Unlock The Best Hiking Options At Laguna De Los Tres

Are you up for a day-long hike through one of Patagonia’s most picturesque trails? Then head out to Argentina and gear up for Laguna de Los Tres.

Trekking towards this turquoise glacial lake at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy will give you spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, especially the jagged granite peaks of the Fitz Roy mountain range. The Laguna de Los Tres trail is the most popular choice among hikers in Argentine Patagonia, and deservedly so.

This article will give you an overview of the challenges and delights that awaits you on this hike. Read on for some important information on Laguna de Los Tres, accommodation options, and basic tips that would be useful for this adventure. 

Let’s begin!

What To Know Before Hiking Laguna de Los Tres 

The iconic Laguna de Los Tres (the 3 lakes) hike happens within Los Glaciares National Park in Sta. Cruz province south of Argentinian Patagonia. 

Also known as the Fitz Roy Hike, the trail will take you to the foot of Mt. Fitz Roy, the site of the glacial lake, Laguna de Los Tres, surrounded by 2 other famous peaks: Mount Poincenot and Saint Exupery. 

As one of the world’s best trails hosting incredibly beautiful natural sceneries, Laguna de Los Tres should be on your Patagonia itinerary as a go-to spot.

How to Reach Laguna de Los Tres? 

The hike’s start-off point, El Chalten town, hosts many exciting, fun activities, including kayaking, climbing, trekking, and other exciting adventures. 

Whether you’re staying at El Chalten or not, the start of the Laguna de Los Tres trail can be easily accessed by starting from your accommodation in El Chalten. The trail is well-maintained, with well-marked paths and helpful signs. You can find the lake’s trailhead at the border of El Chalten, where Avenida San Martin ends. 

A car park hosts a sign showing the start of the trail. You can start there and register for free. 

The first hour of the trail is an ascent until you reach a mirador (viewpoint) to marvel at the De las Vueltas River. You continue hiking uphill towards Mount Fitz Roy, straight and uphill for 1,312 feet (400 meters). 

After 3-4 hours of effort, you will reach the Laguna de Los Tres viewpoint. 

Laguna de Los Tres: Trail Description 

The hike covers about 15 miles (24 kilometers) there and back. You can rest at several places to take photos and enjoy the magnificent views that the mountain presents all around you. The Laguna de Los Tres trail would require at least a full day of hiking and settling at the various viewpoints to admire Patagonia’s wild beauty. 

While most parts of the trail are flat, there is much elevation near the beginning and end: in the last 1.5 mi (2.4 km) near the lake, you will climb about 1,312 ft. (400 m). 

The trail’s difficulty level depends on your fitness. If you hike regularly, expect the trail to be doable. Since it is steep, there is much elevation gain, especially near the beginning and toward the trail’s end, which can be more challenging for beginners. 

Laguna de Los Tres: Route Options

1. The 2-Day Hike Option

If you opt for a 2-day hike and plan to camp at Campamento Poincenot, you need to begin where the parking lot is situated, which is close to Avenida San Martin, right where El Chalten town ends. The trail’s start will be steep, but the views will be magnificent. These would include the sights from the Rio de las Vueltas riverbed and the beautiful lake of Laguna Capri. 

At about 2.5 mi (4 km) after Laguna Capri, you will find the camping grounds of Poincenot inside Los Glaciares National Park, where you can stay for the night and enjoy a few snacks. 

From Campamento Poincenot, Laguna de Los Tres (the lake) is about 2.5 mi (4 km). The last few kilometers of the hike will be fairly elevated, so you need to buckle up. 

The trail will lead you to the beautiful view of the lake with the 3 mountain peaks beyond it: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Saint-Exupery. It’s a popular sunrise spot for obvious reasons.

Take in the magnificent views all around and be enchanted. Right around the corner after Laguna de Los Tres, the incredible Laguna Sucia feeding from the nearby Glaciar Rio Blanco can be found. Do not miss the chance to see that, too.

Reaching El Chalten again takes 7.5 mi (12 km) and will be fairly easier. It would take close to 3 hours to get back to the trailhead. 

2. The 2-Day Loop

If you opt to do a loop instead of hiking the same way back, you will start at Avenida San Martin in El Chalten and camp at any of the sites by the trailhead on day 1. 

On day 2, you will walk to Laguna Torre instead of returning to El Chalten. Then, you can return to Laguna Torre’s riverbed.

3. 1-Day Hike Option

The most popular and feasible route is a 7.5-mile (12 km) trail towards Laguna de Los Tres and back, making it a 15 mi (24 km) hike. You can do this option in a day, but you can also opt for a 2-day option to stop at various campsites that connect to the trail. 

Laguna de Los Tres: Weather

During winter, between June and September, the trail can be cold and windy; hence, less accessible because of the snow. The best time to hike the Laguna is between October and April when the temperatures are relatively higher, the weather is slightly warm and sunny, and it’s less windy and cold. 

