The hike to Laguna Torre is one of the best hikes in Patagonia and can be easily enjoyed when visiting El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital.
This is a moderate hike, with little ascent and gorgeous scenery along the way. It goes to a beautiful glacier-fed lake at the base of Cerro Torre. Much like the hike to Laguna de Los Tres, at the base of Cerro Fitz Roy, it is a must for nature and mountain lovers visiting this part of Argentina.
Of course, being a hiking enthusiast and having been to Argentina many times, I hiked the Laguna Torre trail. It was a fantastic experience. I did in perfect weather and great company and I could not recommend it more.
In this post, I share many Argentina-specific tips and useful information to help you prepare for your Laguna Torre hike and make the most of it. This Laguna Torre guide will explain more background information, intricate details about the hike (for example about the Laguna Torre hike difficulty), and how to hike Laguna Torre, Argentina.
Background Information On Cerro Torre
Cerro Torre, at the base of which you’ll find Laguna Torre El Chaltén, is hardly the highest mountain in the world (it only reaches 3,128 meters—that’s 10,262 feet), but it easily qualifies as one of the most beautiful. It is also one of the most difficult ones to conquer with its almost completely vertical walls.
The mountain is located at the border between Chile and Argentina, and it wasn’t until 1959 that Italian mountaineer Cesare Maestri finally managed to conquer its peak – though this conquest was highly controversial, and there were allegations that he had hoaxed the news.
Nowadays, much like the rest of Patagonia, Cerro Torre is a climbers’ paradise. However, recent incidents that killed some climbers are a reminder of how unpredictably dangerous this and the neighboring peaks can be.
The good news is that, although climbing Cerro Torre can be a real challenge, you can hike all the way to its base to admire it in all its beauty from Laguna Torre (and it’s actually one of my favorite things to do in Argentina).
A Guide To The Laguna Torre Hike
Facts for your Laguna Torre hike
Unlike most hikes in Patagonia, the hike to Laguna Torre isn’t free to access. You can purchase tickets directly at the gate or on the official website of national parks in Argentina, and opt for a day pass, a 3-day or a 7-day pass.
Overall walking distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles) to the base of Laguna Torre one way, to which you can add a little over 1 km (0.6 miles) to the Mirador Maestri, one way. The overall length is thus between 21 (13 miles) and 24 km (15 miles), there and back.
Overall walking time: Between 6 and 7 hours, depending on the amount of stops and whether you also hike to Mirador Maestri.
Food and drinks: You should carry enough food and water for the hike. You can refill your water bottle at the river – water is supposedly safe to drink, but carry a water filter just in case.
Camping: Not far from the lake, the De Agostini campsite is a good place to camp overnight if you like the idea of waking up early to see the sunrise over the peaks. But keep in mind that nights can be very chilly, and though the camping does provide some shelter against the wind, the wind is very strong! Make sure to be properly equipped.
Toilets: There are no toilets along the Laguna Torre trail. At about halfway you will see a sign that points to a toilet, but it’s just a well-hidden bush where everyone goes with no real toilet facilities. Don’t leave any toilet paper behind.
Garbage disposal: there are no garbage bins on the way to Laguna Torre and – in fact – on any of the trails in Patagonia. The trails and the surrounding areas are, however, pristine. Take a small garbage bag to dispose of your trash and bring it back with you to El Chaltén, where you can dispose of it appropriately.
Pets: Dogs or other animals are not allowed on the trail, as it is part of Los Glaciares National Park. This is a general rule for many national parks in Argentina to preserve the flora and fauna in the region.
What to expect when hiking the Laguna Torre trail
The Laguna Torre trail is very well-marked and easy to follow, and the terrain is generally good.
The only difficult part is the initial 2 km (1.2 miles) ascent and the final ascent to Mirador Maestri, which is on very uneven terrain. Only venture on that final bit of the trail if you are confident with your step because it is very easy to lose your balance on the often-moving rocks.
The return trip to El Chalten follows the same Laguna Torre trail. It takes about the same amount of time to walk back down to the village. Overall, the Laguna Torre hike difficulty is very manageable for most people in relatively decent shape.
The hike to Laguna Torre El Chalten is one of the most popular in Patagonia. You will likely meet quite a few people along the way and at the lagoon. However, you won’t ever feel it is a crowded trail—especially if you start nice and early.
If you visit Patagonia in the summer months, the days are very long, and you have plenty of time to hike to Laguna Torre and back. However, opt for an early start (8:30 a.m. is perfect timing!) so that you can avoid the largest crowds and plan a longer break to admire the views once you get to the lake.
