Day hiking from El Chalten

This route provides arguably the best viewpoint in the national park. Los Tres (The Three) refers to the peaks of Cerros Fitz Roy, Poincenot and Torre, all of which can be seen in the magnificent 360 degree views from the shores of the lake.

While it can be done as an out-and-back hike from El Chalten, it's a more interesting day if you get transport to Hosteria Pilar and start on a forest path from there. You'll then begin with views of Piedras Blancas glacier, before a steep ascent to the lake, returning to El Chalten past the beautiful Laguna Capri.

Duration: 22km, 7 to 9 hrs

A reasonably gentle hike up a perfect glaciated valley to gain wonderful views of Cerro Torre from the lake. The climb is only 250m or 350m if you continue on up to the Mirador Maestri lookout point.

Duration: 20km, 5 to 6 hrs

Loma roughly translates as 'hill', but this route still takes you some 1,000m above the town of El Chalten. The effort is worth it for a completely different perspective on the mountains, and the views of Lake Viedma as it loops south around the Fitz Roy massif. Although the altitude gain is significant the trail is relatively easy going and you can always cut a couple of kilometres off the end. The rocky terrain is a great place to find fossils.

Duration: 16-18km, 6 to 8 hrs 

Los Huemules Reserve is a 5,800 hectare private reserve north of El Chalten. It was created 15 years ago to preserve the ecology of this area, and has mostly been left to grow wild in the hope that huemules, foxes, magellanic woodpeckers, condors and puma will find sanctuary there. There are a number of trails of varying difficulty.

Although you don't get the spectacular views that you will get from Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre, these hikes are special because of their solitude, exploratory nature, the pristine landscape and diversity of species within the reserve.

To the north of Fitz Roy lies the Electrico Valley, where a gentle hike winds through forest paths, bringing views across the valley to the distant Marconi Glacier. A rustic refugio and campsite can be found at Piedra del Fraile itself. 

Duration: 8 to 9 hrs

• The Condores Viewpoint overlooks the town of El Chalten, and lends itself to spectacular panoramic views of the massifs of Torre, Fitz Roy and the Valley of the Vueltas River.
• Glaciar Huemul can be combined with a boat trip on Laguna del Desierto to get you close to a glacier in just one hour of walking.
• The two main day hikes can be cut short for less intrepid hikers. The Laguna Torre hike can be shortened to just reach Mirador del Torre, where you still get the views of Cerro Torre. Laguna de Los Tres can be shortened by stopping at Laguna Capri for good views of Mount Fitz Roy.