Mount Fitz Roy
Iconic granite spires in Patagonia, Argentina, offering world-class trekking and unparalleled natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer days, better weather odds
Mount Fitz Roy
Best Time
Longer days, better weather odds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic granite spires in Patagonia, Argentina, offering world-class trekking and unparalleled natural beauty.
"The walk is nice and nature awesome! The last km is a bit hard but reaching the lake and watching just in front of the Fitz Roy is awesome!"
Start hike from El Pilar
Consider starting the hike from El Pilar for a flatter, easier path with great views.
Rent hiking gear
Don't let lack of gear stop you; rental shops in El Chaltén are well-equipped.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna de los Tres
Base of Mount Fitz Roy
The ultimate reward: a glacial lake reflecting Fitz Roy's majestic spires. The final ascent is tough but unforgettable.
Laguna Capri
On the way to Laguna de los Tres
A more accessible hike offering stunning Fitz Roy vistas without the extreme difficulty of the final push.
Sunrise over Fitz Roy
Various viewpoints
Witnessing the granite peaks ignite with golden light is a bucket-list experience for many.
Laguna Sucia
Off the main trail
A less-visited gem with striking turquoise waters, offering a different perspective of the Fitz Roy massif.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fitz Roy Views
Hike Smart: Gear Up for the Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start hike from El Pilar
Consider starting the hike from El Pilar for a flatter, easier path with great views.
Rent hiking gear
Don't let lack of gear stop you; rental shops in El Chaltén are well-equipped.
Check weather forecasts
Weather changes rapidly; check forecasts daily for the best chance of clear views.
Bring cash
While cards are accepted, having cash is useful for smaller purchases and emergencies.
Tips
from all over the internet
Start hike from El Pilar
Consider starting the hike from El Pilar for a flatter, easier path with great views.
Rent hiking gear
Don't let lack of gear stop you; rental shops in El Chaltén are well-equipped.
Check weather forecasts
Weather changes rapidly; check forecasts daily for the best chance of clear views.
Bring cash
While cards are accepted, having cash is useful for smaller purchases and emergencies.
Prepare for wind
Patagonia is known for its strong winds; a face mask can help with dust and wind.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Fitz Roy for its breathtaking natural beauty and the rewarding experience of reaching its iconic viewpoints. The challenging hike is often described as tough but ultimately worth the effort for the spectacular scenery. Some find the final ascent particularly demanding, and weather can be a significant factor in visibility.
"One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to! The walk is nice and nature awesome! The last km is a bit hard 😱 but reaching the lake and watching just in front of the Fitz Roy (El Chalten) is awesome! Worthy! Great! I’ve been day on a Christmas Day! What a gift!"
Lesly Zerna
"If you’re not fit, you’ll struggle. I did it while suffering from plantar fasciitis and it was a terrible idea. Took a cab (40,000 pesos 🤦🏻♀️) to Rio Electrico as it’s supposed to save you some walking. Don’t fall for it. I walked 29km in total which is more than what most people do following the usual trail and spent all that money on the cab too. But if you insist on starting at Rio Electrico, then wait at the car park at the bottom of the trail and hitch a ride. While the view is pretty like any mountain and laguna is bound to be, if you’re a world traveler, you’ll have seen some more beautiful ones. Do it as a personal achievement if you’d like to say you’ve conquered Fitz Roy. But if it’s for the view or a photo, save yourself the struggle. You can access beautiful views at a much lower altitude (Laguna Capri is one). Just my personal opinion. Walking poles and a face mask will come in handy as you’ll breathe in a lot of dirt. The winds are high even in good weather."
Mel
"The trek from El Chalten to Fitz Roy was not easy at first. However, the clear waters of Lake Capri, the flawless blue sky, and the majestic peaks that we encountered after struggling to climb gave us an indescribable sense of emotion."
Hyekyung Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Fitz Roy is accessed from the town of El Chaltén, often called the trekking capital of Argentina. Most visitors start their hikes directly from town or take a short taxi/shuttle to trailheads like El Pilar.
Buses run regularly from El Calafate to El Chaltén, which is the closest major town with an airport.
You cannot drive directly to the base of Mount Fitz Roy. The area is a national park, and access is primarily by hiking trails. The closest road access points are trailheads like El Pilar, from which you begin your trek.
The most common way to reach El Chaltén is by bus from El Calafate, which has an airport (FTE) with domestic flights. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours.
Yes, many tour operators in El Chaltén offer guided hikes to Mount Fitz Roy and other trails. This can be a good option if you prefer not to hike independently or want to learn more about the area from a local guide.
While the most iconic views require hiking, there are viewpoints accessible with less strenuous effort, such as Laguna Capri. However, to truly experience the grandeur of Fitz Roy, hiking is essential.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Los Glaciares National Park, where Mount Fitz Roy is located, is generally free. However, some specific areas or services within the park might have associated fees, though this is uncommon for the main hiking trails.
The hiking trails are open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's advisable to start your hike during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for the hiking trails around El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy within Los Glaciares National Park. Always check the official park website for the most current information.
It's highly recommended to book guided hikes in advance, especially during peak season (summer), as popular tours can fill up quickly.
For day hikes to Mount Fitz Roy, no special permits are generally required. However, if you plan on multi-day trekking or camping in more remote areas, you may need to check park regulations for permits.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The most popular hike, Laguna de los Tres, is considered challenging. It's a 25km round trip with significant elevation gain, especially the steep final kilometer. +2 Many find it tough, especially if not fit.
The Laguna de los Tres hike typically takes 8-10 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the viewpoint. +1
Layered clothing is key due to unpredictable weather. Wear sturdy hiking boots, waterproof and windproof outer layers, and bring a hat and gloves. +1
Basic facilities like pit toilets may be available at certain points along the main trails, but it's best to be prepared to be self-sufficient.
The most famous viewpoint is Laguna de los Tres, offering direct views of the mountain reflected in the lake. +1 Laguna Capri also provides excellent, more accessible views.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, with the peaks catching the golden hour hues. +1 However, clear weather is paramount, so be ready to shoot whenever the clouds part!
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check the official rules for Los Glaciares National Park before flying a drone.
The reflection is best seen at Laguna de los Tres on a calm day. Arrive early to find a good spot and wait for the light to be just right. +1
Beyond the main trails, explore viewpoints like Laguna Sucia or consider hikes towards Cerro Torre for different perspectives of the mountain range.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Laguna de los Tres Hike: Conquer the Final Kilometer
Despite the difficulty, reaching the viewpoint at Laguna de los Tres is incredibly rewarding. The glacial lake perfectly mirrors the jagged granite spires of Fitz Roy, creating a breathtaking panorama.
For those seeking a slightly less arduous experience, consider the hike to Laguna Capri.
Navigating El Chaltén: The Trekking Capital
When planning your visit, remember that cash is still important in El Chaltén, even though credit cards are widely accepted.
For those looking to maximize their hiking experience, consider starting the popular Laguna de los Tres trail from El Pilar.
Capturing the Majesty: Photography Tips for Fitz Roy
+1 The best advice is to be prepared to shoot whenever the clouds part, as conditions can change rapidly. +1 Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, painting the granite peaks in warm, golden hues. For capturing the grandeur of the landscape, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the mountains and valleys.
A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the iconic spires of Fitz Roy. Unique photo opportunities abound beyond the main trails. Laguna Sucia offers striking turquoise waters that contrast beautifully with the rugged peaks.
For a different perspective, consider hikes that lead to views of the entire Fitz Roy mountain range, including the nearby Cerro Torre. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit