Laguna de los Tres from El Pilar
Most people hike to Laguna de los Tres from town. The other way in starts at El Pilar, on Route 41, and we think it is the most beautiful: lenga forest, the Piedras Blancas glacier straight ahead and far fewer people on the first half. We live 800 m from that trailhead.
Federico and Rebecca of Cerro Eléctrico. We have lived in El Chaltén for over 15 years.
The route
Times are one way, at an easy pace with a few stops. They change a lot with the wind and the state of the trail.
El Pilar
startOn Route 41, about 17 km from town. From Cerro Eléctrico it is an 800 m walk.
Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint
≈ 1 h 30A gentle climb through the forest along the Río Blanco. The glacier hangs right in front of you.
Poincenot camp
≈ 3 hHere it meets the trail from town. The last flat stretch before the climb.
The final climb
≈ 1 hThe hard part: about 400 m of ascent in a little over 1 km, on loose rock. Take it slowly.
Laguna de los Tres
≈ 10 kmThe glacial lake at the foot of Fitz Roy. Walk along its left side and Laguna Sucia appears below.
Out and back the same way: about 20 km and 8 to 10 hours with stops.
Or walk down to town on the main trail (about 10 km from the lake) and take a taxi back.
Before you go
- Start early
- In the morning Fitz Roy is usually clearer, and the final climb is less crowded.
- The wind rules
- It can blow very hard up top even when it is calm below. Bring a windbreaker, hat and gloves, even in summer.
- Water
- You cross meltwater streams on the way to refill your bottle.
- When to go
- November to March is the season. Outside it the final climb can have snow or ice: ask the park rangers first.
- Pack it out
- It is a National Park: your rubbish comes back with you.
“The hike to Laguna de los Tres begins right from your door.”
Sleep 800 m from the trailhead
If you stay in town you take an early shuttle to El Pilar. From Cerro Eléctrico you walk out whenever you like, and on the way back, legs tired, you are on the deck in ten minutes.
Four tiny houses for two at km 15 of Route 41, solar-powered, with heating, hot shower and Fitz Roy in the window. We live on the same land and tell you how the trail is that day.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hike Laguna de los Tres from El Pilar?
Yes. It is the northern approach: it starts at El Pilar on Route 41 and joins the trail from town at Poincenot camp, before the final climb.
How many kilometres is it from El Pilar?
About 10 km one way to the lake, about 20 km out and back.
How long does it take?
4 to 5 hours one way at an easy pace. Out and back, 8 to 10 hours with stops.
Is it hard?
Most of the trail is moderate. The last hour is demanding: steep, with loose rock.
How do I get to El Pilar?
From El Chaltén, by shuttle or taxi on Route 41, about 17 km. From Cerro Eléctrico, an 800 m walk.
Where to stay near El Pilar?
Cerro Eléctrico is 800 m from the trailhead, at km 15 of Route 41: four tiny houses facing Fitz Roy.