A Guide to Hiking the Laguna de Los Tres in El Chalten
Laguna de Los Tres is one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia and the best trek you can do from El Chalten in Argentina. It's also known as Fitz Roy hike because the trail will take you to the classic viewpoint of Mount Fitz Roy and the lake. Read our travel guide on hiking the Laguna de Los Tres, including tips on where to find the trailhead, hike difficulty, where to stay, and what to pack.
When we crossed borders from Chile to Argentina on foot and emerged one evening in El Chalten, a small town serving as a base for several most iconic hikes in Patagonia, we could not hide our excitement anymore.
El Chalten - we were finally at the destination from where we could reach Laguna de Los Tres, which is every outdoor enthusiast's and photographer's dream.
Although Patagonia's region boasts a large number of highlights, the trail to this lake with some of the most famous peaks in the backdrop is considered a must-do activity because the mountainous scenery is absolutely stunning.
We did a lot of hikes in this incredibly beautiful region, and while we liked some of them even a bit more, we have to say that Laguna de Los Tres is one of the best day hikes in Patagonia.
Laguna de Los Tres means in English Lake of the Three, and the number three represents here three peaks towering above the lagoon - the highest Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Mount Poincenot.
The best thing about this trail is that almost everyone can do it, so make sure you will put it firmly on your Patagonia itinerary.
Visiting the El Chalten area is all about scenery and being outdoors, and if you are short on time, make sure hiking this specific path is an activity you won't miss.
If you plan your Patagonia trip, make sure you read our hiking guide first.
We've put together all the necessary information on Laguna de Los Tres, how to get from El Chalten to the trailhead, what to pack, safety tips, and where to stay in El Chalten before doing this excellent and rewarding hike.
Trailhead
Finding trailhead to Laguna de Los Tres couldn't be easier. The trail starts at the north end of the urban area of El Chalten.
You only need to follow Avenida San Martin (or other hikers heading the same way) until you reach the parking lot on your left.
Walk through the parking lot, and at the end, you will see a gate and information board announcing the start of the Laguna de Los Tres.
Getting to the trailhead on foot can take you anything between a couple of minutes to half an hour, depending on the location of your hotel in El Chalten.
We started the hike at this trailhead, walked to Laguna de Los Tres, on the way back, visited Piedras Blancas Glacier Viewpoint, and returned the same way.
Another option, usually popular among organized tours, is to drive 14 kilometers from El Chalten to Hosteria El Pilar (you need to hitchhike without your own transport), and here start the trek via Piedras Blancas to Mount Fitz Roy.
On the way back, walk to El Chalten via the official trail so that you won't see the same landscape twice.
Laguna de los Tres Hike
From the parking lot, the trail started quite steeply up.
It was pretty exhausting for us not only because we walked Laguna Torre hike the day before but because we wanted to get away from a large group of hikers, so we walked a bit faster, to enjoy a more peaceful time on the trail.
The beginning of the hike can be pretty crowded, but do not be put off; it will only get better.
The first ascent lasted about an hour, but in the end, we were rewarded by a splendid view of De las Vueltas river sneaking through the valley.
From this mirador, the path continued up, but not that steeply.
We walked on a narrow path partially hidden in the forest until we reached a fork where we could decide to turn right and walk through the Mirador del Fitz Roy or turn left and go via Laguna Capri.
Generally, it does not matter which option you'll take as you can walk the other side on the way back.
But if the weather is pleasant, we would go via the viewpoint first as the situation can change any time, and it might be the only time you’ll get the chance to see the iconic Fitz Roy from a distance.
After we enjoyed panoramic views, the path continued down and soon became flat, which was a welcoming change.
The path was now winding through the low thicket, along Del Salto Stream, and later we emerged in an open valley and walked a very scenic section where we had to go across wetlands, so from time to time, it was necessary to cross wooden boardwalks.
At the end of this part, we found the campground in the woods, where we had a snack as we had the most challenging one-kilometer-long section ahead of us.
On this last kilometer, we gained 400 meters in elevation and had to walk the rocky trail - watch every step as it is easy to lose balance here.
If you bring trekking poles, they will help you a lot in this section.
Finally, after approximately 45 minutes, we reached the end of the trail and were rewarded with stunning views of the lake and three towering peaks behind.
We had a quick lunch, and as it was getting windier, we walked down to the lake's shore and continued to the left until we reached another breathtaking viewpoint from where it was possible to see not only Laguna de Los Tres but also Laguna Sucia.
Honestly, before doing this hike, we had no idea we could see two lakes here.
The wind was so strong now that after half an hour we decided to go back, as it also seemed that it might start raining any time soon (luckily it did not in the end).
