers make this extension, offering solitude and a completely different perspective of the Fitz Roy massif. The views of the glacier feeding the lake and the sheer east face of Fitz Roy are extraordinary.
Highlights
Waypoints
Laguna de los Tres (starting point)
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
From the main viewpoint, follow the moraine ridge eastward. The path is unmarked but visible as a use trail.
Moraine Ridge
0.5 km from start · +50m · 0h 20min
A narrow ridge between the two lakes offering views of both Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Sucia simultaneously.
Laguna Sucia Viewpoint
1 km from start · +100m · 0h 40min
The best vantage point overlooking the milky-green lake, the glacier terminus, and the imposing east wall of Fitz Roy.
- • Same gear as Laguna de los Tres main route
- • Extra water (no sources on the moraine)
- • Wind protection (the ridge is fully exposed)
- • Sturdy boots for loose rock
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: Accessed only as an extension from Laguna de los Tres. Not a standalone hike.
Water Availability: No water sources on this extension. Carry water from the main trail.
Camping Options: No camping allowed in this area. Return to Campamento Poincenot or Rio Blanco for overnight options.
Best Months: November, December, January, February, March
Fitz Roy to Laguna Torre Connector
moderatepoint-to-pointDistance
10 km
Elevation Gain
+300m
Duration
3-4 hours
Type
point-to-point
A connecting trail links the Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre valleys, allowing fit hikers to visit both iconic viewpoints in a single epic day or as part of a multi-day loop. The connector runs through open forest and crosses the Rio Blanco drainage, offering views of both the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massifs along the way.
Highlights
Waypoints
Campamento Poincenot
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
Starting from the Fitz Roy valley campsite, head south on the marked connector trail.
Rio Blanco Crossing
3 km from start · +100m · 1h 15min
A wide river crossing that may require rock-hopping or wet feet depending on water levels. Use trekking poles for balance.
Mirador del Fitz Roy (South)
6 km from start · +200m · 2h 15min
A clearing offering a different perspective of Fitz Roy from the south, with Cerro Torre becoming visible ahead.
Campamento Agostini
10 km from start · +300m · 3h 30min
Free campsite near Laguna Torre. From here, it is a short walk to the Laguna Torre viewpoint.
- • Waterproof hiking boots (river crossings)
- • Trekking poles for balance
- • Layered clothing
- • Map or GPS (some junctions are less obvious)
- • Water and snacks for 4 hours
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: This is a connector trail, not a standalone hike. Access from either the Laguna de los Tres trail (via Poincenot) or the Laguna Torre trail (via Agostini).
Water Availability: River crossings provide water opportunities. Filter before drinking.
Camping Options: Free camping at Campamento Poincenot (Fitz Roy side) and Campamento Agostini (Torre side). Both are first-come, first-served.
Best Months: November, December, January, February, March
Drive to the Trailhead
Browse Car RentalsSafety Tips
- 1Start the hike by 7 AM at the latest to ensure enough daylight for the return, especially in shoulder season when days are shorter.
- 2The moraine scramble is dangerous in rain, ice, or strong wind — postpone if conditions are poor. Fitz Roy will still be there tomorrow.
- 3Carry at least 2.5 liters of water; the moraine section has no water sources and the ascent is physically demanding.
- 4For sunrise attempts from Poincenot, start the moraine scramble in the dark using a headlamp. Allow 90 minutes minimum.
- 5Weather changes rapidly in El Chalten. Fitz Roy is cloud-free only about 20% of days — be flexible with your schedule.
- 6The descent off the moraine is harder than the ascent. Use trekking poles and take your time; most injuries happen going down.
- 7If attempting the Fitz Roy-Torre connector, carry a map or downloaded GPS track as some trail junctions are poorly marked.
Emergency Contacts
Rescue Service
105 (Local Emergencies / Civil Defense)
Park Rangers
+54 2962 493004 (Los Glaciares National Park Ranger Station El Chalten)
Nearest Hospital
Hospital Rural de El Chalten (basic care) or Hospital SAMIC in El Calafate (3 hours) for serious injuries
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Drive to the Trailhead
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laguna de los Tres worth it if Fitz Roy is cloudy?
The trail through the lenga forest is beautiful regardless, and Campamento Poincenot area offers nice views even in cloud. However, the spectacular payoff at the top requires clear skies. Check weather apps the evening before, and if clouds are forecast, consider hiking Laguna Torre instead (which is rewarding even in overcast conditions).
How do I do the sunrise at Laguna de los Tres?
Camp at Campamento Poincenot the night before (arrive early for a good spot, it is first-come, first-served). Set your alarm for 90 minutes before sunrise and hike up the moraine by headlamp. The granite towers turn orange and red as the first light hits them, typically lasting 15-20 minutes. Bring warm layers as pre-dawn temperatures near the lake can drop below freezing.
Can I do both Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre in one day?
Yes, via the connector trail, but it makes for an extremely long day of 35+ km with 1,800m of total elevation gain. Only attempt this if you are very fit, start at dawn, and have clear weather confirmed. Most hikers dedicate separate days to each trail.
Do I need trekking poles?
Strongly recommended, especially for the moraine scramble descent. Trekking poles reduce knee impact significantly on the 400m drop off loose boulders. They can be rented in El Chalten if you did not bring your own.
Is the trail well-marked?
The main trail to Laguna de los Tres is excellently marked with signs and red paint blazes. The Laguna Sucia extension is an unmarked use trail requiring basic navigation. The connector to Laguna Torre is marked but has some confusing junctions in forested sections.
When does the trail get too crowded?
Peak crowds occur from late December through mid-February, especially on weekends. The trail is busiest between 10 AM and 3 PM. Starting early (before 7 AM) or camping at Poincenot avoids the worst congestion. Shoulder season (November, March) has significantly fewer hikers.