El Chaltén full-day trek: Fitz Roy glacier lagoon tour

Walk to three glaciers and a mountain lake in one Patagonian day

A full-day guided trek from El Chaltén climbs to Laguna de los Tres, passes Piedras Blancas Glacier and frames Fitz Roy across open ridges and forest. The route covers 20.6 km over nine hours with a professional mountain guide in English or Spanish, hotel pickup and transfer to the trailhead included. No technical climbing is involved, though a 400-meter ascent to the lake demands steady fitness. The trek ends back in El Chaltén town between 4 and 6 p.m.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day trek to Laguna de los Tres

• Travel to Río Eléctrico bridge
• Hike to Piedras Blancas glacier viewpoint
• Ascend to Laguna de los Tres
• Circle Laguna de los Tres and visit Laguna Sucia viewpoint
• Descend to El Chaltén via Laguna Capri

The experience

You start from your hotel or accommodation in El Chaltén and get picked up for the drive north to Río Eléctrico bridge, 18 km away, where the trek begins. The trail opens with views of four glaciers (Marconi, Eléctrico, Cagliero and distant Vespignani), and winds through forest and gentle terrain before breaking into a clearing where Piedras Blancas Glacier comes into full view, framed by the peaks of Fitz Roy, Mermoz, Poincenot and Saint Exupéry. This first section sets the scale of what you're walking into.

The real climb starts after Piedras Blancas: a 400-meter ascent over roughly an hour on rocky, steep ground leads to Laguna de los Tres. The lake sits at the top with Fitz Roy and the glacier de los Tres reflected in it, and you get a break here to eat and absorb the view. From there the route circles the lake, passes the viewpoint of Laguna Sucia and its glacier, then descends through varied landscape (forest, streams, and Laguna Capri, which photographers favor) back down to El Chaltén. The guide sets the pace to match the group's fitness, and everyone walks together. If someone can't continue, the guide stays with the main group.

You'll need sturdy footwear, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a small backpack. A box lunch can be added at booking for an extra cost, or bring your own. The walk is moderate in difficulty but demands good cardiovascular fitness and the ability to walk for nine hours. It's not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with mobility issues that affect walking. Weather can shift the schedule, and you should be prepared for Patagonian conditions.

What’s included

• Professional mountain guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• hotel or accommodation pickup in El Chaltén and transfer to the Río Eléctrico trailhead.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 33

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Say Hueque Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in El Chaltén without a car and have a full day to spend walking. Choose the half-day option instead if your time in Patagonia is limited or you prefer shorter routes.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the difference between Laguna de los Tres and the other lakes on this trek?

Laguna de los Tres is the highest point of the day and the destination. A 400-meter climb gets you there, and it's where Fitz Roy and the glacier de los Tres frame the water. Laguna Sucia and Laguna Capri are viewpoints you pass on the descent, each with their own glacier or photographic appeal, but Laguna de los Tres is the summit moment.

How long is the actual walking, and when does the trek end?

The trek covers 20.6 km and takes nine hours total, including breaks. You finish back in El Chaltén town between 4 and 6 p.m., depending on the group's pace and weather conditions.

Do I need climbing experience or special gear for this trek?

No climbing experience is required. The route has no technical climbing, though the 400-meter ascent to Laguna de los Tres is steep and rocky. Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and sun protection are essential. The guide provides no specialized climbing equipment.

What happens if I can't keep up with the group?

Everyone walks at a pace that matches the group's fitness level. If a participant can't continue on any section, the guide stays with the main group and cannot leave them unattended or turn back to assist, so it's important to be honest about your fitness before booking.

Is lunch included, and what should I bring to eat?

Lunch is not included in the standard trek price, but you can add a box lunch at checkout for an extra cost, or bring your own. You should also bring water and snacks. The guide will give you a break at Laguna de los Tres to eat and rest.

Does the price cover the drive back to my hotel after the trek ends?

The trek ends in El Chaltén town around 4 to 6 p.m. The pickup and transfer to the trailhead are included, but the return to your accommodation is your own arrangement from town.