For the best time to visit Laguna de Los Tres, go for it in January-February when the weather is warmer and more predictable, but be prepared to meet crowds during this peak hiking season. 

Laguna de Los Tres: Accommodations

You have 2 options if you plan a 2- to 3-day-long Laguna de Los Tres hike. One is the Poincenot campground, close to the trail, and the other is Campamento de Agostini in Laguna Torre. You do not need to do pre-bookings for these campsites. 

If your stay is some miles away from the trail, there are some amazing hotel options that you can consider, providing you with a safe and wonderful experience. 

• Patagonia Eco Domes

Patagonia Eco Domes in El Chalten offers accommodations with panoramic views of Mt. Fitz Roy. The tented camp sits on a 3-hectare garden and provides private access to Laguna de Los Tres trail. Rooms feature alpine styles with fireplaces, seating areas, and full en suite bathrooms. The camp serves a daily breakfast and provides bed linens and towels.

• Cerro Electrico – Upcycled Containers for an Eco Stay

Cerro Electrico, an eco-stay in El Chalten, offers sustainable apartments with free bikes and a garden. The property includes a balcony with mountain views and outdoor furniture and a kitchen with an oven and kitchenware.

• Hostería El Pilar

El Chalten’s Hosteria El Pilar features a beautiful garden, a cozy sitting area with a fireplace, a library, and amazing views of the mountains. They also have a restaurant that serves local dishes. The accommodation includes free breakfast and parking at no charge.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Laguna de Los Tres: Things to Pack

The trail might be rough, and the weather a bit unpredictable, so you need to pack accordingly. Don’t bring many items since the hike lasts only a day or 2, depending on your route. 

Here are some essentials that you need to consider when packing for the hike: 

• Lunch (There’s no place along the trail from where you can fuel yourself, so you need to pack some food)
• Water (There will be plenty of natural water filling options, but you’ll need a single fill to get going first)
• Trekking poles (This is not a necessity but something you should consider if you’re a new hiker)
• Gloves are a must-have for hikers, providing protection and comfort on the trail.
• Warm jacket is a necessary piece of gear to keep you comfortable and protected from cold weather conditions.
• Flashlight provides illumination for dark or low-light conditions on the trail. This LED flashlight is a small, portable size that fits well in your hand or pocket.
• Camera gear 
• Hiking clothes
• Hiking shoes and rain clothes 
• Sun protection prevents skin damage and sunburns for extended periods outdoors. 
• Basic first aid kit 
• A little cash in case of emergency
• Waterproof bag to keep valuable items 
• A plastic bag for trash, as you’d want to take all your trash with you when hiking

Important Tips for Staying Safe While Hiking the Challenging Laguna de Los Tres Trail

1. If you’re trekking during winter, confirm with the park rangers in El Chalten if the route is passable, ensuring it isn’t covered with snow.
2. Don’t underestimate the hike difficulty. Whether you’re a regular hiker or not, you should have the necessary hiking equipment. 
3. You will need sturdy footwear because the trek can be rough, and you risk tearing your boots on the rocky trail.
4. Rise early to start your hike early; this way, you’ll avoid the crowds.
5. Camping grounds are designated; hence your camping should be limited to those areas. 
6. If you plan to camp overnight, bring a camping stove with you. Also, a good flashlight with working batteries would be handy. 
7. Check the weather forecast beforehand. Pack extra layers of clothing and a raincoat to keep dry if it rains or snows.
8. Keep to your designated trail to avoid getting lost.
9. Stay hydrated throughout the day. The water from natural streams is usually drinkable, especially when it comes straight from the mountains. 
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Laguna de Los Tres

How Long Is the Laguna de Los Tres Hike? 

For an average hiker, the 15 mi (24 km) round-trip hike takes about 8-10 hours if you start early in the day. 

A hike to the Laguna de Los Trek and back can be completed in a single day, considering that the trail difficulty will slow you down, and you will rest in different spots to admire the views. 

How High Is Laguna de Los Tres? 

While the trail is mostly flat, the elevation level varies. The highest you will get is about 2,300 ft (700 m) during your trekking journey. 

What’s the Best Way to See Laguna de Los Tres?

When you go on this most popular hike, it would be best to wake up early. 

Set out on the trail right after sunrise, and you will avoid bumping into crowds. Walking for about 3 hours on the trail with varied elevation gains, you will see the Laguna de Los Tres when you reach the stunning view of Mount Fitz Roy. 

Conclusion – Laguna de Los Tres

Laguna de Los Tres’ well-maintained trail, route options, and the thrilling experience of winding along picture-perfect riverbanks, valleys, and forests are among the reasons for including this hike in your Patagonian itinerary. 

Most importantly, the panoramic views while on the Laguna de Los Tres trail serves as a well-deserved reward after this challenging hike. 

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For more travel guides on Patagonia’s best trails, check out these related articles: 

• The Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Guide: Explore the Best Trails and Landscapes
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