Cerro Torre
An iconic granite spire in Patagonia, Cerro Torre offers breathtaking glacial lake views and challenging climbs for the adventurous.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Cerro Torre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic granite spire in Patagonia, Cerro Torre offers breathtaking glacial lake views and challenging climbs for the adventurous.
"The hike is way easier than Laguna de los tres. I really loved the way the glaciar and the icebergs are all over the lake."
Pack for All Weather
Layers are key! Be ready for sun, wind, and rain, sometimes all in one day. :cloudrain: :sunny: :windblowing_face:
Check the Forecast Daily
Patagonia's weather changes rapidly. Flexibility is your best friend for clear views. :iphone: :chartwithupwards_trend:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna Torre Viewpoint
Laguna Torre
Witness the majestic Cerro Torre reflected in the glacial lake, often dotted with icebergs. A truly iconic Patagonian scene.
Patagonian Autumn Colors
Trail to Laguna Torre
During autumn, the landscape around Cerro Torre explodes with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. A photographer's dream.
The Summit Mushroom
Cerro Torre summit
The unique, ice-covered cap crowning Cerro Torre is a legendary feature for experienced climbers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Fitness for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weather
Layers are key! Be ready for sun, wind, and rain, sometimes all in one day. :cloudrain: :sunny: :windblowing_face:
Check the Forecast Daily
Patagonia's weather changes rapidly. Flexibility is your best friend for clear views. :iphone: :chartwithupwards_trend:
Bring Snacks & Water
There are no facilities on the trail. Pack enough to stay energized. :apple: :water_bottle:
Footwear Matters
Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weather
Layers are key! Be ready for sun, wind, and rain, sometimes all in one day. :cloudrain: :sunny: :windblowing_face:
Check the Forecast Daily
Patagonia's weather changes rapidly. Flexibility is your best friend for clear views. :iphone: :chartwithupwards_trend:
Bring Snacks & Water
There are no facilities on the trail. Pack enough to stay energized. :apple: :water_bottle:
Footwear Matters
Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Patience for the Peak
Cerro Torre is often shrouded in clouds. Waiting for a break in the weather is often rewarded. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the hike to Laguna Torre as a must-do in Patagonia, highlighting the stunning glacial lake and the majestic Cerro Torre. Many find the trail manageable with moderate fitness, though the unpredictable weather can sometimes obscure the peak. The autumn colors are a particular draw for photographers.
"Excellent hikking, is a must if you are in the area.
I would say that after the Fitz Roy is the most beautiful and amazing hike I did in Argentina
Took us aproximately 7h go and back. Easy hike for most of the people if you are a bit fit. Just at the beginning and at the end has a bit of a hill but most of the walk is easy.
Totally recommended."
PC
"Cerro Torre is an iconic peak in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, located on the border between Argentina and Chile. Standing at 3,128 meters (10,262 feet). The peak, named "Cerro Torre" in honor of the Spanish term for "tower," is famed for its extreme weather conditions and complex ice formations. It has a reputation for being one of the most difficult climbs in the world due to its fierce winds, technical rock and ice faces, and unpredictable weather."
Iryna Kabanchuk
"I loved this place. The hike is way easier than Laguna the los tres. I really loved the way the glaciar and the icebergs are all over the lake. It looks stunning. Yo can walk around the lake, sit and enjoy your food or a beverage."
Sebastian Giraldo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to experience Cerro Torre is via the hike to Laguna Torre, which starts from El Chaltén. The trailhead is easily accessible within the town. The hike itself is approximately 18-20 km round trip and takes about 6-8 hours.
El Chaltén is a small town, and the trailhead for Laguna Torre is within walking distance of most accommodations. You can also find local taxis or shuttles if needed.
You cannot drive directly to Cerro Torre. The experience involves hiking. The nearest town with road access is El Chaltén, which is reached by Route 40.
Most visitors reach El Chaltén by bus from El Calafate, which has an airport. The bus journey takes about 3 hours.
Yes, many tour operators in El Chaltén offer guided hikes to Laguna Torre, which can be beneficial for navigation and understanding the local environment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to hike to Laguna Torre or enter Los Glaciares National Park in the El Chaltén area.
The trails are open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Early mornings and late afternoons often offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, the weather is the biggest factor; clear skies are essential for seeing the peak. +1
Climbing Cerro Torre is an extreme mountaineering endeavor requiring significant experience, specialized gear, and permits. It is not accessible to casual hikers. +1
Yes, but winter (June-August) brings harsh conditions, snow, and ice, making the hike more challenging and potentially dangerous. Many routes are inaccessible.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate. It's about 18-20 km round trip with some elevation gain, but much of it is relatively flat. Many find it easier than the hike to Laguna de los Tres.
You'll see stunning Patagonian landscapes, forests, rivers, and eventually the glacial lake with icebergs, with the iconic Cerro Torre as the backdrop.
The hike typically takes between 6 to 8 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the lagoon.
Yes, the trail to Laguna Torre is generally well-marked and easy to follow.
Visibility can be challenging due to frequent cloud cover and wind. Patience and checking the weather forecast are key.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours (sunrise and sunset) can offer dramatic lighting, but clear weather is paramount. Autumn foliage also provides incredible color opportunities. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the imposing mountain. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Laguna Torre itself offers the most iconic viewpoint. The trail leading up to it also provides various scenic spots.
Include elements like people, trees, or the lake in your foreground to give a sense of scale against the massive mountain.
Drone usage may be restricted within national parks. Always check local regulations before flying. The strong winds can also make drone operation difficult. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Cerro Torre: A Climber's Challenge
+1 Climbers often face extreme Patagonian winds, which can reach hurricane force, making progress slow and perilous. Despite its difficulty, the allure of Cerro Torre draws experienced alpinists seeking to test their skills against one of nature's ultimate obstacles. Expeditions often require meticulous planning, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of alpine conditions.
The first solo winter ascent of the Ragni Route is a testament to the extreme nature of climbing this iconic peak. For the vast majority of visitors, however, Cerro Torre is best admired from a distance. The hike to Laguna Torre offers unparalleled views of this magnificent spire, allowing everyone to appreciate its grandeur without the extreme risks associated with climbing it.
Navigating Patagonia's Wild Weather
Fierce winds are a constant companion, and they can significantly impact hiking conditions and visibility. It's crucial to be prepared for anything. Layering clothing is the most effective strategy, allowing you to adjust to fluctuating temperatures and wind. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. Many travelers recommend checking local weather forecasts religiously, but also being prepared for them to be inaccurate.
Flexibility is key when planning your days. If a planned hike is thwarted by bad weather, have a backup plan or be willing to wait for a window of clearer skies. The reward for patience can be a spectacular, unobstructed view of Cerro Torre, a sight many describe as breathtaking and unforgettable.
The Photographic Majesty of Cerro Torre
The glacial lake at the base, often filled with icebergs calved from the nearby glacier, adds a unique element to the compositions. During autumn, the surrounding vegetation transforms into a riot of color, with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows creating a stunning contrast against the granite and ice of Cerro Torre.
For those aiming to capture the elusive 'summit mushroom' – the unique ice formation crowning the peak – patience and luck are essential.
+1 The ever-changing light conditions, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, can create truly magical moments, but clear skies are a prerequisite for any clear view of the peak. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit