This hiking is one of the most requested in Patagonia, and will lead us to discover incredible mountain landscapes that go from El Chaltén to Mount Fitz Roy.

  • Departure: 07:30
  • Duration: Full day
  • Pickup / Dropoff: Hotel in the Chaltén

This trekking circuit is considered the main one in the area and is a must for passengers arriving at the destination for mountaineering. It's one of the most beautiful and impressive in the region as it leads us to the base of the legendary Mount Fitz Roy. Between 7:30 and 9 am (the time is reconfirmed the day before), our guide and driver pick up the passengers in a van or minibus to take them to the trailhead located 18 km from El Chaltén (approximately 30-40 minutes by bus). As soon as we leave the town, the Andean landscapes begin to amaze us, with the beautiful valley of the Rio de las Vueltas on the right, and in parts of the journey, the Fitz Roy peaks start to appear.

When we reach the Rio Blanco on the route, that's where the activity begins. We enter a forest of lenga and ñire trees with some gentle slopes, and after just 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking, we are surprised by a first viewpoint with an excellent view of the Piedras Blancas Glacier.

After this stop, taking some photographs and receiving information from the guide, it's about another 45 minutes to reach the Poincenot campsite, where there will likely be tents of trekkers from different nationalities. Then, very close by, you cross the river on a suspension bridge to reach the Base Camp "Río Blanco," which is only used by climbers. Here, Park Rangers have also set up a log shelter for refuge in case of bad weather. From this point, for those with more energy, the guide will take you to the Laguna de los Tres viewpoint, which is a 500-meter elevation gain in an additional hour of trekking starting from Río Blanco. From this viewpoint, you can contemplate the spectacular view of the Fitz Roy Massif, the lagoon, and its glaciers. A few meters away, you can also discover an excellent view of Laguna Sucia.

After having your box lunch there, you return to El Chaltén along the path that passes by the Laguna Capri viewpoint. You will be back at the hotel at approximately 5 to 6 pm.

  • Duration: Full Day (9 hours)

  • Total kilometers: Approximately 23

  • Elevation gain: 800 meters

  • Technical difficulty: Beginner

  • Personal demand: Moderate/High

  • Departure: Between 7:30 and 9 am (to be confirmed the day before)

  • Return: 5-7 pm

  • Physical
    Very low
  • Cultural
    Very low
  • Nature
    Very high
Included
  • Transfer from and to hotel in El Chaltén until beginning of trekking
  • Guide in the Spanish-English route
NOT Included
  • Everything that was not mentioned in the Itinerary.

Recommendations

Comfortable footwear, coat, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.

Pick up: 8:00 AM / Drop off: 6:00 PM

Optional box lunch: CLP 28,000 / $35 per person.

Bring sunscreen, approximately 10-kilogram trekking backpack, and a camera.