Mt. Fitz Roy
The Basics
The resort village of El Chaltén serves as the starting point for hikes around Mt. Fitz Roy. The hike to the top is challenging, even for experienced hikers, but visitors will find plenty of trails affording stellar views of the granite peaks.
Spend a full day hiking on a day trip from El Calafate, or opt for a multi-day trekking tour through Los Glaciares National Park to soak up the landscapes of Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, Piedras Blancas Glacier, and Laguna Madre e Hija as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
Mt. Fitz Roy is a must-see for adventure travelers and first-time visitors to Patagonia.
Guided hiking tours to the Mt. Fitz Roy area can last anywhere from a full day to five days, depending on the option chosen.
Don’t forget to wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for traversing uneven surfaces.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can be chilly even during summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
How to Get There
The easiest way to access the national park is by car or guided tour. It’s also possible to take Bus 40 from El Calafate. Once inside the park, several trails offer views of the peak, depending on your time constraints and fitness level.
When to Get There
The best season for hiking this region of Argentina is from November to April—summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s best to visit on a clear day when the peak will be visible, but weather conditions can always change quickly.
Other Attractions in Los Glaciares National Park
Mt. Fitz Roy may be the star attraction for trekkers within Los Glaciares National Park, but it’s not the only highlight of a visit. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also home of the Perito Moreno Glacier, Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, Cerro Torre peak, and Lago Argentino, the largest lake in the country.
- Laguna Torre
- Huemul Glacier
- Laguna de los Tres
- Viedma Glacier
- Upsala Glacier
- La Leona Petrified Forest
- Onelli Glacier
- Argentino Lake (Lago Argentino)
- Walichu Caves (Cuevas Galicho)
- Estancia Alice (El Galpon Del Glaciar)
- Glaciarium Ice Museum
- Nimez Lagoon Nature Reserve (Laguna Nimez Reserve)
- El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center
- Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares)
- Estancia Cristina