When first planning our trip to Patagonia, the Mount Fitz Roy hike was at the top of our list. The scenery honestly looked like it was something from another planet. What we hadn’t accounted for was spring time in Patagonia to be filled with so much snow. We were surprised that the inclement weather would even cover the famous Laguna de los Tres! So whether you’re doing a multi-day Fitz Roy trek or single day hike, we got you covered. Travel with us as we spend the afternoon hiking the 20 kilometers from El Chalten to Mount Fitz Roy and back.
Starting the Fitz Roy Hike in El Chalten
Start of Hike: Follow San Martín Street leading out of town
Fitz Roy Viewpoint: 1:30 min One Way – 4km
Laguna de Los Tres: 4 Hours One Way – 10km
Time Needed: 8 Hours
The beginning of the Fitz Roy hike is only about 10 minutes from the center of town. After a large breakfast, we walked out of our hostel and joined dozen of other travelers that were making the walk to the start of the trail.
As you begin your ascent, you’ll get a stunning view of El Chalten in all its glory. The first 30 minutes or so of your journey is a complete incline, but don’t worry! The trail levels off for most of the walk shortly after.
Mount Fitz Roy Hike Check List
Water and Food: There are no services available on the trail so bring lunch and as much water as you’ll need for the day. We recommend at least one liter per person. “Box lunches” are popular with the restaurants in town, and a super easy option if you don’t want to make your own.
Warm Clothes: The weather can change rapidly in Patagonia so be prepared. At some points during the hike we had shorts and a t-shirt on, while others we were bundled up in full winter gear!
Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses: The sun is deceptively strong on the Fitz Roy trek so make sure to lather up. Hat and sunglasses are a must as well.
Where to Stay: Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña and Infinito Sur are two of our favorite hotels in El Chalten. Also, check out Rancho Grande if you’re looking for an awesome hostel.
More Hikes: Take on the Lagune Torre trail, which is the 2nd most famous hike in the area. Here’s our 4 top El Chalten hikes if you have a few days!
Navigating the Mount Fitz Roy Trail
The initial climb the Fitz Roy hike is flat, but full of endless colors and views. For about 9 kilometers, you will be working your way in and out of trees, rocks, and other wilderness on the way to Laguna de los Tres.
We especially loved the many manmade bridges that cross over the river! Keep your eyes opened for rare birds, deer, and the elusive puma.
Fitz Roy Trek Signs to Look Out For
Keep an eye out for the kilometer signs, which are numbered 1 through 10 so you can track progress on the way to Laguna de los Tres. The other important sign to spot comes when the trail splits.
To the left will take you to a campground, while the right will lead to the first main view of Mount Fitz Roy. On the map it’s called “Mirador” translating to lookout in English.
Mirador Mount Fitz Roy Viewpoint
Four kilometers into the trail, you’ll find the Mirador viewpoint. This is the first main lookout on the trail and a popular hike in itself.
Travelers who stop in town for only the afternoon often make this their destination. The 2.5 to 3 hour round trip climb is a great option if you can’t commit to the full Fitz Roy hike.
The Final Stretch to Laguna de los Tres
After leaving the Mirador and continuing on the Fitz Roy hike, you may be thinking “Wow this is easy.” We thought the same thing… But oh were we wrong!
The last section of Mount Fitz Roy is only a kilometer long. However, the hour long stretch is straight uphill.
To make it more challenging, the grueling path of switchbacks to the top is completely made up of loose rocks and pebbles. This was increasingly more difficult to get our footing, and even harder than a typical path.
Take your time and keep going to the top of Fitz Roy. We promise the views are worth it!
View of Laguna de los Tres & Mount Fitz Roy
Finally, you’ll reach the top and see the beautiful Laguna de los Tres, with Mount Fitz Roy in the background. The entire lake was still covered in snow to our surprise!
The spring weather in Patagonia is so unpredictable that there was a massive snow storm just before we arrived. Yet, no matter if the lake is blue or covered in white snow, the view is the perfect reward for your hike.
Pull out your lunch and take some time to hang out and enjoy the lagoon before starting the long trek back.
Planning a Multi-Day Fitz Roy Trek
Would you rather not do the hike in one day? Well, a Fitz Roy trek is an awesome alternative! There’s multiple camping spots on the trail and several routes to choose from.
Most people take 2-3 days to do the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trails, which you will start and end in El Chalten. The campsites are clearly labeled on the maps and all around the Fitz Roy hike trail.
The coolest campsite we saw was called Poincenot. It’s located just 10 minutes from the incline up to Laguna de los Tres. This one allows you to set up camp, and catch either sunrise or sunset from the famous lookout point.
Sample Fitz Roy Trek Route
First Day
- Load up on food and supplies in town.
- Hike from El Chalten to Poincenot 8 km and set up camp.
Second Day
- Wake up early and hike the 2 km round trip to Laguna de los Tres for sunrise.
- Return to camp and pack up.
- Hike the 8 km Madre e Hija which connects Fitz Roy with Torre Trail. In total, it should be about a 11-12 km long day.
- Set up camp at De Agostini near Laguna Torre.
- Watch the sunset over Laguna Torre.
Third Day
- Wake up early and hike the 4 km round trip to the Maestri Viewpoint.
- Return and pack up camp.
- Hike the 9 km back to El Chalten.
- Stop in one of the many local pubs for a well deserved craft beer and large meal!
Total 3 Day Mount Fitz Roy Trek: 35-40 km
Have any questions on Fitz Roy El Chalten or want to share your own experience? Feel free to comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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