Fitz Roy's day hike: an indispensable guide

Fitz Roy's day hike: an indispensable guide

A question-and-answer guideline for the Fitz Roy-Tagerung, which tells you exactly what you need to know to achieve this iconic summit

We still had open bills with Fitz Roy. We were for the first time in 2015 after a disappointing trip to Torres del Paine in Chile. It was winter in Patagonia and thanks to the lousy weather we didn't see anything.

A local guide told us that we should try El Chalén in Argentina, where one of the most beautiful mountains in the world above the village himself upheld. To redeem the trip to the south, we followed his advice and made our way to El Chaltén.

Unfortunately it shouldn't be. After walking 18 km (11 miles) to Laguna Torre, we suffered the same fate: a complete whiteout. Peter was particularly depressed. As a mountain junkie, he couldn't believe that he had missed this iconic summit.

Peter has seen fitz roy for the second time Atlas & Boots Peter saw Fitz Roy for the second time

What he didn't know at the time was that we would come back to the Antarctic seven years later. This time we have a different faux pas. Due to our travel experience into a wrong feeling of security, we failed to book a room in advance. We assumed that we could clarify it if we got there. To our surprise, El Chalén was completely full. There was no single room free.

El Chalten was completely full Dsaprin/Shutterstock El Chalten was completely fully

during our visit

decided not to miss this, we decided to stay in El Calafate, a three-hour drive away, and used the public bus to take the Fitz Roy-Tage hike (also known as Laguna de Los Tres Trail). As a result, we had to hike in a hurry to catch the back bus. We did it, but with God, it was exhausting. To make the time easier for you, we have put together this important guide.

What is Fitzy Roy?

Fitz Roy is a picturesque mountain in Patagonia, on the border between Argentina and Chile. At 3,375 m, it is the highest summit in the Los Glaciares National Park and one of the most popular sights in the region. Access takes place via the village of El Chalén, named after Fitzy Roys Tehuelche name, which means "smoking mountain", probably because of the fact that it is often wrapped in clouds.

Atlas & Boots

This time we were lucky with the weather

The explorers Francisco Pascasio Moreno (alias Perito Moreno) and Carlos Moyano later called Fitz Roy after the captain of the Beagle, the ship that Darwin took to his famous Expedition.

What distance does the Fitz Roy daily hike cover?

The day hike Fitz Roy is 24 km (15 miles) from the starting point of the hiking trail at Sendero Al Fitz Roy to Laguna de los Tres.

If you run from the bus station (Terminal de ómnibus el Chaltén) ​​to the starting point of the hiking trail, add 2 km per route so that you cover a total of 28 km (17 miles).

The height difference is 1,067 m, a large part of which is at the end. So save your energy with snacks, breaks and lots of water.

How long does the Fitz Roy take a day hike?

take 8-10 hours to complete the Fitz Roy day hike. We covered 28 km (including the footpath of and to the bus stop) in 7.5 hours, but that was a pretty fast pace. Take a lot of time for photos and breaks and start early to defy the heat.

 Fitz-Roy-Tagerung Atlas & Boots Plan for at least 8 hours for the Fitz Roy-Tag hike

It is also worth mentioning that what we consider as a normal hiking label was apparently not available there (ie go to the side to let faster hikers pass). Therefore, you can find yourself behind slower hikers. In this case, try to find a suitable passport, or ask politely: "Disculpe, Podemos Pasar?" (or "Disculpe, Puedo Pasar?"

How difficult is the Fitz Roy daily hike?

Fitz Roy should be addressed as a demanding hike. While a lot meanders on leaked paths in flat terrain, the last hour is a hardship, especially in the heat. Most of the 1,067 m difference in altitude is located in this last section and the area varies from large boulders to loot. Take a lot of time and slowly take action.

Where does the Fitz Roy daily hike begin and end?

The day hike Fitz Roy starts on the Sendero Al Fitz Roy and ends at Laguna de los Tres.

What should I pack up?

As with every hike, you should pack a lot of water, food, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, layers of clothing and a kind of navigation device (paper/digital map and compass). Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the last section of the hike, ideally with a little ankle support. In view of the extraordinary prospects, it is also worth packing a good camera.

When is the best time for the Fitz Roy day hike?

The best time for a hike to the Fitz Roy is from December to February. We were there in January and had wonderful weather. However, this is high season, so you can expect price increases and lively hiking trails.

We had wonderful weather on the fitz roy day hike Class = "Media-Credit"> Atlas & Boots We had wonderful weather at the Fitz Roy

The shoulder months SEP-Nov and Mär-APR are also good travel times. However, be warned that the weather in Patagonia is very changeable, so pack for all eventualities. No matter which month you choose, start the hike early to defeat the heat and crowds.

Can I do the Fitzy-Roy-Tagen hike alone?

Yes, you can do the Fitz Roy-Tage hike alone. Make sure you read this guide from start to finish so that you are well prepared.

Can I do the Fitz Roy Tailure Hike from El Calafate?

Yes, but we would advise against using public transport as we did. Rent a car instead or book a private tour. Some well -rated options are listed below.

If you absolutely want to do it by public transport, you can book tickets for the public bus online. We took the following buses, but the times vary outside of the high season. Also note that our bus arrived in El Chalén late (at 11 a.m.), which shortened our hiking time. Plan accordingly.

08.00 - 10.40 a.m. Bus from the El Calafate bus station to El Chaltén (2 hours 40 min.) 7.30pm - 10.20pm bus from El Chalén to the El Calafate bus station (2 hours 50 min.)

Where should I stay in El Chalén?

We didn't stay in El Chalt this this time because there was absolutely no availability. Professional tip: Book in advance! The following hotels are well rated on Booking.com.

high-end-switch Suites Hotlless Cerros del Chaltén Boutique Hotelchalten Camp-Glamping with a view (outside the city)

Mittelklassekau Si Aikeapart Guillaumet

Budgetrancho Grandenewen Bed & Breakfast

How do I get to El Chalén?

Most travelers to El Chalén come from El Calafate. You can book the public bus or a private transfer. You can fly from Buenos Aires or Ushaia to El Calafate. Book at skyscanner.net at the best prices.

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