The 3 Best Trails in Los Glaciares National Park | El Chalten
Did you know that the beautiful trails of the Glaciers National Park in El Chaltén are more accessible and easier than you think? Stay tuned and we will explain this straight in our content here.
Hi guys! My name is Luiz Carlos Junior and I am a photographer and hiker with almost 10 years of experience traveling around the world. My goal is also to help you to go to most of these places without difficulties, with my experience and learning. Wherever I explore, I want to pass on those sensations, emotions and lessons to you there as well.
I know that the first thing you might think about before going on a hike in an isolated place or in another country is: how am I going to do it? Will I be able to walk a lot, be cold, or stay in a tent with limited food? Don't worry, I've already done it, and I'll teach you step-by-step how to do the same and get addicted to this adventurous life.
Today, I'm going to talk specifically about a set of very famous trails in Argentinan Patagonia, inside the Glaciers National Park.
If you want to know more about other places, don't worry, you've come to the right place. We have several other posts here about other trails, and we will do more in the future.
As I was saying, the Glaciers National Park has a set of interesting and easy-to-follow trails. It doesn't matter if you're a first-timer or an expert: you'll be amazed at the beauty of the place. The three main points you can explore on these trails are:
Laguna Torre
Laguna de Los Três
Laguna Capri
Remembering that the link to the details of each one is below, and I'm just going to talk a little about what the route is like and what you need to have and do to complete each one. Let's start with the easiest.
Laguna Capri is the easiest of the three to be reached and has an incredible view of the Fitz Roy reflected when the winds are at their lowest. It takes a little more than 4 km to get there, with an elevation of 400m, which is not that difficult even if you are not very fit.
This trail can be done in a day trip from the city of El Chaltén, although Camp Capri is available for you to spend the night if you wish. Remember that if you go around it is another 4 km on the descent, which makes a total of 8 km for your day.
Camp Capri can be used freely, just have your tent. Be sure of the weather forecast so you don't get storms and blizzards. Always check the night before for reliability.
Bring energy foods like fruits, bars, cake, breads and water. If you go camping, the ideal is also some empanadas, sandwiches and even cold cuts to eat at night.
Mirador Fitz Roy in the first rays of sun, next to Laguna Capri
Laguna Capri is used as a base for going to the other lagoons, so it's common for you to want to camp there before following the trail, but it's not a mandatory stop. Don't forget to stop at the Fitz Roy viewpoint for incredible views.
In terms of challenge, this is number two of our trails in the Park. The Laguna Torre trail requires a little more physical disposition on its 8.5 km (one-way) in almost 540 m of altitude gain. Remembering that the round trip is just over 17 km, so if you are going to do a day trip, your preparation needs to take this into account.
O Incrível Cerro Torre
Laguna Torre has a beautiful view of Cerro Torre, a finger-shaped mountain in the most famous mountain range in Patagonia Argentina. If you're lucky, you'll be able to see icebergs and chunks of ice floating in the lake, directly from the glaciers ahead. It's certainly a place you should book at least two days if you're going to camp, and a full day leaving very early if you're going to do the loop.
As in Laguna Capri, the secret here is to bring energetic foods, plenty of water, but don't weigh your backpack too much. At some points you may feel tired and want to stop. Respect your rhythm. The secret is to go slow and steady, as it is not a trail race. If you go camping, the above tips are also valid: check the weather forecast and take some substantial food for the night. The campsite near Laguna Torre is Acampamento D’Agostini. Just arrive, set up your tent and take a deep breath of the Patagonian air.
Now the third and final lagoon, which is probably the most beautiful: Laguna de Los Tres. The name comes from the incredible views of Fitz Roy, Poincenot and Saint Exupery that are prominently displayed after you climb an incredible 1,000 meters from the trail head.
Da direita para a esquerda: Fitz Roy, Poincenot e Saint Exupery.
I have already done the Laguna de Los Três in a day trip, but keep in mind that it is almost 21 km of walk in total. It's not impossible, but it's quite tiring especially after the ascent after Poincenot Camp (500 m of ascent over 2 km). Let's break down this challenge a little here for you who are doing it for the first time:
If you are going to do the day trip I recommend that you leave El Chaltén very early and go straight to Camp Poincenot. Recharge your energies, eat something light, drink some water and start climbing slowly and stopping whenever necessary. Be careful with uneven terrain and loose rocks. When you reach the top, recharge again (maybe even have some lunch) and slowly descend again to Camp Poincenot.
From there, it's just a return. Don't forget to wear comfortable hiking boots and a thick sock so you don't hurt your feet. Bring flexible outerwear (for rain and wind) so you don't feel uncomfortable on the way. The way back can be monotonous, but keep the focus that by the end of the afternoon you are back in the city.
For camping, the ideal is to spend a night at Camp Capri and then go to Camp Poincenot. It's not hard to head straight to Camp Poincenot if you're in a hurry, but remember to lighten your backpack and prepare yourself physically.
Lagoons Circuit
It is common for some adventurers to do a circuit of the lagoons within the Park. For this, bring enough food, check the weather forecast and prepare yourself physically. My recommendation is to start with Laguna Torre, then Laguna Capri and then Laguna de Los Tres.
This complete itinerary can vary from 4 to 7 days depending on your pace and mood.
Hope you liked it, Guys! Don't forget to share with your friends! See you next time!