A 3-day trekking adventure that immerses you in the heart of Patagonia’s unspoiled wilderness, from tranquil lenga forests and glacial valleys to awe-inspiring mountain views.
Highlights include reaching the renowned Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre, as well as exploring hidden treasures such as Piedra del Fraile and the magnificent Pollone Glacier.
The day begins with a 30-minute transfer from El Chaltén to Río Eléctrico.
From there, we set off on foot, following the Electrico Valley through a picturesque lenga forest. After approximately two hours of walking, we reach Piedra del Fraile, which will serve as our base for the night.
Following a brief rest and lunch, we continue our journey along the valley towards the Pollone Glacier. Here, we are immersed in the raw beauty of untouched nature, surrounded by towering rock and ice formations.
On the way, we are treated to a unique perspective of Mount Fitz Roy, with a view of its majestic northern face. After a pause to take in the hidden lagoon nestled at the base of the mountains, we make our way back to the refuge, where a hot meal and a well-earned rest await.
– Overnight: Piedra del Fraile Refuge
– Distance: 12 km
– Walking time: 6 hrs
– Elevation: 250m gain
After breakfast, we’ll set off towards the Río Eléctrico bridge, the starting point for the trail to Laguna de los Tres. The path ascends gently at first, leading us to our first stop at the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint.
From there, the trail becomes steeper as we climb towards Laguna de los Tres, the closest we can get to the majestic Fitz Roy without requiring any technical skills. The effort is richly rewarded at the top, with breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy, its satellite peaks, and the sweeping valley we’ve just traversed.
If the weather is kind, we’ll enjoy lunch by the lagoon, taking in the awe-inspiring scenery. We’ll then begin our descent towards Poincenot campground, our home for the night, where we’ll have further opportunities to admire the magnificent Fitz Roy massif.
– Overnight: Poincenot camp
– Distance: 20 km
– Walking time: 9 hrs
– Elevation: 800m gain
If you’re an early riser and weather conditions are favourable, you might have the opportunity to capture Mount Fitz Roy bathed in a beautiful golden hue at sunrise.
Following breakfast, we’ll continue our journey, passing by the serene Madre e Hija lagoons. This section of the trail is relatively flat, providing a welcome respite after the previous day’s ascent. After a couple of hours, we’ll descend into the glacial valley leading towards Laguna Torre. At the valley’s end lies Laguna Torre, accompanied by its glacier and the iconic Mount Torre.
After enjoying lunch by the lagoon, we’ll make our way back to El Chaltén along the Fitz Roy River valley.
– Distance: 20 km
– Walking time: 7–8 hrs
– Elevation: 400m drop
