Laguna de los Tres is most commonly accessed via a 2-day trek that lets you soak up the scenery of Los Glaciares National Park at a more relaxed pace—full-day hikes are offered but require trekking experience and a good level of fitness. Most treks climb to an altitude of 2,624 feet (800 meters) and pass natural treasures such as the Cerro Torre Glacier, Mt. Fitzroy; and the Capri, Madre, and Hija lakes.
Laguna de los Tres is only accessible on foot. The trailhead begins in the north of El Chalten—follow Avenida San Martin until you reach the parking lot on your left. Hiking tours typically begin the trek from Hosteria El Pilar, which is a 9-mile (14-kilometer) drive from El Chalten.
Patagonia’s hiking season runs from October to April, when the weather is most pleasant and temperatures are moderate. As you’d expect, peak season brings the highest concentration of crowds, so try to begin your trek as early as possible if you’re keen to avoid large groups.
Patagonia is a wild and wonderful place that specializes in glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re spending a week or a while in the wilderness, make sure you don’t miss the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can see chunks of ice the size of cars plummeting into the water; the Grey Glacier, surrounded by a lake that’s popular for cruising; and Chiloe Island, home to a huge colony of penguins.
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