The Fitz Roy hike, or Laguna de los Tres, is a must-do if you find yourself in El Chaltén, Argentina. We started the trail bright and early, with the sun just starting to kiss the rugged mountains. The first few kilometers were a steady uphill through forest, offering glimpses of El Chaltén below. After a few moments, we already caught our first view of the majestic Fitz Roy, poking through the clouds. Such a magical moment!
The trail is a mix of challenging ascents and peaceful forest walks, but the real test comes during the final push. The last kilometer is a beast: steep, rocky, and covered in snow and ice (at least when we visited). We were tired, slipping in the snow, and more than once, we thought we’d never make it! It’s not always that you walk a 40% incline. 😉 That being said, the reward at the top was soooo worth it. The view of the (frozen) lake, framed by towering snow-capped peaks, was a moment we won’t forget. It felt like standing on top of the world!
The wind was fierce, though, so we didn’t stay long before heading back down. The descent was almost harder than the climb, thanks to the wind pushing us off balance. But by the time we made it back to the parking lot, we felt that sweet satisfaction only a challenging hike like this can give. If you’re ready for a challenge, this hike offers some of the best views of Patagonia, and a sense of accomplishment that’ll stay with you long after the hike is over. We did the hike in just under 8 hours!