Day walks around El Chalten

Set out into the wilderness from well-situated El Chaltén and get immersed in the spectacular landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.

With an array of shorter routes to choose from and an abundance of jaw-dropping scenery, Los Glaciares is ideal for day trekking. The main sights are all nestled within a compact area, so you can really get up amongst them without ever needing to camp or carry heavy supplies.

The centrepiece of this wintry dominion is photogenic Mount Fitz Roy. Jutting above glacial lakes and ice fields, its crown of sheer peaks thrusting out of the mountainside makes for breathtaking views from all over the park.

One of our favourite treks is to Laguna de Los Tres, which offers up the park’s most classic postcard vista. The 8-hour hike follows a glistening river up through primeval beech forests before climbing to the turquoise lake, spectacularly reflecting the dramatic mountain range of Fitz Roy.

We also love the Laguna Torre trek, a relatively undemanding 6-hour walk straight from El Chaltén into a landscape pitted with glaciers, where you’ll be dwarfed by icebergs and sharp granite peaks.

Activity Rating: easy