On the way back, we side trekked to Piedras Blancas Glacier and then returned the same route back to El Chalten.
Our Tip: If you want to spend more time in the national park, you can combine Laguna de Los Tres hike with another famous hike in the area, Laguna Torre.
You need to turn right onto this trail (when walking from the Laguna de Los Tres) at the junction Sendero Lagunas Madre e Hija.
Poincenot Campground
One of the most popular campgrounds in Los Glaciares National Park is the Poincenot Campground working on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campo Base Poincenot is a basic campsite only an hour walk from Laguna de Los Tres (here we must say that the last hour is the most grueling one), so it is often used by hikers who want to see either sunset or sunrise on the lake's shore.
In case you want to spend the night in the Patagonian wilderness, you need to have camping equipment, which you can either buy before your trip or rent in El Chalten.
Side Trip to Piedras Blancas Glacier Viewpoint
On the way back from Laguna de Los Tres, we decided to make a short side trip to the viewpoint of Piedras Blancas Glacier, and thanks to it, we walked almost 30 kilometers that day.
To be honest, we were not sure if it was worth it (this was also the reason why we decided to go there only on the way back when we had already seen the highlight).
Now we can say that if you have enough energy, this is the thing you should not miss, as the view of the glacier was absolutely breathtaking.
The viewpoint is approximately 2 kilometers from the junction, and you will get there via an almost flat path in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
We still think it is better to do this detour on your way back.
Not only you will see how you feel about the extension, but it is also better to visit the main highlight of the trek first (especially when the weather is pleasant) because clouds can roll over the peaks anytime and hide them for the day.
If you start your hike at Hosteria El Pilar, you will walk around the glacier viewpoint automatically.
Hike Difficulty
Considering that the hike to the classic viewpoint is so famous and many people walk the trail from El Chalten, Laguna de Los Tres is surprisingly not as easy as most of you might think.
Therefore, you should certainly not underestimate it. This also applies to bringing proper hiking gear.
The trail is 25 kilometers round trip (add another 4 kilometers if you decide on making the Piedras Las Blancas side trip). It takes anything between seven to ten hours to finish, depending on your pace and fitness level.
You will gain 700 meters in elevation on 12.5 kilometers, and although it does not sound that bad, you can expect quite a difficult climb on the last kilometer.
Generally, we would say that Laguna de Los Tres is a moderately difficult hike and can be done by anyone a bit used to walking on uneven terrain.
As this is an in-and-out trail (for most hikers), some beginner hikers or people without too much experience might find the hike long, especially on the way back.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to Laguna de Los Tres. As budget travelers, we really appreciated that we did not have to pay any admission to Los Glaciares National Park when hiking in El Chalten.
Even though the destination was so beautiful, we would not mind making a contribution.
It was a welcoming change because we had to pay a pretty steep admission in most of the national parks along Carretera Austral, and also when visiting Perito Moreno, although it is located in the same national park as Laguna de Los Tres.
Patagonia is quite an expensive destination, so hiking Laguna de Los Tres was not attractive only visually, but it was also very friendly to our wallet.
Crowds
Laguna de Los Tres is a must-do hike when in Patagonia, and you can be sure that most of the travelers you meet in the evening leisurely strolling around El Chalten plan on heading the same way to Mount Fitz Roy the next day.
That's being said, you can start early in the morning to avoid the crowds (it is not worth it to start late in the afternoon as you will meet everyone returning back).
The hike is extremely popular between December and February when independent travelers, as well as tour buses, arrive in Patagonia.
But we did not have a feeling that Laguna de Los Tres suffers from over-tourism (yet).
Yes, we are certainly not talking about an unknown off-the-beaten-path, such as Pumalin National Park or Patagonia National Park.
But the experience was positive, and we got a glimpse of the lake for the first time; we quickly forgot about other travelers around us.
Do I Need a Guide
The Mount Fitz Roy trail is the most iconic in El Chalten, and we won't exaggerate when we say it is one of the top hikes in the entire Patagonia.
Hiking Independently
Thanks to its popularity, hundreds of people, experienced hikers, and even total newbies set off from El Chalten to get to the viewpoint of the dark blue lake and magnificent peaks looming behind.
That's being said, it is pretty clear that the trail from the town to Laguna de Los Tres is well-marked.
There are trail signs every kilometer, and we think it is impossible to go off course even when your orientation sense is almost non-existent.
Hiking with a Tour
However, those of you who prefer guided tours, or need assistance, there are plenty of options to choose from either online or in El Chalten.
Here, you can reserve a Laguna de los Tres Tour from El Chalten online.
If you are short on time and still want to see this area, you can take a El Chalten Full-Day Tour from El Calafate that includes Laguna de los Tres hike.
