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National ParkLos Glaciares
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National Park Los Glaciares
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Southern Patagonia · Santa Cruz
National ParkLos Glaciares
Perito Moreno, Fitz Roy and the planet’s third-largest ice field.
50.20° S · 73.05° O
- Established
- 1937
- Area
- 726,000 ha
- Ecoregion
- Patagonian forest and steppe
- Gateway
- El Calafate
A World Heritage Site since 1981: the Southern Patagonian Ice Field spills into glaciers like Perito Moreno and Upsala, while El Chaltén is the national capital of trekking.
History
To the Tehuelche people, Fitz Roy was Chaltén, "the smoking mountain", for the clouds that almost always cling to its summit.
In 1877 explorer Francisco Pascasio Moreno reached the great lake, named it Lago Argentino and called the mountain Fitz Roy, after the captain of the Beagle. The park’s most famous glacier now bears his name.
The park was created in 1937 to protect the ice field and its forests, and in 1981 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
El Chaltén is one of the country’s youngest towns: it was founded in 1985 at the foot of Fitz Roy and is now Argentina’s National Trekking Capital.
Highlights
- The Perito Moreno walkways: over 4.5 km of viewpoints, with accessible options.
- Sunrise at Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of Fitz Roy.
- Sailing the north arm of Lake Argentino to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
- Walking on the Perito Moreno ice with crampons and guides.
Getting there
✈By plane
Aeropuerto Internacional Cmte. Armando Tola, El Calafate (FTE)
Daily flights from Buenos Aires and other cities, plus seasonal international routes. The glacier is about 100 km from the airport.
⛰By car
RN 40 · RP 11 · RP 41 — 2,700 km from Buenos Aires
El Calafate and El Chaltén are linked by 220 km of paved road. From El Calafate it is 80 km to Perito Moreno on RP 11; El Chaltén is reached via RP 41.
◍By bus
Terminales de El Calafate y El Chaltén
Buses arrive from across Argentina and southern Chile (Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas). Daily buses link El Calafate and El Chaltén, with regular services to the glacier.
Before you go
Two bases and room for the weather
El Calafate and El Chaltén are 220 km apart by road. Allow around 6 to 8 days for both areas: 2 or 3 in the south and 3 or 4 in the north. Keep a flexible day to choose the best forecast for the Fitz Roy hike.
Park entry tickets
Entry is charged on the Perito Moreno corridor, at Puerto Bandera and in the northern El Chaltén area. Check the area, date and current fare when buying, and bring ID or a passport to confirm your category.
Buy from National Parks ↗Camping in El Chaltén
Poincenot, Laguna Capri and De Agostini require advance booking. These rustic camps have dry toilets but no shop, electricity or signal: carry food, gear and bags for your rubbish. Gas stoves are allowed only in designated areas.
Book a campsite ↗Before setting out on a trail
Check trail conditions at the Ceferino Fonzo Visitor Centre. Bring waterproof layers, trekking shoes, food, water and an offline map: many areas have no signal. Registration is required year-round for remote areas and climbing, and from May to September for regular trails.
Check National Parks advice ↗Trails
Difficulty
Duration
Gateway
Difficulty: EasyModerateHardExpert
Fitz Roy
Start at the north end of town, at the end of Av. San Martín.
Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy)
Argentina’s most sought-after hike: lenga forest, Laguna Capri and a final very steep hour up to the viewpoint below Fitz Roy. Starts in El Chaltén.
- Distance
- 25.4 km
- Duration
- 8 h
- Elevation gain
- 767 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Laguna Capri
Shares the start of the Fitz Roy trail and reaches a lagoon reflecting the massif. The best option with only half a day.
- Distance
- 8 km
- Duration
- 3.5 h
- Elevation gain
- 365 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Chorrillo del Salto
From the north end of El Chaltén it is about 4 km on foot each way. You can also drive along RP 41 to the car park and walk the final 10 minutes to the waterfall.
- Distance
- 6 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Elevation gain
- 39 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Lagunas Madre e Hija
A link between the Fitz Roy and Laguna Torre trails, passing the Madre and Hija lagoons. The listed distance covers only the connector; add the approach and return to town.
- Distance
- 6.5 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Elevation gain
- 218 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Point to point
Mirador del Río de las Vueltas
Half an hour of steep climbing at the start of the Fitz Roy trail, overlooking the valley and the meanders of the Río de las Vueltas.
- Distance
- 2 km
- Duration
- 1 h
- Elevation gain
- 100 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Cerro Torre
Start on the west side of town and follow the Fitz Roy river valley.
Laguna Torre
Up the Fitz Roy river valley to the glacial lagoon facing Cerro Torre, Cerro Solo and the Adela range. A good choice on windy days: the valley is more sheltered.
