Hiking to Fitz Roy in Patagonia: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Flights

Search for your next flight

Hotels

Fast and simple hotels with Booking

Activities

Book your next excursion with Viator

Insurance

Save on nomad travel insurance

If you’re thinking about hiking to one of the most iconic mountains in the world, let me make this very simple for you: do it! I’m not someone who lives for long hikes, and I don’t usually describe myself as “outdoorsy,” but the hike to Fitz Roy ended up being one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. From the landscapes along the way to the feeling of standing at the top, looking out over Laguna de los Tres, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave Patagonia.

That said, this hike is long, demanding, and not something you want to go into unprepared. After doing it myself, I learned so much along the way, so I’m putting everything you need to know into one place to help you plan your hike as smoothly (and enjoyably) as possible.

How Hard Is the Fitz Roy Hike?

The classic hike to Laguna de los Tres (the end point for the Fitz Roy Hike) takes around eight to ten hours in total, depending on how fast you walk and how long you stay at the top. What makes this hike challenging isn’t one single moment, but rather the combination of distance, elevation, and that final steep section right before the lagoon.

It’s officially classified as a hard hike, but I don’t think that should scare you off. You don’t need to be an extreme hiker. If you’re reasonably fit, willing to take breaks, and properly equipped, this is absolutely doable. I saw people of all ages and fitness levels along the trail, all moving at their own pace.

Getting to El Chaltén, the Starting Point of the Hike

The Fitz Roy hike starts in El Chaltén, a tiny mountain town that’s often called the hiking capital of Patagonia. It’s a town built around people wanting to hike in the area, so it‘s a pretty touristy town with Hotels and restaurants, but still very charming. Just expect higher prices and lots of hikers everywhere.

You can’t fly directly to El Chaltén, so most people start by flying to El Calafate, either from Buenos Aires or Ushuaia. From there, it’s about a two to three hour bus ride into the mountains.

Buses run several times a day, but if you’re visiting during high season, make sure to book ahead. I usually use BusBud to book all my busses in South America.

I made the mistake of booking the same day and almost everything was sold out. I luckily got a ticket, but it was ridiculously expensive, but at that point I was just happy to get there. So learn from my mistake and book in advance.

Many people also choose to rent a car to have more flexibility when they explore Patagonia. Whether or not you need a car really depends on how long you’re staying and how many hikes you want to do. Many hikes will take you back and forth to the city itself, but for some, you’ll need your own car or have preplanned a pickup/drop of. The pickups are quite expensive in itself, so if you know you're going to need a lot of it, renting a car is an easier and more budget friendly alternative.

Compare Rental Car prices Here

Choosing Your Route: Two Ways to Hike Fitz Roy

There are two main ways to do the Fitz Roy Hike and choosing the right one can really shape your experience. Both lead to the same final viewpoint at Laguna de los Tres, but the experience is quite different.

Option 1: Starting and Ending in El Chaltén

This is the most common and straightforward option and therefore why most people choose this one. The trail starts right in town, which means you don’t need any prebooked transport and therefor have complete flexibility with timing.

The downside is that the hike begins with a very steep and boring climb. The first hour is almost entirely uphill with hardly any views, and it’s a tough way to start the day. After that, the trail flattens out and becomes much more manageable for a couple of hours, until you reach the campsite where both routes eventually meet.

From there, you face the final climb, which is about an hour of very steep, narrow trail. This part is physically demanding and also where the crowds really show. People are moving slowly, others are coming back down, and you sometimes have to wait your turn to pass.

The start of the last steep part. It’s truly a lot steeper than it looks in pictures.

If you choose this route, you’ll hike the exact same way back to El Chaltén. This is in my book a downside since there are so much stunning nature to see in the area.

Option 2: The Point-to-Point Route (My Personal Favorite)

If you want the most scenic and balanced experience, this is the route I recommend.

For this option, you’ll need to book a transfer to the trailhead at Rio Electrico, which our hotel in El Chaltén arranged for us. When we did this hike in January, the transfer cost was around 70USD per person. It’s not cheap, but for me, it was worth every peso.

If you have your own car, you can just park at one of the many spots near the trail head. You just have to walk back here to pick up the car instead of walking straight back to the city like we did.

The hike starts gently, with about an hour and a half of mostly flat walking along the Rio Electrico and Rio Blanco. Instead of immediately fighting gravity, you ease into the day, which makes a big difference mentally and physically. As the trail continues, you get more uphill sections, but nothing extreme.

Hiking along the Rivers

What really makes this route special are the views. You will walk past the Glacier Piedras Blancas and you see Fitz Roy from a completely different angle, with wide open landscapes and viewpoints that most people miss unless they do a separate hike. It felt quieter, more spacious, and more immersive.

