Mount Fitz Roy

What it is

Fitz Roy, also called Cerro Chaltén, is a granite peak on the Argentina–Chile border, in Los Glaciares National Park. The Tehuelche called it the smoking mountain, after the clouds that so often cling to its summit. Even people who have never been here know its jagged outline: it is the skyline on the Patagonia brand logo. El Chaltén, the village at its foot, is known as Argentina's national trekking capital.

When and how

The main trail runs from the village to Laguna de los Tres: about 20–25 km round trip and 8–10 hours. It is gentle at first, through forest and past Laguna Capri; the last kilometer is a steep, rocky climb of about 400 m. Since 2024 entry to the trails has been paid, with national park tickets sold online. The best season is November to March.

Tip

To see the peak glow red at sunrise, hikers start in the middle of the night with headlamps. Pack a thermos of hot tea: the wind at the lagoon is often fierce.