- Distance
- 17 km
- Duration
- 7 h
- Elevation gain
- 205 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Mirador Maestri
An extension of the Laguna Torre trail to a viewpoint over the glacier and lake. Allow enough daylight for the full return to El Chaltén.
- Distance
- 22 km
- Duration
- 8 h
- Elevation gain
- 403 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Mirador Cascada Margarita
The shortest walk: the first 15 minutes of the Laguna Torre trail, to a viewpoint over a waterfall on the Fitz Roy river.
- Distance
- 2 km
- Duration
- 0.5 h
- Elevation gain
- 43 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Mirador del Cerro Torre
The first stretch of the Laguna Torre trail, up to a viewpoint facing Cerro Torre and Cerro Solo. A good half-day option or for poor weather.
- Distance
- 6 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Elevation gain
- 184 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Loma de las Pizarras
From the Madre e Hija junction, a demanding, faintly marked climb to a ridge with open views of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. For fit hikers with good navigation.
- Distance
- 18.2 km
- Duration
- 8.5 h
- Elevation gain
- 970 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Paso de las Agachonas
From De Agostini, cross the Fitz Roy river on a tyrolean traverse (technical gear and a park permit) and climb on a faint track to the pass at 1,354 m. You can continue along the ridge to Pliegue Tumbado. Experienced mountaineers only.
Registration required
- Distance
- 11.2 km
- Duration
- 8 h
- Elevation gain
- 893 m
- Difficulty
- Expert
Out and back
Visitor Center
Start at the town entrance: viewpoints, Pliegue Tumbado and Laguna Toro.
Miradores de los Cóndores y de las Águilas
Short and steep from the El Chaltén visitor centre. Sunset views over the village, Fitz Roy and Lake Viedma.
- Distance
- 4.6 km
- Duration
- 2.5 h
- Elevation gain
- 158 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
From the Visitor Centre, climb through steppe, forest and alpine terrain to a panorama of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Lake Viedma. Follow yellow stakes on the final section.
- Distance
- 21.2 km
- Duration
- 8 h
- Elevation gain
- 1,140 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Laguna Toro
Remote route to Laguna Toro, usually with an overnight camp. The trail is not marked throughout and requires mountain registration.
Registration required
- Distance
- 38.8 km
- Duration
- 14 h
- Elevation gain
- 680 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Route 41 north
Transfer needed: El Pilar, Río Eléctrico and Estancia Los Huemules.
Mirador Glaciar Piedras Blancas (desde El Pilar)
Along the Río Blanco, through forest and meadows, to the viewpoint of the glacier hanging off Fitz Roy Norte. Easy and well marked; take a transfer to Hostería El Pilar.
- Distance
- 8 km
- Duration
- 3.5 h
- Elevation gain
- 222 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Río Eléctrico a Piedra del Fraile
From the Río Eléctrico bridge, about 17 km by road from El Chaltén, the trail follows the river valley up to the Piedra del Fraile refuge. Doable in a day, or stay overnight at the campsite. A transfer to the trailhead is needed.
- Distance
- 14 km
- Duration
- 4 h
- Elevation gain
- 130 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Laguna de los Tres desde El Pilar
The most scenic way to Fitz Roy: transfer to Hostería El Pilar, up along the Río Blanco past the Piedras Blancas viewpoint and Poincenot, then the final steep hour to the lagoon. Return to town on the main trail (10 km more).
- Distance
- 9 km
- Duration
- 3.5 h
- Elevation gain
- 724 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Point to point
Lago Eléctrico
From the Río Eléctrico bridge to Piedra del Fraile and, almost flat, on to the viewpoint over the turquoise lake. No shade on the last stretch. Can be split over two days sleeping at Piedra del Fraile.
- Distance
- 19.8 km
- Duration
- 6 h
- Elevation gain
- 212 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Laguna del Diablo
In Estancia Los Huemules, a private reserve: a marked trail along the Río Diablo to the lagoon and the Puesto Cagliero refuge. Entry fee and booking required; Cagliero glacier only with a guide.
- Distance
- 13.6 km
- Duration
- 4 h
- Elevation gain
- 360 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Lago del Desierto
37 km up RP 41; the walking border crossing to Chile starts here.
Laguna Huemul
Short and very steep from Camping Huemul at the south end of Lago del Desierto: views of Fitz Roy and the lake, and the lagoon below Huemul glacier. Private land, entry fee.
- Distance
- 3.2 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Elevation gain
- 220 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Lago del Desierto: Punta Sur a Punta Norte
Along the east shore of the lake, with stream crossings and boggy patches, facing Vespignani glacier and Fitz Roy. Many return by boat (book a seat). The map shows the start; the rest continues north.
