By Marina Veccia
Laguna de Los Tres is one of the most popular and exciting walks that every traveler wants to experience when they visit El Chalten. This lagoon is located at the base of the magnificent Fitz Roy Mountain, an iconic mountain in Patagonia. It is a medium-difficulty self-guided trek that takes around eight or nine hours to complete, covering a distance of about 21 kilometers. The trail is named after the three massifs that surround the lagoon: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Saint Exupéry. On a sunny day, you get to see the reflection of all three in the water of the lagoon.
Laguna de Los Tres, two options to get there!
To embark on this journey, there are two options. The first option is to walk from El Chalten town. Once you reach the sign of the Los Glaciares National Park, which marks the beginning of the trail, you’ll come to a point where the road splits in two directions. One path leads to Laguna Capri, and the other to a panoramic view of the Las Vueltas River. This route is approximately 10 kilometers long and leads to Laguna de Los Tres, Fitz Roy Mount.
The second alternative is to drive along the road to Lago del Desierto until you reach Rio Electrico, which is 14 km away from El Chalten. Near the inn, you can take a path that leads to Laguna de los Tres. This path passes through the Piedras Blancas Lagoon and Glacier. It’s a slightly shorter route—about a kilometer less in distance—less steep, and generally more peaceful.
A great suggestion is to begin the trail near Rio Electrico, continue to Laguna de los Tres, and then return by taking the alternate route through Capri Lagoon. This way, you can experience diverse landscapes on both paths. Capri Lagoon is a stunning location for capturing breathtaking photos of the massif and also serves as a great place to rest after the hike.
Please keep in mind that the last kilometer of the path is the most difficult, as it is quite steep and covered with loose stones. However, the reward is amazing—you will get to see the Fitz Roy massif right in front of you, along with the beautiful Laguna de los Tres.
When is the best time to visit?
The tourist season begins in October and continues until April. The peak period is in January, when there is more sunlight, allowing for more outdoor activities. Although the colors of the forest in autumn and the snowy landscape are beautiful postcards of El Chalten, from May to September, the winter weather makes trekking difficult since the trails are covered with ice and snow and can be dangerous. In any case, it is possible to do some trekkings, although with great care and advice from local guides. However, during this time, some accommodations, restaurants, and travel agencies are closed. On the plus side, there are fewer crowds on the hiking trails.
When trekking in Chalten, keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Wear comfortable and proper shoes for unstable terrain, and bring appropriate clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
- Avoid hiking in windy, rainy, snowy, or frosty conditions.
- Always stay within the marked trails.
- Plan your return to coincide with daylight hours.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water along the way.
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Highlights of Los Glaciares National Park, Buenos Aires and Patagonia Argentina, Patagonia Trekking and Adventure, Southern Patagonia, Patagonia Trekking Tour