The sights
The sights on the way to Laguna Torre are splendid, and on a clear day, Cerro Torre is almost constantly in full view. The lake isn’t blue like that of Laguna de Los Tres, but the glacier is stunning. If you pay attention, you will hear it cracking, much like it happens to Perito Moreno Glacier.
The lagoon is a perfect lunch spot, but if you want a real treat, push yourself all the way to Mirador Maestri, where you can sit and rest for a while in awe of the magnificent glacier.
Starting Point and Laguna Torre Trail
The hike to Laguna Torre offers incredible views throughout the way, a moderate but steady ascent, and a final push to reach the best viewpoint – in other words, it is a very rewarding hike.
There are two starting points for the trail to Laguna Torre, both of them right at the back entrance of El Chalten. After about 10 minutes walk they converge into a single trail, which is very well marked and easy to follow, and you’ll hardly need a map (though you can pick one at your hotel or at the information center).
The initial part of the trail is a 2 km (1.2 miles) rather steep ascent. After that, you will get to the first viewpoint right by Cascada Margarida. That’s when you’ll get a first great view of Cerro Torre in the distance. On a clear day, it will take your breath away.
Once you pass Cascada Margarida, the ascent is little and the hike becomes much easier.
It takes another hour and a half to get to Laguna Torre. As you walk there, you will have Rio Fitz Roy roaring on your left, its water cloudy from the sediments it carries from Laguna Torre and its glacier.
Once you reach the lake, the views are even better. You can opt to stop here or, if you want even better views, venture along the trail that leads to Mirador Maestri. This is the hardest part of the hike, with a narrow trail and steep drops on one side on very rocky, uneven terrain. Furthermore, this part of the trail can be difficult to follow due to a lack of clear signage.
You will have to hike back to El Chalten along the same trail.
Essential items to wear and carry on a hike to Laguna Torre
You have to be properly equipped when hiking anywhere in Patagonia, and Laguna Torre is no exception. I won’t ever tire of stressing the importance of a good pair of hiking boots that hold your ankle and keep your feet dry.
The first thing you need to consider when gearing up to hike to Laguna Torre is that you have to be prepared for sudden weather changes. The list of recommended items to wear and carry for your hike to Laguna Torre is based on my experience:
- A good pair of hiking boots, preferably with excellent ankle support and waterproof.
- Waterproof hiking pants. I swear by my new Kuhl Kontour Straight
or my Kuhl Weekendr Tight. - A cotton t-shirt such as Kuhl W’s Born T – It’s comfortable and lightweight.
- A cozy fleece – I like Kuhl Alska. Do carry an extra one in case the temperature drops.
- A good windproof jacket. I am a fan of the Hydroflex Rain Jacket.
- You should wear a baseball hat or a beanie to protect you from the sun and wind and a pair of gloves in the morning, as it is cold.
- A good daypack with easy-to-reach pockets for water bottles. I like Osprey Daylite Plus.
- A refillable water bottle.
- Sunscreen with high protection factor, as well as lip balm.
- A camera. If you are not a photography geek, opt for a good smartphone such as an iPhone X. Take a power bank as well!
- Tissues or toilet paper, and a good antibacterial hand gel.
- You will need food and water for the duration of the hike and an extra spare bag to put all your garbage in.
Practical Guide For Your Laguna Torre Trek
Hiking the Laguna Torre trek independently
The hike to Laguna Torre can definitely be done independently. The trail is easy to follow. I do not advise you to hike alone, as there is no phone signal at all along the trail, should you run into an emergency.
I did the Laguna Torre hike independently (although not alone) and thought it was very straightforward and easy to navigate. This is definitely the perfect hike for a simple Patagonia day hike.
Check out my post, Reasons Why Hiking Alone Is Actually A Bad Idea, to better understand the dangers and worries of hiking alone.
Guided hikes to Laguna Torre
If you prefer, you can also join a guided group hike. Several depart daily from El Chalten. While hiking to Laguna Torre is pretty easy without a guide, booking a tour has many advantages.
For example, if you’re traveling alone and want to go with a group for safety or to simply have more fun, a guided tour is the perfect option. Additionally, if you’re tired of organizing and planning things, booking a tour to Laguna Torre does make things significantly easier for you.
The best are multi-day hikes that also go to Laguna de los Tres, as it makes for a much more action-packed experience!
