Laguna de los tres
Laguna de los Tres is the main attraction that draws thousands of people to El Chaltén every year.
quick facts about the trek
- Distance: 23km
- Time needed: 9 hours round trip
- Difficulty: moderate to hard
- Laguna De Los Tres elevation gain: 970m
There are two starting points for the Laguna de los Tres hike. The first is from El Chaltén at the far end of the town, and the second one is from San Martín Avenue. I highly recommend starting from El Chaltén, but if you have time, you can explore both routes. Since I went through El Chaltén, I’ll cover that route in detail.
One-Day or Two-Day Trek?
First, decide whether you want to make it a one-day trek or a two-day trek. My personal recommendation is to opt for two days. It’s quite intense to complete in one day, and starting in the afternoon allows you to camp at the last stop before the climb. This way, you can make the final ascent early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise view. There are plenty of camping spots along the way, so if you get caught in a storm (like I did but kept going anyway), you can stop and continue the next day.
The Trek
The trek is challenging, with a steep climb. If you’re not an experienced hiker or in good shape, this might not be the trek for you.
The first few kilometers are mostly uphill but not too difficult. Then, it becomes flat for around 8-10 kilometers. You’ll reach the final camping sites at the beginning of the climb, which I recommend as a stopping point because the toughest part of the trek starts there.
The climb is short but intense and steep. You’re going to climb a mountain, so there’s no avoiding it. I loved the climb; it was intense but not too long. I would love to go there again and climb it. Whether you’re a climber or a beginner, the end is totally worth it. When you reach the top, you’ll see the beautiful lagoon. For me, El Chaltén was the first destination, and seeing Fitz Roy majestically in the background was breathtaking. I stayed at the peak for at least two hours, enjoying the sense of achievement and the amazing view.
I stayed at the peak for at least two hours, one of the benefits of making it a two days trip is that you can bask in your achievment and enjoy the amazing view.
The Descent
After enjoying the lagoon and the view, it’s time to head back. The way down is not easy, especially if you have knee problems, as it puts pressure on your legs. But if you don’t have leg issues, it can be a relaxing descent until you reach the bottom. For me, the way back was nice with the sun shining, compared to the storm on the way there. I highly recommend Laguna de los Tres to anyone visiting El Chaltén or even Argentina.
Recommendations for the Trek
- Camping Tent: In case you get caught in a storm or your legs are under too much strain, having an option B is always good.
- Rain Protection: Bring a raincoat, softshell, poncho, or anything to protect you if it starts to rain.
- Proper Shoes: This is probably a no-brainer, but ensure you have good shoes. The climb is intense, and you need something reliable; otherwise, you might regret it halfway.
I hope this guide helps. Good luck and happy trekking!