You have probably seen this famous skyline in pictures or in the Patagonia brand logo.
People come from all over the world only to see Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia with their own eyes, and honestly, who could blame them? This is one of the most EPIC hikes I have ever done, and if you're visiting Patagonia, you should definitely do it!
This guide covers everything you need to know about hiking to Mount Fitz Roy, from when to go, what to bring, and how to get there to a detailed hike breakdown.
Let's dive in!
Practical
How to get to the Laguna de los Tres Trailhead
The trail leading to the Laguna Torre starts right at the northern end of El Chalten. You can reach it on foot if you're staying in town.
When to go to Laguna de los Tres
From December to March, summer is the best time to hike to Laguna de los Tres. You can also hike to Laguna de los Tres in the shoulder season months of April and October. Outside these months, the trail might be closed due to extreme winter weather.
Fees to Hike to Laguna de los Tres
In 2025, the daily fee for hiking in El Chalten was 45,000 Argentinian pesos (around USD 45).
However, if you plan on hiking for more than one day, you should buy a multi-day pass, which will save you some money.
You can buy your ticket online or at the beginning of the trail. I recommend buying multi-day hiking passes directly in El Chalten because they will explain all of the existing offers much better in person than online.
What to bring
- Sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- Water – you can refill water on the streams you come by. You can bring something to filter the water if you prefer to be extra safe
- Food and snacks – there's no services whatsoever on this hike
- Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat – on sunny days, the UV index can be pretty high, and the snow's reflections can be harsh
- Camera
- Layers – the weather can change quickly, and even on sunny days, it can get cold at the top
- Hiking poles – optional but handy, especially for the last mile
Other things to consider
This is the most famous hike in El Chalten, so if you only have one full day here, this is the hike you will want to do.
Try to start the hike early to avoid the crowds and the horseflies, which can be pretty annoying.
This is a well-signaled trail, and each kilometer is marked with a sign. That being said, you will most likely lose service once you're in the mountains. It's a good idea to download the trail map on your phone in advance. This could save you some unnecessary detours that could cause you to go more steps to go on an already challenging hike.
Hike overview
Elevation gain: 3061 ft / 933 m
Distance: 12.4 mi / 20.8 km
Difficulty: Medium to Hard Type: Out-and-back
1. El Chalten to Fitz Roy Lookout
The beginning of the trail is uphill but nothing too crazy. On this part of the trail, you will find several opportunities to snap a picture of the stunning Las Vueltas River.
Only 4km into the hike, the Fitz Roy Lookout offers the first view over the magnificent mountain range. I wouldn't spend too long there unless this is the end of your hike. You will have more and better opportunities to take a picture of the Fitz Roy.
2. Fitz Roy Lookout to the Hidden Waterfall
Not far after the Fitz Roy Lookout, you will find the Hidden Waterfall. It is located at kilometer 5 of the trail.
The park guards have removed the indication for kilometer 5 to limit the influx of people going to the waterfall. This is because the stones near the water are slippery, and the current can pull you away. Be cautious and visit the waterfall at your own risk.
You can find the trail leading to it on Alltrails or try to find it on your own. It is located to your right side between kilometers 4 and 6 of the trail towards the FitzRoy. Be aware that this will be a difficult task if you don't have Alltrails.
3. Hidden Waterfall to Laguna de los Tres
After the detour to the hidden waterfall, return to the main trail. You will reach the Poincenot campsite. The trail's last mile is the hardest part, so remember to keep it slow and steady! Although they are not a must, I recommend taking hiking poles with you.
However, if you were in Chilean Patagonia before, and this is one of your last trails in the area, it shouldn't be too difficult for you.
4. Laguna de Los Tres to Lookout Laguna Sucia
After resting and taking pictures at the famous Laguna de los Tres, I highly recommend you continue on your left and climb the small hill. This will lead you to the impressive lookout, which gives you a comprehensive view of the Fitz Roy, Laguna Sucia, and Laguna de los Tres from above.
Bonus: Laguna Capri
If you get FOMO from not seeing as much as you can, like me, you will probably add the Laguna Capri to your hike. You can do this either on the way to the Fitz Roy, right before the hidden waterfall, or on your way back to town. Either way, the detour will only add ... to the hike.
Alternative Route:
You can also do this one-way hike, starting at Piedras Blancas and finishing at El Chalten. If you decide to do it this way, you will have to arrange transportation (taxi or shuttle) from El Chalten to the starting point at Piedras Blancas.
I personally didn't try following this route and have heard mixed opinions about it.
