Full-Day Trek to Laguna de los Tres (Lake of the Three) from El Calafate
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10 hours (full day, ~600 minutes)
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and previous hill hike experience; comfortable with steep sections and long days.
Overview
A full-day guided trek from El Calafate to Laguna de los Tres puts you within arm's reach of the Fitz Roy massif. Expect a long transfer, a steep final ascent (430m over ~3 km), and one of Patagonia's most iconic mountain-lake views.
Full-Day Trek to Laguna de los Tres (Lake of the Three) from El Calafate
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You step out of the minibus into a wind that already seems to know the day's plan: sharp, clean, and insistent. The road from El Calafate unfurls through the Patagonian steppe for nearly three hours, then the Andes rise like a wall you can walk toward. By the time the village of El Chaltén appears—low buildings, a scattering of trekkers—the guide hands out food packs and the trail begins.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early and pace yourself
Pickup from El Calafate is at 06:00—use the travel time to hydrate and rest so you have energy for the 430m ascent.
Footwear and traction
Wear sturdy boots with a grippy sole; guides carry 6-point crampons if icy patches appear.
Bring layered insulation
Wind can turn temperatures quickly—pack windproof outerwear plus warm mid-layers and a beanie.
Plan lunch choices ahead
You must select your vianda (sandwich or salad options) when booking—bring extra snacks if you burn a lot of calories.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Guanaco
History
The peaks around El Chaltén were named by Indigenous Tehuelche people; European explorers later applied names like Fitz Roy as the area opened to mapped mountaineering in the 20th century.
Conservation
Los Glaciares National Park protects these glaciers and trails—stick to paths, pack out waste, and follow guide instructions to limit erosion and disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Calafate
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots (sturdy, grippy sole)
Crucial for steep, rocky, and potentially wet trail sections.
Waterproof wind shell
Protects from Patagonian winds and sudden rain or sleet.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during breaks at the exposed lagoon viewpoint.
fall specific
Trekking poles
Help on the steep 3 km ascent and reduce knee strain on descent.