Trekking in El Chalten: different trails and options available

El Chaltén is the gateway to a variety of treks in the Fitz Roy Massif, with Mount Fitz Roy as the crown jewel. This iconic peak straddles the Argentina–Chile border within the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, near the village of El Chaltén and Lake Viedma.

The first ascent of Mount Fitz Roy was achieved in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone, a milestone in mountaineering history.

Today, visitors can choose from multiple routes to experience this landscape. Select your trek according to your preferences and fitness level, then explore the options around Mount Fitz Roy.

Popular treks include Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, and Piedra del Fraile.

Laguna de los Tres is a demanding hike that rewards you with postcard views of Mount Fitz Roy and its glacial lagoon, a perfect place to rest and take in the scenery.

Laguna Torre leads to a striking glacial lake with views of Cerro Torre and the surrounding spires.

Piedra del Fraile offers a quieter experience through forest and moraines, with access to the scenic Laguna Pollone beneath towering peaks.

Overall, Mount Fitz Roy and the El Chaltén area deliver an unforgettable blend of nature, hiking, and adventure.

Trekking trails to Mount Fitz Roy: easy options
Up to 2 hours from El Chaltén

If you are new to mountain hiking or unsure about your fitness, begin with short, easy walks before attempting longer routes.

The following trails suggest activities of up to 2 hours in the Fitz Roy Massif area.

Los Cóndores & Las Águilas viewpoints
Duration: 2 hours  |  Difficulty: easy

The trailhead is by the National Park Visitors’ Centre, just across the Fitz Roy River bridge. A clear, well-signed path built in 2004 leads to the Los Cóndores viewpoint in about 30 minutes, with interpretive signage along the way.

From Los Cóndores you can often spot condors riding the thermals between the De las Vueltas and Fitz Roy valleys, and admire the skyline of granite towers and glaciers. About ten minutes before Los Cóndores, a signed fork leads to the Las Águilas viewpoint, a gentle path to a natural balcony over the steppe with sweeping views of Lake Viedma, Cerro Huemul, and Cerro Pirámide.

Cascada La Margarita (waterfall)
Duration: 2 hours  |  Difficulty: easy

Starting toward the Laguna Torre trail, a brief climb leads into a sheltered Ñire forest. The path then contours above the Fitz Roy River to a natural balcony with wide views of the valley, Mount Solo to the left, the Adela Range and Mount Torre ahead, and Mount Fitz Roy to the right. Across the canyon you will see La Margarita waterfall. If time allows, continue one more hour to the classic Mirador del Torre.

Chorrillo del Salto
Duration: 2 hours  |  Difficulty: easy

This gentle walk begins at the end of Av. San Martín, sharing the initial trail with Laguna de los Tres. Take the right-hand path to the gravel Provincial Route 41 toward Lago del Desierto, then follow the signed Bicisenda and the junction for Chorrillo del Salto. The final stretch is pedestrian-only through low forest to a charming waterfall and stream. Total distance is under 4 km from El Chaltén.

Trekking trails to Mount Fitz Roy: easy to moderate options
Up to 5 hours from El Chaltén

These routes are longer and slightly more demanding than the previous ones, yet still manageable for most hikers prepared for variable weather.

Laguna Capri
Duration: ~5 hours round trip  |  Difficulty: easy to moderate

The trail begins at the end of Av. San Martín by the National Parks kiosk. The first hour climbs steeply to a viewpoint over the De las Vueltas Valley, then descends toward the Del Salto creek, with growing Ñire forest. A signed fork leads left to Laguna Capri and right toward the Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres viewpoints.

Laguna Capri frames one of El Chaltén’s classic panoramas of the Fitz Roy massif. If you have about 40 extra minutes, continue to the signed rocky Mirador del Fitz Roy for an excellent interpretation point of the glacial landscape.

Trekking trails to Mount Fitz Roy: moderate to hard options
Up to 9 hours from El Chaltén

These are the most complete and demanding treks, with unique viewpoints. Expect long distances and, in places, steep ascents, especially on the final climb to Laguna de los Tres.

Laguna Torre
Duration: ~8 hours round trip  |  Difficulty: moderate

Two trailheads from El Chaltén merge after a few minutes and follow the Fitz Roy River upstream. The first viewpoint, reached after about 15 minutes, reveals Cerro Solo, the Adela Range, Cerro Torre, and Mount Fitz Roy, with the Margarita waterfall across the canyon. Midway, a natural balcony gives wide views of the Adela Range and Cerro Torre’s needle-like spires.

Passing the De Agostini base camp, the path climbs the frontal moraine to the crest. Descend to Laguna Torre or continue along the ridge for 2 km to the Mirador Maestri. Icebergs often collect along the shore, calved from the Grande Glacier. The best light is usually at sunrise, when the granite turns vivid for a few minutes, a reward for campers waiting with their cameras.

Laguna de los Tres (classic route)
Duration: 9 to 10 hours round trip  |  Difficulty: moderate to hard

Start at the end of Av. San Martín. The first hour is a sustained climb to a viewpoint over the De las Vueltas Valley, then the trail follows the Del Salto creek toward Mount Fitz Roy through increasingly dense Ñire forest. Around 4 hours in, you reach Poincenot camp. After crossing the Blanco River, the final climb gains about 400 m to the rim of the old frontal moraine and Laguna de los Tres, the closest vantage point to Fitz Roy. At sunrise, the peaks glow red with the first light. A short extension leads to the overlook of Laguna Sucia and its hanging glaciers. From April to October, expect snow and icy sections near the end.

Laguna de los Tres from Estancia El Pilar (alternative)

This route begins near Hostería El Pilar, following the Río Blanco with different angles of Fitz Roy. It is slightly longer than the classic out-and-back but less steep and ideal for a point-to-point day: start at El Pilar and return to El Chaltén.

Pliegue Tumbado
Duration: ~8 hours round trip  |  Difficulty: moderate to hard

Begin at the Ceferino Fonzo Visitors’ Centre. A small fence marks two options, left to Los Cóndores/Las Águilas and right to Pliegue Tumbado and Laguna Toro/Paso del Viento. The route gains roughly 1,100 m in total elevation to a summit viewpoint at about 1,500 m a.s.l.

Exposure is total above the treeline, so carry a windproof jacket and warm layers. After about an hour you cross the Pampa de las Carretas, with broad views of Cerro Huemul, Lake Viedma, and the Andean skyline dominated by Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. Near 1,000 m a.s.l., forest gives way to scrub and stone fields where you may spot marine fossils around 100 million years old. The final section is marked with yellow stakes. Do not proceed if the path is snowed in. The clearest weather is often from December to February.