Staying Safe on the Trail to Mount Fitz Roy
Patagonia is one of the safest regions in South America, and we felt completely safe in the mountains.
Especially when hiking to such well-known landmarks like Laguna Torre or Laguna de Los Tres, as we were all the time surrounded by other hikers.
It was not overwhelming, but we were almost never alone on the trail for a long time.
We say that for one reason - when hiking from November to April, you should not be worried to get lost or that in case of medical emergency there won't be anyone around to help you out.
However, we always think it is much better not to hike alone.
Even though you are a solo traveler, it is not hard to ask around if you can join other travelers, or you can ask in your hostel where is a high chance to meet solo backpackers.
When it comes to safety, we think that the most dangerous situation can occur when you underestimate the ever-changing Patagonian weather and equipment.
There is no cell phone coverage on the trail, so always check the weather forecast for the next day, and even when it looks promising, pack extra layers and rain poncho to stay dry in case of sudden rain or snowstorm.
Always stay on the designated trail so you won't get lost.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Food & Drinks
Laguna de Los Tres is a full-day hike, and there is no place along the way where you can buy snacks or water, so you need to pack your own refreshment and carry it all the way to the top.
We always find it best to take fruits such as bananas and apples, hard-boiled eggs, and nuts for energy.
Water from the natural streams was usually drinkable in Patagonia, and you have a few opportunities to refill water bottles on this hike as well.
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Do not forget that there are no garbage bins and everything you carry in with you must go back out with you, at least if you are a responsible traveler.
When is the Best Time to Hike Laguna de los Tres
Generally, the highest chance for the pleasant weather and undisturbed views of Mount Fitz Roy is between October and April when the hiking season in Patagonia is in full swing.
So, this is the best time to visit Patagonia, but it's also the time when you will meet crowds on the trail.
On the other hand, temperatures are low in Patagonia in winter (May to September), and there still can be snow on the trail which can make the path impassable.
Summer sees higher temperatures, strong winds (which can especially in the afternoon bring clouds, so start your hike early), and you can experience rain showers as well, so it is always worth hiking well-equipped.
Probably the best month to hike Laguna de Los Tres is April, which is the end of the high season, weather should still be stable, and you'll see how leaves turn yellow and red, which is very photogenic.
Where to Stay in El Chalten
El Chalten is nicknamed Argentina's hiking capital, so all outdoor lovers flock in the town all year round.
But the majority of them from late spring to early autumn between November to April, and during this time, it is pretty hard to find a room available in El Chalten, especially when you are traveling on a budget.
We recommend you book your hotel as soon as you know your travel dates if you do not want to walk desperately around the town looking for a cheap hostel for an hour as we did.
Here's the list of the top accommodation alternatives in El Chalten, the best base for visiting Laguna de Los Tres.
Budget | Lo de Guille - Basic but clean hostel offering private rooms, good wifi, and breakfast. It is one of the top options for budget travelers.
Mid-range | Pudu Lodge - Perfectly located stylish lodge offers well-appointed rooms and a cozy dining room.
Luxury | Destino Sur Hotel and Spa de Montana - Beautiful new hotel with a gym, spa treatments, and mountain views from every room is the best you can find in El Chalten when looking for a bit of luxury.
What to Pack
You can never know how the weather is going to be in the mountains in Patagonia.
Even in the summer, from December to February, you can experience rain showers and strong cold winds, so it is worth it to pack extra layers because you never know when you will need them.
Here are five essential things you should pack for Laguna de Los Tres hike.
Down Jacket | We were in El Chalten in the summer. Still, we wore down jackets when we arrived at the lake because we felt cold immediately after we stopped moving.
Rain Jacket | Waterproof and windproof jacket is a must when hiking in Patagonia.
Hiking Pants | Even though it was quite warm during the day, because of the cold wind, we preferred to hike in long hiking pants.
Bandana | Bandana is a great little thing that won't take any space in your backpack, and you can use it as sun and dust protection.
Trekking Poles | For stability, knee protection, and better hiking rhythm, we have only word of praise for hiking poles.
How to Get to El Chalten
El Chalten is a place which needs to be on every traveler's Patagonia itinerary.
Thanks to it, many frequent buses are running between El Calafate (base for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier) and other cities much further north along Ruta 40, for example, Bariloche in Argentina's Lake District.
It is better to book your onward ticket as soon as you arrive in El Chalten to make sure you will get your seat and preferable departure time.
When traveling in Argentinian Patagonia, you can rent a car, and comfortably get from one place to another as the roads are in good condition.
You only need to check with the rental company you can cross borders to Chile if you want to carry on either to Torres del Paine on the south or Carretera Austral on the north.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
