Laguna de los Tres is a glacial lake situated at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, within Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia. At approximately 1,200 meters elevation, this turquoise-hued body of water delivers one of the region's most breathtaking vistas: the Fitz Roy massif rises directly above the lake, often crowned by clouds. The hike from El Chaltén that leads here is the village's most celebrated trek.

Quick reference guide

• Access: departure from El Chaltén, marked trail from the village center (Sendero Laguna de los Tres)
• Entry: access included with Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee (paid at park entrance or online)
• Recommended duration: plan for a full day (round trip)
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging — the final ascent to the lake is steep and technical
• What to wear: hiking boots essential, waterproof and windproof clothing mandatory (weather is highly unpredictable)
• Accessibility: not accessible — mountainous terrain and unimproved trail

What you'll see

Upon reaching the summit, the lake emerges framed by rocky moraines. Fed by surrounding glaciers, the water shifts to an intense turquoise depending on the light. Across the water, the granite spires of Fitz Roy (3,405 m) and Poincenot dominate the landscape. On clear days, the massif's reflection mirrors perfectly in the lake's surface. Ice blocks occasionally drift across the water in summer.

History and context

Fitz Roy takes its name from Robert FitzRoy, captain of the HMS Beagle during Darwin's nineteenth-century voyage through Patagonia. The Tehuelches, the region's indigenous people, called the summit Chaltén, meaning "mountain that smokes"—referring to the clouds that almost perpetually envelop it. Fitz Roy's first ascent occurred in 1952, achieved by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone. El Chaltén, founded in 1985, was established partly to assert Argentine sovereignty over the border zone with Chile.

Highlights of the experience

The panorama over Fitz Roy

From the lake's edge, the frontal view of the massif is direct and unobstructed. On clear days—rare but possible—the reddish granite walls glowing at dawn constitute the most sought-after spectacle in all of Patagonia.

The final ascent

The last kilometer before the lake climbs a steep slope of rock and scree. Demanding, yet this passage delivers its reward instantly: the lake suddenly appears at the ridge's crest, without transition.

Laguna Capri en route

Midway along the trail, the path skirts Laguna Capri, a smaller lake offering already impressive views of Fitz Roy. Many hikers pause here for a picnic before continuing onward.

Photography tips

Morning light is most favorable: the rising sun illuminates the Fitz Roy's eastern face directly, casting an orange hue across the walls. Arriving at the lake early (before 9 a.m.) lets you avoid crowds and capture a calmer water surface for reflections. A tripod is useful for long-exposure shots. Weather shifts rapidly here: keep your camera protected from rain and wind.

Location and access

El Chaltén lies approximately 220 km north of El Calafate, connected by paved road. The trail departs directly from the village with no shuttle required. Regular buses connect El Calafate to El Chaltén. The national park office, located at the village entrance, provides maps and weather forecasts—a recommended stop before any departure. Local guides offer accompanied hiking trips from El Chaltén.

Nearby attractions

• Laguna Torre — another major hike from El Chaltén, situated at the foot of Cerro Torre and its glacier.
• Mirador del Cóndor — a lookout accessible via short walk from the village, with views over the río de las Vueltas valley.
• Glacier Perito Moreno — near El Calafate, Patagonia's most celebrated glacier, reachable as an excursion from El Calafate.
• Los Glaciares National Park — the protected setting and UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses the entire region.