Eventually, this route joins the main trail at the campsite, and from there you climb the final steep section together with everyone else. The big difference comes afterward: instead of turning around, you continue all the way down to El Chaltén. That brutal uphill from the town route? It’s downhill for you.

If you want to see as much as possible and save some energy early in the hike, this is the route to choose. The only downside is that you need to splurge on transport to the starting point.

This is also an alternative if you’re unsure if you will be able to make the full hike. We met a man on the trail towards the top that said he wasn’t fit enough to do the full climb, but that he couldn’t imagine the views getting that much better than the ones he saw on the way, so he would just walk as long as he could and turn around when it suited him.

Hiking to Fitz Roy

I do of course think the views were the best at the top, but if you're hesitant to do the full trek, then doing this route, and instead of climbing to the top, you can turn towards El Chalten before the steepest part is absolutely an option, and a one that feels more rewarding than just turning back and going back the same route you came.

Don’t Miss This Viewpoint Most People Skip

When you reach Laguna de los Tres, you’ll probably feel like you’ve reached the end — and technically, you have. But don’t stop there.

On the left side of the main lagoon, there’s a short climb to another viewpoint that most people miss. It doesn’t look like much at first, and many hikers are too tired to bother. But if you walk up just a little further, you’ll find another lagoon called Laguna Sucia and a stunning view that, in my opinion, is almost even more beautiful.

I hadn’t read about it anywhere and just followed a few people walking up there — and I’m so glad I did. Look for Mirador à la Laguna Sucia on Google Maps and you’ll see where it is and how close it is.

What to Wear and Bring (Learn From What I Saw on the Trail)

I was genuinely surprised by how many people attempted this hike in sneakers. Yes, it’s possible — but it didn’t look comfortable. The trail is rocky, uneven, and slippery in places, and proper hiking shoes make a huge difference, especially on the way down.

Water and food are essential. We brought plenty of snacks and even carried a celebratory beer and chocolate for the top. Our hotel prepared lunch boxes for us, which was perfect. Standing at the lagoon, eating lunch after that final climb, is a moment I won’t forget.

Layers are absolutely non-negotiable. I started the hike in shorts and a t-shirt under a clear blue sky. By the time we reached the top, I was wearing a wool sweater, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and later changed into long pants. The wind at the top is cold, even on sunny days, and if the weather turns, temperatures drop fast.

One thing people often forget is toilet paper. There are bathrooms at the campsite, but no paper, and if you need to go elsewhere, you’ll want to be prepared. Always bring a plastic bag to pack everything all your rubbish in — nothing should be left on the trail.

I also borrowed walking sticks from our hotel. I had never used them before and wasn’t sure I needed them, but they helped so much, especially on the long descent. My knees were very thankful. However, this might not be something you need, it’s a personal preference.

Amenities Along the Trail

At the campsite where both routes meet, you’ll find bathrooms and a natural resting point before the final climb. Slightly higher up, there’s a popular area where many people stop to eat before tackling the steepest section or celebrate afterward.

You’ll also cross several streams along the way. I saw many hikers refilling their water bottles here. I didn’t personally do it, but it’s common practice.

Navigating the Trail Without Getting Lost

I thought this hike would be impossible to mess up — just follow the trail, right? Somehow, we still managed to walk off the path twice. Not in a dramatic, lost-in-the-wilderness way, but enough to realize we weren’t where we were supposed to be.

The trail is marked with wooden sticks. If you ever feel like you haven’t seen one in a while, stop. Go back to the last marker and look again. Both times we went the direction that felt “logical,” and both times it was wrong. If the path stops looking well-walked, you’re probably off track.

Crowds, Timing, and Walking in Line

This is one of the most popular hikes in Patagonia, and there’s really no avoiding the crowds. If you want the best chance of fewer people, you’ll need to start before sunrise or sleep at the campsite near the top.

Otherwise, expect to walk in line, especially during the final climb. The trail is narrow, people move slowly, and hikers are coming down at the same time. It can be frustrating, but once you accept it and focus on the scenery, it becomes part of the experience.

Where to Stay in El Chaltén

We stayed at Pudu Lodge, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better base. After a long hike, coming back to a warm, cozy place matters more than you think. They also helped us organize transfers and even lent us walking sticks, which turned out to be a lifesaver.

Check prices and availability for Pudu Lodge here

Final Thoughts - Hiking to Fitz Roy

If you’re going to Patagonia, this is not a hike I would skip. It’s long, it’s challenging, and at times it pushes you — but the reward is something truly special. Standing at the top, looking out at Fitz Roy and the lagoon below, makes every step worth it.

I hope this helps you plan your upcoming trek to Fitz Roy. If you have any questions about travel in Patagonia or Argentina in general, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid