Full day in El Chaltén with trekking to Laguna de los Tres – Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

EXPERIENCE

The excursion begins at 06:00 a.m., when the company’s minibus picks you up from your accommodation in El Calafate. When all the passengers are on board, the vehicle heads towards El Chaltén, where you will arrive in about three hours, traveling a good part of National Route 40.

Halfway along this beautiful scenic route that travels through the immensity of the Patagonian steppe, you will be able to appreciate the southern Andes where the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Fitz Roy stands out over the rest of the granite needles that surround it.

Once in El Chaltén, at approximately 8:30 a.m., there is a short stop for those who wish to go to the bathroom before setting off. Here a second trekking guide is incorporated who will accompany the group during the walk.

The trailhead is located at the Río Eléctrico Bridge, just 14 kilometers from El Chaltén. There, the food is delivered to each walker, and the group begins the walk at approximately 9:30 a.m. In the first section of the route (6.3 km that is completed in an hour and a half of walking) the path gains altitude until reaching the Piedras Blancas Viewpoint.

After the Piedras Blancas Glacier Viewpoint, the path descends slowly to the Meeting Point near the Poincenot Base Camp, where the group arrives at approximately 11:30 am. Those who hesitate to continue with the second section, much more demanding than the first, will continue the journey with one of the two guides as GROUP 2 to the beautiful Laguna Capri, another of the unmissable attractions of El Chaltén. There we have lunch before continuing the descent to El Chaltén.

GROUP 1 continues the journey with one of the guides, crossing the Poincenot Base Camp area, crossing the bridge over the Blanco River, and from there it begins to gain altitude quickly. In total, you ascend about 430 meters of elevation for almost 3 km until you reach the highest point: Laguna de los Tres.

As you ascend, you begin to discover more and more panoramic views and the sensation of approaching the mountains, which due to their grandeur seem to be very close. After the effort, at approximately 1:30 p.m. the group reaches a moraine ridge from where the Fitz Roy massif can be seen in all its splendor and at its feet the De los Tres Lagoon and Glacier.

To get to the Lagoon itself, you descend a few meters and once there, and if the weather permits, it will surely be the perfect time for lunch enjoying an unforgettable view and moment.

After exploring the area and taking many photos, GROUP 1 says goodbye to this magical place and begins the descent to El Chaltén.

Once we reach the Meeting Point in the Poincenot Camp area (where GROUP 2 eventually split up), the way back passes through Capri Lagoon. At approximately 7:00 p.m. the minibus leaves for the city of El Calafate, where the service concludes, leaving passengers at each hotel between 9 and 10 p.m.

HIGHLIGHTS

Two trekking options for all levels
Trekking Laguna de los Tres or a calmer walk to the beautiful Laguna Capri
You will witness the most impressive views of the southern Andes
Live a full-day adventure with lunch outdoors

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