Explore Argentina’s Patagonia: Short Hiking Trails to Fitzroy Peaks

Fitzroy is one of the iconic attractions in Patagonia, and its fame is so significant that the eponymous brand even uses the shape of Mount Fitzroy as its logo.

🎫 Ticket: 45 USD. A 2-day ticket costs 67 USD, allowing re-entry once within 72 hours, which can be used for a visit to the Moreno Glacier the next day.

☀️ Weather: In December, temperatures range from 11-22°C, with clear skies and strong winds.
🧥 Clothing: Rain jacket + fleece + quick-dry long sleeves
During the daytime climb, I didn’t need the fleece, but it was chilly in the early morning and late evening.

📍 Hiking Route
The famous Laguna de Los Tres route is over 20 kilometers round trip with steep slopes, which I found too challenging.
I opted for the Laguna Capri route, a shorter and more manageable option that leads to the lake.

📍 Itinerary:
– 13:20: Enter the park
– 14:00: Arrive at the first viewpoint
– 14:15: Reach the hillside sign, marking 1/10 of the long hiking route
– 16:00: Arrive at the lakeside, about 3/10 of the long route, where you can see Mount Fitzroy; it’s mostly uphill.
– 16:00-17:00: Rest by the lake
– 17:00-19:00: Descend, walking quickly with almost no rest

⚠️ Actual round-trip distance:
12 kilometers, with an elevation gain equivalent to 63 floors [石化R]

Personal situation:
As a sightseeing traveler rather than an outdoor enthusiast, I can usually walk more than ten kilometers, but this was my first time doing wilderness hiking and mountain climbing, and it just wasn’t suitable for me.
The scenery by the lake is breathtaking, but the climb was exhausting. The short route took over 6 hours, with only about 1 hour of mountain views.

Short route personal experience:
1️⃣ Poor trail conditions
The entire path is dirt, like fine, yellow flour. On a sunny day, it kicks up a lot of dust, and on a rainy day, it turns into mud.
The trail is very wild, essentially a trodden path, and it’s hard to understand how it can be sold as a ticketed attraction.

2️⃣ Over 2 hours of pure climbing, with only a small section of the slope offering a view of the river valley. Otherwise, both sides are dense forest with no scenery.
You can only see Mount Fitzroy by the lake, but you can also see the mountain from the town, and by the lake, it’s just a bit closer.

3️⃣ Strong winds
The wind in the Patagonian region is always strong, and the actual experience is even more extreme. A gust of wind can push you backward, and there’s a lot of dust.
Climbing will make you sweat, but the wind is too strong. Taking off the rain jacket and sweating directly in the wind is unbearable, but wearing it is too hot.

⭕ Summary:
If someone says it’s easy online, you should first check if they are outdoor enthusiasts. They might find it easy due to survivorship bias.
For those who mainly travel by car, this attraction is really strenuous. If you’re doing a short hike, it may not be worth a special visit. You can see the mountain from the town entrance or take a day tour from El Calafate. This is just my personal experience.

If you’re planning to embark on this adventure, here are some essential tips to make your journey more enjoyable and safe:

1️⃣ Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no supply points along the way. Even a short hike to the lake can be dehydrating, with one person potentially drinking up to 3 bottles of water. While it might add some weight to your backpack, staying hydrated is crucial for a successful climb.

2️⃣ Before you set off, download a reliable route app and map. I highly recommend Trail Pass. The mountains often lack internet connectivity, and some paths can be misleading, so having offline navigation tools is a must.

3️⃣ Equip yourself with a windproof jacket and quick-dry clothing to stay comfortable in varying weather conditions. Additionally, bring trekking poles for extra stability and a thin mask to protect against dust inhalation.

4️⃣ For the most breathtaking views, aim to catch the golden light at sunrise on the mountain peaks. It’s a truly magical experience that you won’t want to miss.

You can find more detailed travel guides for South America in my previous notes. Wishing you an incredible and memorable journey! ⭐