Laguna Capri
A serene Patagonian lagoon offering breathtaking reflections of the iconic Fitz Roy mountain, accessible via a moderate hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best sunrise views & fewer crowds
Laguna Capri
Best Time
Best sunrise views & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Patagonian lagoon offering breathtaking reflections of the iconic Fitz Roy mountain, accessible via a moderate hike.
"Nice and calm lagoon, with a great view to Fitz Roy. Good place to watch the sunrise."
🎒 Pack Layers for All Weather
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on clear days .
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes Essential
The trail to Laguna Capri is moderate, but good footwear is crucial for the entire trek .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna Capri's Fitz Roy Reflection
Laguna Capri
Witness a stunning reflection of the iconic Fitz Roy mountain on the calm waters of Laguna Capri on a clear day.
Sunrise Spectacle
Laguna Capri
Experience the magic of sunrise painting the Fitz Roy peaks in vibrant orange hues over the tranquil lagoon.
Gateway to Laguna de los Tres
Trail to Laguna de los Tres
Laguna Capri is a beautiful intermediate stop on the challenging but rewarding trek to the more famous Laguna de los Tres.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Trek to Laguna Capri
El Chaltén: The Trekking Capital
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Layers for All Weather
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on clear days.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes Essential
The trail to Laguna Capri is moderate, but good footwear is crucial for the entire trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the trail. Pack enough sustenance for your hike.
📸 Capture the Fitz Roy Reflection
On clear days, the reflection of Fitz Roy in Laguna Capri is breathtaking. Aim for sunrise or sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Layers for All Weather
Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on clear days.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes Essential
The trail to Laguna Capri is moderate, but good footwear is crucial for the entire trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks
There are no facilities on the trail. Pack enough sustenance for your hike.
📸 Capture the Fitz Roy Reflection
On clear days, the reflection of Fitz Roy in Laguna Capri is breathtaking. Aim for sunrise or sunset.
🚗 Consider Transport to El Chaltén
Rent a car in El Calafate and drive to El Chaltén, or take a bus and use local transfers/hitchhiking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Laguna Capri is a beautiful stop on the way to Fitz Roy, offering stunning reflections and a pleasant hike. While some find the lagoon itself less impressive than other Patagonian sights, its accessibility and the chance to see Fitz Roy make it a worthwhile experience, especially for sunrise.
"A nice stop on the way to Fitz Roy. The lagoon itself is not particularly beautiful, but on a clear day I saw a beautiful reflection of the Fitz Roy mountain on the water, and of course the mountain itself.
But don't stop here, what awaits you later is much more impressive and exciting."
Gad T
"Nice and calm lagoon, with a great view to Fitz Roy. Good place to watch the sunrise, and see the orange colors over the mountains. Also, recommended to stay and chill by the water, maybe even dive in or relax your feet."
Francisco Fernandez
"Awesome place to see. You can have a rest looking at Fitz Roy peak."
Seaman Octopus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus, which takes about 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car in El Calafate and drive yourself. Once in El Chaltén, most trails start from town.
No, Laguna Capri is accessed via hiking trails from El Chaltén. There are no roads directly to the lagoon itself.
El Chaltén is a small town, and most trailheads are within walking distance. For longer excursions, local transfers, taxis, or hitchhiking are options.
While possible, it's a very long day. It's highly recommended to stay at least one night in El Chaltén to fully enjoy the trekking opportunities like Laguna Capri and Fitz Roy.
Some services might offer transfers to specific trailheads like Laguna Electric, but for Laguna Capri, the walk from town is manageable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Laguna Capri is located within Los Glaciares National Park. While there isn't a separate fee for Laguna Capri itself, if you continue towards Laguna de los Tres, you might encounter park entrance fees or specific trail access points that require payment.
The trails are generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for accessing the trails to Laguna Capri. It's a natural park area accessible by hiking.
Parking is generally not available directly at the trailhead for Laguna Capri. You'll typically start your hike from El Chaltén town.
Yes, many tour operators in El Chaltén offer guided treks that include stops at Laguna Capri as part of longer routes like the Laguna de los Tres hike.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Laguna Capri from El Chaltén is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) one way and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.
The trail is considered easy to moderate. The initial part involves a steady, gentle climb, making it accessible for most hikers.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing (including a waterproof jacket), and sun protection. The weather can change rapidly.
While some visitors might dip their feet in, the water is very cold. It's more of a scenic spot to relax than a swimming destination.
There are no restrooms or facilities directly on the trail to Laguna Capri. You'll find them in El Chaltén town before you start.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for sunrise and potential reflections of Fitz Roy, and late afternoon for softer light. Clear days are essential for capturing the mountain.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The main viewpoint is along the shore of Laguna Capri, offering direct views of Fitz Roy. The trail itself provides various scenic spots.
Expect stunning landscape shots featuring the lagoon, the surrounding Patagonian flora, and the majestic Fitz Roy massif.
Yes, especially if you catch a clear day with good light. The reflection of Fitz Roy is a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The reward of seeing the stunning lagoon and the reflection of Fitz Roy is a great motivator for younger hikers. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and make it a fun adventure with breaks to explore the forest and enjoy the views.Remember that Patagonian weather can be unpredictable, so dress the kids in layers and ensure they have comfortable, sturdy shoes. While the hike itself is family-friendly, the longer treks like Laguna de los Tres might be too demanding for very young children. Laguna Capri offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and achievable trekking for a family outing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for potentially lower accommodation prices. Hitchhiking is also a common and accepted practice in El Chaltén for getting to trailheads further afield, which can save on transfer costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trek to Laguna Capri: Your First Taste of Patagonia
The path is well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring a straightforward journey for hikers of all levels.As you progress, the trees begin to thin, revealing glimpses of the dramatic Patagonian landscape. The highlight, of course, is reaching Laguna Capri itself. On a clear day, the still waters provide a near-perfect mirror image of the imposing Fitz Roy massif, a truly iconic Patagonian vista.
+1 It's a popular spot for a rest, a picnic, and to simply soak in the grandeur of the surroundings. Many visitors find it a perfect place to pause before deciding whether to continue the more challenging trek to Laguna de los Tres.Pro-tip: While the hike is manageable, always be prepared for Patagonian weather. Layers are essential, as conditions can shift from sunny to windy and rainy very quickly. Bringing snacks and water is also crucial, as there are no facilities along the trail.
The effort to reach Laguna Capri is consistently described as worthwhile, offering a significant visual payoff for a moderate amount of trekking.El Chaltén: More Than Just Laguna Capri
Beyond Laguna Capri, the most famous trek is to Laguna de los Tres, the ultimate viewpoint for Fitz Roy. This is a more strenuous, full-day hike (around 8-10 hours round trip) that includes a very steep final ascent.
Another popular option is the hike to Laguna Torre, which leads to a glacial lake with views of the dramatic Cerro Torre.When planning your trip, consider that El Chaltén is a remote location. While you can reach it by bus from El Calafate, renting a car in El Calafate and driving is also an option, though you might not need it much once you're in El Chaltén itself.
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