Laguna Torre is the second most famous trek in El Chalten and one of the most beautiful hikes in Argentine Patagonia. The 18 km round-trip trail leads to the base of Cerro Torre (3,128 m), one of the most technically difficult mountains to climb in the world, famous for its vertical granite spire crowned by a mushroom of ice. The lagoon, at 730 metres altitude in Los Glaciares National Park (lat -49.3167, lng -73.0333), is fed by the Torre Glacier and frequently has ice blocks floating on its surface. The trek has 350 metres of elevation gain, takes 7-8 hours and is of medium difficulty, more accessible than Laguna de los Tres. The trail passes through dense lenga and nire forests, crosses crystal-clear streams and offers viewpoints of Cerro Torre at various points. It is free and can be combined with Laguna de los Tres on consecutive days.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires → Bariloche | 1640 km | 2 h 20 | 22 h | 18 h |
| Buenos Aires → El Calafate | 2700 km | 3 h 15 | 40 h | 35 h |
| Buenos Aires → Ushuaia | 3050 km | 3 h 35 | 50+ h | — |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1490 km | 1 h 45 | 28 h | 24 h |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 600 km | 1 h 15 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | High season | |
| Feb | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | ||
| Mar | 6° / 18°C | 50 mm | ||
| Apr | 3° / 14°C | 70 mm | ||
| May | 0° / 10°C | 90 mm | ||
| Jun | -2° / 6°C | 110 mm | Ski season | |
| Jul | -2° / 6°C | 120 mm | ||
| Aug | -1° / 8°C | 90 mm | ||
| Sep | 1° / 12°C | 60 mm | ||
| Oct | 4° / 16°C | 40 mm | ||
| Nov | 6° / 19°C | 40 mm | ||
| Dec | 7° / 21°C | 40 mm |
How to Get There
Trailhead
The starting point is at the western end of El Chalten, signposted near the National Parks information centre. Total distance: 18 km round trip (9 km each way). Setting out between 7:00 and 8:00 AM is recommended.
Trail Stages
The first 3 km climb gently through lenga forest. The trail then flattens, alternating between forest and clearings with views of Cerro Torre and the Grande Glacier. At 7 km you reach Campamento De Agostini (free campsite). The final 2 km are more open, skirting the moraine to the lagoon with Cerro Torre in full view.
Getting to El Chalten
El Chalten is 220 km from El Calafate (3 hours via RN 40). Daily buses USD 15-25. Flights to El Calafate (FTE) from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Bariloche.
What to See and Do
Cerro Torre and the Glacier
Cerro Torre is a vertical granite spire of 3,128 m crowned by an ice mushroom (rime mushroom) that makes it one of the world's most difficult mountains. From the lagoon you can appreciate the full verticality of the east face. The Torre Glacier descends directly from the wall and feeds the lagoon with icebergs floating on the surface. On clear days, the view is mesmerising.
Mirador Maestri
A short detour from the main trail leads to Mirador Maestri, an elevated point with a panoramic view of the lagoon, glacier and the entire chain of spires: Cerro Torre, Torre Egger, Cerro Standhardt and Aguja Bifida. It is the best photography spot. Add 30 minutes to the trek.
Lenga Forest
Much of the trail passes through lenga forests (Nothofagus pumilio), the emblematic tree of Patagonia. In autumn (March-April) the lengas turn red, orange and gold, creating a spectacular landscape. The forest provides shelter from wind and is home to Patagonian woodpeckers, parakeets and foxes.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (December-February): Best season. Long days, 5-18 degree temperatures, dry trails. January is the most stable month.
- Autumn (March-April): Spectacular autumn colours in lenga forests. Fewer people, shorter days. Possible snowfall from mid-April.
- Spring (October-November): Trails may have residual snow. Streams swollen from snowmelt. Fewer tourists.
- Winter (May-September): Snow-covered trail, only for experienced trekkers with proper equipment.
Practical Information
Difficulty
Medium difficulty. More accessible than Laguna de los Tres: less elevation gain (350 m vs 750 m) and without the steep final section. Suitable for people with average fitness. Bring trekking boots, layered clothing, waterproof windbreaker, water (2 litres), food and trekking poles.
Cost
Completely free. No park entry fee or campsite charge. One of the most economically accessible world-class treks.
Accommodation
Hostels in El Chalten from USD 15-25, cabins from USD 60-100, boutique hotels from USD 150. Book ahead in high season (January-February).
