Hike to Laguna de los Tres: the route to the heart of Fitz Roy
The small town of El Chaltén in the province of Santa Cruz is known as the “National Trekking Capital” of Argentina. And for good reason, as it is the gateway to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Patagonia, with privileged views of the famous Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains. But if there’s one tour that tops them all, it’s undoubtedly the Laguna de los Tres hike, a high mountain challenge that brings you up close to the magical beauty of Mount Fitz Roy.
High mountain trekking
Despite the relatively short distance of only 24 km round trip, the hike to Laguna de los Tres is not suitable for every hiker. It is a technical high mountain trail with long steep sections, uneven terrain and numerous crossings of streams and meltwater rivers that require experience and fitness.
The trail begins in El Chaltén and climbs through the Valle de las Vueltas, with the greatest elevation gain in the first 9 km. From there, the route leads into an alpine landscape of enormous beauty with direct views of the challenging granite of Cerro Fitz Roy and its peaks.
The reward: the Laguna de los Tres
After several hours of strenuous hiking, the trail finally leads to one of the most impressive glacier lagoons in the Patagonian Andes: the Laguna de los Tres. Situated 1,054 meters above sea level, its intense turquoise water is given an almost supernatural hue by the minerals created by the melting of the glaciers that feed it.
What is really fascinating, however, is the incomparable nature that surrounds the lagoon. In the background rise the imposing and majestic granite walls of Cerro Fitz Roy with its unmistakable needles and peaks that defy all forces at an altitude of 3,405 meters above sea level. A dreamlike mountain landscape worthy of Patagonia’s most famous postcards.
Encounters with the Andean fauna
The trail to Laguna de los Tres not only offers breathtaking scenery. It also offers excellent opportunities to observe the characteristic fauna of the Patagonian Andes region. It is not uncommon to come across flocks of nandus, cauquenes or chimangos roaming the area.
For birdwatching enthusiasts, the area is a veritable sanctuary of Andean birds such as the unmistakable chucao, the regal blind pichi and the outstanding Andean condor, which glides its majestic form over the peaks. In the streams and meadows you can spot the friendly cauquenes reales and the elusive huemules, an endangered species.
A challenge for experienced hikers
Due to the distance, the steep difference in altitude and the crossing of glacial rivers, the authorities only recommend a hike to Laguna de los Tres if you have the appropriate experience, equipment and stamina for mountain hiking. Most hikers need between 8 and 9 hours for the outward and return journey.
Ideally, you should hire a local trekking guide who knows the route and its changing conditions like the back of their hand. They will provide equipment such as poles, crampons and good footwear for the more technically demanding sections. They can also show you the best viewpoints and wildlife spotting spots.
Those who manage to conquer the Laguna de los Tres will be rewarded with a unique experience combined with the natural essence of the Patagonian Andes. Breathing the pure mountain air and admiring the grandiose beauty of Cerro Fitz Roy is undoubtedly an unforgettable memory for trekking enthusiasts.