Hike to the Capri Lagoon at Mount Fitz Roy

In the north of Los Glaciares National Park lies the mountain, Mount Fitz Roy, with its characteristic sharp peaks. The mountain is “only” 3,405 metres high and yet known to be one of the most difficult peaks in the world to climb due to ice and changeable weather conditions. Fortunately, the iconic, photogenic mountain can be seen from several different vantage points, and you definitely don’t have to be a climber to go on this amazing 17-km hike to the Capri Lagoon.

You will be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate in the morning and driven to El Chaltén on the epic Route 40, which runs through Argentina from north to south. You drive through windswept plain landscape with its wild guanacos and past the beautiful Argentino and Viedma lakes. The drive to El Chaltén is approx. 210 km, but there will be both photo and toilet stops along the way.

El Chaltén (400 m above sea level) is a cosy town at the northern section of Los Glaciares National Park, which attracts keen hikers from all over the world – and for good reason. It’s a stunningly beautiful area to hike in, and, unless you want to climb Mount Fitz Roy, most trekking routes in the area are suitable for anyone in reasonable shape.

In El Chaltén, you’ll meet your guide and together you’ll begin the trek towards the Capri lagoon. The first 1.5–2 hours take you uphill through hilly terrain with rocks and woodland. Your guide will tell you about the nature and the beautiful and fascinating flora and fauna you encounter on the way.

You’ll make a stop at a viewpoint on your way to the lagoon from which, on a clear day, you can not only see Mount Fitz Roy, but the other high peaks, Poincenot, Saint Exupery, Mermoz and Guillaumet, too, towering majestically on the horizon.

There are also some great photo opportunities at the Capri Lagoon, with the lagoon in the foreground and the mountains in the background. It is nothing short of magical!

A packed lunch (included) is enjoyed along the way in the scenic surroundings.

The return trek follows the same route back, so there’ll be a descent which takes around 1.5–2 hours to El Chaltén, where the trek ends and you say goodbye to your guide.

On the bus back to El Calafate, you can sit back and enjoy a well-deserved little rest after your magnificent efforts today.

Distance: approx. 8 km (4–5-hour hike)

Level of difficulty – technical: Easy

Level of difficulty – physical: Moderate

Duration: Approx. 12-14 hours

Season: October – April (no departure on 1 January)

Remember to bring: Good hiking shoes and hiking clothes, a fleece and waterproof jacket, hat, mittens, water, snacks, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and, of course, a camera.

Please note: The weather in the mountains of Patagonia is highly unpredictable and can change dramatically in the space of just a few minutes. So, it’s important to bring warm clothes with you that you can put on and take off as the weather changes.
It is often very windy during the season from October–March.