- Distance
- 11.4 km
- Duration
- 5 h
- Elevation gain
- 172 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Point to point
Punta Norte al Hito Limítrofe
From the north end of Lago del Desierto to the border marker with Chile. Outside the 3D map: reached on foot or by boat across the lake.
- Distance
- 10.8 km
- Duration
- 4 h
- Elevation gain
- 192 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Punta Norte al Lago O’Higgins (Chile)
The border crossing on foot: from Punta Norte to Candelario Mancilla on Lake O’Higgins, with immigration on both sides. Continue by boat to Villa O’Higgins. Outside the 3D map.
Registration required
- Distance
- 20.5 km
- Duration
- 8 h
- Elevation gain
- 436 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Point to point
Multi-day treks
With nights in camp and prior registration.
Laguna Toro a Paso del Viento
Continuation of the Laguna Toro trail: it crosses the Túnel river, passes the Túnel glacier and climbs about 850 m to Paso del Viento, the gateway to the Southern Ice Field. Unmarked terrain and technical crossings: experienced trekkers or guided groups only, with mountain registration.
Registration required
- Distance
- 22 km
- Duration
- 10 h
- Elevation gain
- 850 m
- Difficulty
- Expert
Point to point
Huella de Glaciares (El Chaltén a Villa O’Higgins)
A 7-stage binational trail: De Agostini, Poincenot, Piedra del Fraile, Laguna Cóndor, Lago del Desierto, Candelario Mancilla and Villa O’Higgins. Register at the start and end of each stage. The first three use the camps on this map.
Registration required
- Distance
- 120 km
- Duration
- 7 days
- Elevation gain
- 1,500 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Point to point
Other trails
Pasarelas del Glaciar Perito Moreno
A circuit of walkways and viewpoints facing the glacier, with steps and accessible alternatives for reduced mobility.
- Distance
- 4.5 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Loop
Cerro de los Cristales
From the Lago Roca ranger station: a demanding climb with 360° views of the park’s south and, on clear days, Torres del Paine.
- Distance
- 8 km
- Duration
- 6 h
- Elevation gain
- 1,000 m
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Distances, elevation gain and times are approximate and change with the season. Check each trail’s status with the park before setting out.
Where to stay
Hotel$$$$
EOLO
Ruta Provincial 11, km 23 · El Calafate
Relais & Châteaux lodge on a steppe estancia, 23 km from El Calafate on the road to Perito Moreno, overlooking Lago Argentino and the Andes.
Hotel website ↗Hotel$$$
Kau Yatún
El Calafate
Country hotel on the former Estancia 25 de Mayo, inside El Calafate and a few blocks from the centre.
Hotel website ↗Hotel$$
Rincón del Calafate
El Calafate
Hotel in the Las Piedras neighbourhood, a few blocks from central El Calafate: handy for early excursion departures.
Hotel website ↗Estancia$$$
Hotel Nibepo Aike
Lago Roca · brazo sur del Lago Argentino
Patagonian estancia on the southern arm of Lago Argentino near Lago Roca. It offers horse riding and ranch experiences, an hour from El Calafate.
Estancia website ↗Estancia$$$$
Estancia Cristina
Brazo norte del Lago Argentino · en barco desde Puerto Punta Bandera
Historic estancia on the northern arm of Lago Argentino near Upsala Glacier. It offers guided horse rides and is reached only by boat from Puerto Punta Bandera.
Estancia website ↗Hotel$$$$
Explora El Chaltén
Ruta Provincial 41 · valle del río de las Vueltas
explora lodge in the Río de las Vueltas valley, about 12 km north of El Chaltén on Route 41, surrounded by forest and facing the peaks.
Hotel website ↗Hotel$$$
Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña
El Chaltén
Hotel with spa in town, on Lionel Terray street: come back from the trails and rest steps from everything.
Hotel website ↗Hotel$$$$
OVO Patagonia
Estancia Bonanza · a 12 km de El Chaltén
Glass pods hanging 270 m up a rock face at Estancia Bonanza: reached by transfer, guided hike and via ferrata, facing Fitz Roy.
Hotel website ↗Campsite$
Poincenot
Sendero al Fitz Roy · a 10,5 km de El Chaltén
Rustic campsite at the foot of Fitz Roy; booking required. Ideal for a sunrise at Laguna de los Tres without an early start from town.
Campsite$
De Agostini (Laguna Torre)
Valle del Cerro Torre · a 8,5 km de El Chaltén
The Laguna Torre campsite: rustic, in the forest about 900 m from the lagoon, no facilities; booking required. Base for the lagoon, the Maestri viewpoint and the Madre e Hija link to Fitz Roy.
Campsite$
Laguna Capri
Sendero al Fitz Roy · a 4,5 km de El Chaltén
Rustic campsite by Laguna Capri; booking required. A halfway point toward Fitz Roy, or a quiet overnight.
