El Chaltén & Perito Moreno: 4-Day Hiking Circuit to Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre and Perito Moreno Glacier
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Good to excellent aerobic fitness — expect multiple long days of hiking with sustained climbs and descents
Overview
A four-day circuit that pairs El Chaltén’s high mountain hikes to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre with a boat-and-boardwalk visit to Perito Moreno Glacier. Expect long days on varied terrain, dramatic viewpoints, and up-close glacier viewing.
El Chaltén & Perito Moreno: 4-Day Hiking Circuit to Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre and Perito Moreno Glacier
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The morning opens cold and bright in El Chaltén. You push through a low beech forest, wind spooling the path ahead, and then the trail takes you up — 400 meters in an hour — until Fitz Roy’s serrated spine fills the sky. Ice hangs like old silver above the lagoon and the wind seems to push the whole world forward. That first sightline, from the high point above Laguna de los Tres, is why people come: a raw, immediate meeting of rock, glacier and light.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for calm winds
Begin hikes at first light to avoid afternoon gusts that make ridge sections and lagoons chillier and harder to photograph.
Layer for sudden weather
Bring a breathable waterproof shell and an insulating midlayer—conditions can shift from sun to sleet in an hour.
Footwear matters
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential for scree, boggy sections, and river crossings.
Respect glacier safety
Walkways at Perito Moreno are safe for viewing but don’t attempt glacier travel without certified guides and crampons.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
The region was charted by early 20th-century explorers; Perito Moreno Glacier is named for Francisco Moreno, a key figure in Argentine exploration and conservation.
Conservation
The Southern Patagonian Ice Field is retreating; practice Leave No Trace, stick to marked trails and avoid walking on glaciers without a certified guide to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Chaltén
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Provide ankle support and protection on rocky, wet trails.
Waterproof breathable shell
Shields against sudden rain, snow and strong Patagonian winds.
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during high-elevation breaks and cool-weather mornings.
Trekking poles
Reduce strain on knees during steep descents and help on unstable scree.