Hiking Laguna De Los Tres: How To Conquer Mount Fitz Roy In Patagonia

If you are on this page, it means you are looking to learn all about Laguna de los Tres or Mount Fitz Roy hike. We were in the same place as you a few months back trying to find as much information as we could to prepare ourselves for this must-to-do hike in Patagonia.

I can assure you the feeling of accomplishment was surreal! I want you to do this hike, and I hope you will get value and insights from our experiences.

Why Hike Laguna De Los Tres?

Laguna de los Tres, or the mighty Mount Fitz Roy of Patagonia, is a dream for hikers worldwide. If you’re venturing to the Argentinian side of Patagonia (a.k.a. El Chaltén), you simply cannot leave without conquering this legendary trail.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering: Can I really do this hike? How hard is it? Will I survive? The short answer? Yes, you can, and you absolutely should. If I can do it, so can you! I had plenty of questions before setting out, I read a ton of blogs, and saw a ton of videos – so I’m here to share everything I experienced in my journey.

Overview of the Laguna de los Tres or Mount Fitz Roy Hike

Before we deep dive into the details, here is a little snapshot of the hike.

Difficulty Level: Difficult (but don’t panic!)
Duration: 7-8 hours round trip
Elevation Gain: ~800m with 400m in the last 1km

When I say difficult, it’s really just the last 1 km that will have you questioning your life choices. The rest is totally manageable, with long stretches of flat terrain to catch your breath. An average hiker can complete it in 7-8 hours, but if you’re a speedy hiker, you might finish in 6 hours.

You don’t need to be an ultra-marathoner, but a decent fitness level helps – especially for the final ascent, where your endurance, leg strength, and knees will be put to the test. Mental strength is just as important as the physical strength! We saw hikers of all fitness levels, so if you’re determined, you WILL make it.

Before doing the Laguna de los Tres hike, we were hiking for one month in Ushuaia so our bodies were a little prepared for this hike.

We tackled this as a day hike, but a lot of the hikers camp overnight at Poincenot Campground to hike up to a breathtaking sunrise over Fitz Roy.

Breaking Down the Trail: What to Expect

Part 1: The Warm-Up (1 hour)

The trail starts with a gentle incline – a great way to warm up your legs. You’ll pass a few miradors (viewpoints), offering beautiful views of the open fields and Mount Fitz Roy. Stop for a quick picture, but don’t linger too long. I will share the reason why later. The real reward is at the top! So keep taking one step at a time, slowly and steadily but keep going.

Part 2: The Scenic Stroll (2 hours)

This is your cruise control section. The path is mostly flat, winding through wood planks, water streams, and forests. You’ll pass Poincenot Campground, a prime spot for overnight hikers. At one point, you’ll have the option to take the Laguna Capri route but save it for the way back. It’s a perfect resting spot by the lake!

Part 3: The Final Boss Level (Last 1 km)

Alright, this is where things get real. Right before the brutal ascent, you’ll find a water stream. Fill up your bottle and eat a snack, because you’ll need all the fuel you can get.

The next 45 minutes to an hour will be a nonstop uphill grind over loose rocks and steep terrain. Some sections have small streams running through them – nothing major, but enough to make things slippery. Take your time, use hiking poles (or even a sturdy stick), and keep moving. One step at a time, you got this!

You will find people cheering each other, people taking off and wearing layers as you would feel hot for a while, and then as soon as you reach the exposed part which is windy, you will want to layer up again.

Take small breaks to catch your breath or sip some water.

Part 4: The Grand Finale – Climbing The Top Of Laguna De Los Tres

You made it! The views are absolutely breathtaking! If you are lucky, you will have a clear day to view the peak in its entirety.

Now, before you collapse in exhaustion, look to your left. You will see another small hill. It’s a 5-minute climb, and trust me, you need to do it. From there, you’ll get panoramic views of both Laguna de los Tres and the stunning Laguna Sucia below.

Your legs might protest and you would not want to take any extra step (like me!), but future-you will thank you for making the extra effort.

Accessing The Trailhead

Now that we know about the hike itself, let’s talk about how to access the trail.

The main trailhead starts at San Martín Street. We stayed in a hostel just 5 minutes away, which made life easier (every extra minute of sleep counts before a long hike!).

Alternatively, you can start from Hostería El Pilar, about a 30-minute drive from El Chaltén. This route offers a more gradual ascent and lets you hike one-way back into town. You can arrange a shuttle or taxi (costing around $10,500 ARS).

What Is The Best Time To Hike Laguna De Los Tres For Clear Views

If you’re committing to this adventure, you want clear skies – nothing is worse than reaching the top and seeing nothing but clouds! While Patagonia’s weather is wildly unpredictable, you can increase your chances by following these tips:

1) Reach the Fitz Roy Summit Before Noon

I don’t know the science behind it, but clouds tend to roll in like clockwork around noon. We witnessed it firsthand, and it was heartbreaking to see hikers arriving just as Fitz Roy disappeared into the mist. Plan to be at the top by 11 AM to soak in the best views.

2) Use the Windguru App

Forget regular weather apps – Patagonia plays by its own rules. The Windguru app is your best bet for checking cloud cover, wind speeds, and rain chances.

What Are The Best Months To Hike Laguna De Los Tres?

December to March is peak season (Patagonia’s summer). The trail is free of snow, and the skies are generally clearer – though remember, the weather here can flip in minutes!

What to Pack for Laguna De Los Tres (Day Hike Checklist)

Check out the detailed Essential Hiking Gear here!

If you’re not camping and just doing a day hike like we did, here’s what you must bring:

Fleece jacket (for warmth)
Down jacket or waterproof layer
Good hiking boots (trust me, sneakers won’t cut it!)
Beanie & gloves (it gets cold at the top)
Hiking poles (game-changer for balance and knee support)
Snacks (trail mix, fruit, energy bars)
Lunch (sandwiches or something filling)
Reusable water bottle (you can refill along the trail)
A good attitude (seriously, this helps more than you’d think!)

Final Thoughts on Hiking The Fitz Roy

Laguna de los Tres is challenging, but absolutely worth the effort. Take your time, pace yourself, and don’t let the final stretch intimidate you. The moment you stand at the top, staring at Fitz Roy in all its glory, every step will feel worthwhile.

So go for it, I wish you all the best in your journey, and don’t forget to take that one last 5-minute climb – you won’t regret it!

Happy Hiking!

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