Hostel$
Folk Hostel
José R. Haro 424 · El Calafate, cerca de la terminal
★ 4.7 · 648 reviews · Google Maps ↗Bright, quiet hostel 200 m from the bus station, with a shared kitchen, breakfast and staff who help plan excursions. A good base without a car.
Hostel website ↗Campsite$
Camping Lago Roca
Lago Roca · RP 15, km 51
★ 4.8 · 737 reviews · Google Maps ↗Organized campsite by Lago Roca with pitches, toilets and showers. About 50 km from El Calafate via RP 15; much of the approach is gravel. A vehicle is recommended, and road conditions should be checked.
Campsite website ↗Campsite$
Laguna Toro
Sendero a la Laguna Toro · a 15 km de El Chaltén
Rustic campsite by Laguna Toro, below the Túnel glacier; booking required. The overnight stop on the area's longest trail and the starting point toward Paso del Viento.
Campsite$
Piedra del Fraile
Valle del Río Eléctrico · a 7 km del puente
Private refuge and campsite at the head of the Río Eléctrico valley, for a fee. Toilets, no showers or kitchen. Reached on foot from the Río Eléctrico bridge, about 17 km from town by road.
Campsite$
Campamento Escaladores (Río Blanco)
Sendero al Fitz Roy · junto a Poincenot
Campsite reserved for climbers, at the foot of the final climb to Laguna de los Tres. For trekkers, the campsite is Poincenot.
Campsite$
Vivac Túnel
Valle del río Túnel · pasando la Laguna Toro
Free camping spot with no facilities, on the way to the Túnel glacier and Paso del Viento. For experienced trekkers only.
Campsite$
Campamento Paso del Viento
Paso del Viento · borde del Hielo Continental
Backcountry campsite beyond Paso del Viento, the gateway to the Southern Ice Field. Part of a multi-day crossing: unmarked terrain, technical crossings and mountain registration. A guide is advisable.
Campsite$
Campamento Laguna de los Esquíes
Hielo Continental · travesía
Campsite on the Southern Ice Field crossing, with no trail: reached on foot over the ice. Guided expeditions with glacier gear only.
Campsite$
Circo de los Altares
Hielo Continental · al pie del Cerro Torre
Campsite on the Southern Ice Field, facing the west face of Cerro Torre. Guided expeditions with glacier gear only.
Campsite$
Camping Bonanza
RP 23 · a 10 km de El Chaltén
Campsite on the road to Lago del Desierto, about 10 km from town. Check services and rates before you arrive.
Campsite$$
Patagonia Eco Domes
RP 23 · a 11 km de El Chaltén
Domes on the road to Lago del Desierto, about 11 km from town. Check rates and availability before you arrive.
Campsite$
Camping Lago del Desierto
Lago del Desierto · a 37 km de El Chaltén
Campsite by Lago del Desierto, at the end of RP 23. Starting point toward the Huemul glacier and the lakeshore.
Hostel$
Rancho Grande Hostel
Av. San Martín 724 · El Chaltén, a pasos del sendero al Fitz Roy
A classic trekkers’ hostel on the main avenue, a few hundred metres from the Fitz Roy and Chorrillo del Salto trailheads: shared dorms and private rooms, a kitchen, a 24-hour restaurant and transfer bookings.
Hostel$
Aylen-Aike Hostel
Trevisán 125 · El Chaltén
A small hostel (about 30 beds) near the Río de las Vueltas, with a fireplace lounge, a full kitchen and views of Fitz Roy. One of the best-rated in town for its relaxed feel.
Hostel website ↗Inn$$$
Hostería El Pilar
RP 41 km 17 · valle del río de las Vueltas
A 1994 Patagonian country house in cream corrugated iron with a red roof: 10 rooms, a central fireplace, home cooking and a sunny deck facing Fitz Roy. No wifi or signal. Open 1 November to 31 March; the Río Blanco trail to Laguna de los Tres starts here.
Inn website ↗
Before you go
- From May to September, registration at the information centre is mandatory to hike; for remote areas and climbing, it is required year-round.
- Only the Perito Moreno glacier corridor has set access hours: 8 am–6 pm from 1 September to 30 April (stay until 8 pm), and 9 am–4 pm from 1 May to 31 August (stay until 6 pm).
- Wind can exceed 100 km/h: bring layers, gloves and sun protection even if the day starts calm.
- Signal can be weak or absent on El Chaltén trails and at campsites. Download maps before setting out and carry a backup payment method in case connectivity fails in town.
Plan your journey to Los Glaciares
We design private trips at each traveller’s pace: hikes, local guides and carefully chosen stays. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll reply within 48 hours.