I recommend this 2-Day Hiking Tour of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from El Chalten. This 2-day hike treats you to amazing views of Laguna de los Tres, the Torre Valley and the Capri, Madre and Hija Lake, Fitz Roy Massif, and Cerro Torre glacier. You’ll spend a night camping at Poincenot Camp under the stars. And the best part? Meals and planning are taken care of for you.
The best time to hike to Laguna Torre
The best time to hike in Patagonia is between October and April, in the late spring and summer months. However, the weather is very unpredictable in this part of the world. Be prepared for wind, rain, and even snow at any time.
I was actually very lucky and enjoyed sunny, warm weather when I visited in mid-February. If you are not on a tight schedule, plan to spend a few days in El Chalten so that you can wait for the perfect day to hike to Laguna Torre.
Other Useful Information
How to get to El Chalten
El Chaltén is the nearest place to reach Laguna Torre. The nearest airport is El Calafate. Aerolinas Argentina offers direct flights to El Calafate from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. From El Calafate, it is a three-hour bus ride with gorgeous views of the mountains.
By Bus
El Chalten is well connected to El Calafate by bus. Rides depart at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from the terminal on Julio Argentino Roca. During peak season, additional buses depart from El Calafate. The bus ride from El Calafate to El Chalten usually takes around three hours.
The best companies are Chalten Travel and Caltur. The ride costs around $28 USD one way, though this can change, so make sure to check in advance.
By car
If you’d rather travel independently, you can rent a car directly at El Calafate airport. I strongly recommend using DiscoverCars for renting a car abroad. You can compare prices, and they actually have a lot of affordable and reliable options. And you don’t have to worry about hidden fees, which is a nice bonus.
Keep in mind that the only service station is at La Leona. There, you can have a quick bite (though the food is terrible) and use the washrooms.
If you de decide to rent a car, make sure to read my Useful Guide to Renting a Car in Argentina. It explains all the important details you need to know before getting on the road!
ATMs in El Chalten
Withdrawing money during peak season can be an issue in El Chaltén. Indeed, there are only two ATMs located at the village’s entrance, by the bus terminal, and they regularly run out of cash. Many businesses do not accept credit cards. The best option is to make sure to withdraw cash in El Calafate after having carefully revised your budget!
Where to stay in El Chalten
El Chalten has some very good accommodation options and a handful of good restaurants and breweries. Most places close between April and the beginning of October.
These are some of the best places to stay in El Chalten:
Rancho Grande is a good hostel near the center of El Chaltén. It features private rooms, dorms, a cozy yet busy common area, an in-house pub that serves fairly good food, and even a travel agency.
Posada y Cabañas El Barranco has rooms as well as bungalows, and it’s very close to the town center.
Chalten Suites Hotel has very large rooms. The excellent breakfast is one of its main perks.
Estancia La Quinta is a lovely place, but it is only suitable if you have your own car, as it is a good 55 minutes’ walk to the village. The rooms are plain, but the overall atmosphere is very cozy.
Where to eat in El Chalten
Argentinian food is good, but there’s nothing better than good Argentinian food after a long day of hiking and exploring.
Almost all restaurants, bars, and pubs in El Chalten have happy hour between 5:00 and 8:00 pm when most people come back from their hikes. These are the best places to eat in town:
- Maffìa is a plain eatery that still makes homemade pasta. The sauces are not the way we make them in Italy, but they are good enough. Prices are fair.
- Ahonikenk makes some of the Argentine staples, including a good Milanesa. Portions are huge, and prices are fair.
- Curcuma is one of the few options for vegans.
- La Vineria has a great selection of draft beers and wines.
- Cerveceria Artesanal is the best pub in El Chalten.
- Mathilda is a cozy café serving salads, sandwiches, and lots of good drinks.
Travel insurance for your Laguna Torre hike El Chalten
I strongly recommend that all travelers have good travel insurance, no matter the activities and trips planned. However, it’s even more important when it comes to hiking and other more adventurous activities that might be on your Argentina itinerary.
I really love HeyMondo because they have good customer support and great deals for international travelers.
You can also read my article, Why You Need A Good Backpacker Travel Insurance, in case you need any more convincing!
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, make sure to check out my other posts:
- Top 13 Things To Do In Rosario Argentina: An Insider’s Guide!
- 11 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Perito Moreno Glacier
- 15 Amazing National Parks In Argentina
- 30 Things You Should Consider Before Traveling To Patagonia
- A Complete Guide To Hiking Laguna Esmeralda
- The Best Argentine Movies
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