View of Laguna Capri with Mount Fitz Roy in the background on a clear day.
Reflection of the Fitz Roy in the Capri Lagoon surrounded by autumn trees.
Hiker observing the De las Vueltas river valley between mountains on a cloudy day.
Aerial view of the De las Vueltas river between mountains in Argentinean Patagonia
Panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy from the lookout point with interpretive signage
Landscape of forests and mountains with the Fitz Roy in the background partially covered by clouds.
Panoramic view of the De las Vueltas river winding through mountains in Argentine Patagonia
Dirt road through a lenga forest on the road to Laguna Capri
Signs at the beginning of the trails to Laguna Capri, Laguna de los Tres, and Laguna Torre.
Wooden sign marking kilometer 3 of the trail to Laguna Capri and Fitz Roy.
Rustic wooden entrance at the trailhead in El Chaltén
Bus and travelers observing Fitz Roy from the viewpoint on the road between El Calafate and El Chaltén.
Map with trails and points of interest in the area of El Chaltén, Laguna Capri and Fitz Roy.
Capri Lagoon
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Laguna Capri Hike El Chaltén from El Calafate

Self-guided hike to Laguna Capri with transfers from El Calafate and lunch box included.

(2 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: Pick-up from your accommodation in El Calafate at 7:30 AM
Ends: Drop-off at your accommodation in El Calafate at 8:00 PM
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Looking for a chill hike with epic views? This Laguna Capri Hike from El Calafate is just what you need. It’s a great option if you want to explore El Chaltén without doing a super intense trek — but still get those amazing Patagonia views.

Your day starts with a comfy minibus ride from El Calafate. A guide will be with you during the drive and once you get to El Chaltén, they’ll give you all the tips and info you need before you hit the trail. From there, you're on your own — this is a self-guided hike to the Laguna Capri viewpoint, covering about 6.2 miles round-trip.

Along the way, you’ll walk through peaceful forests, cross glacial rivers, and, if the weather’s on your side, catch incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy reflected in the lagoon. 📸

You'll be back in El Calafate by the evening, making this Laguna Capri Hike El Chaltén the perfect day trip if you're short on time but still want to experience the magic of Patagonia.

Ready to lace up your boots and get out there?

Tour details

Included

  • Round-trip transportation from your accommodation in El Calafate
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish-English) during the transfers
  • Lunch box for the hike

Not included

  • Guide during the trekking route
  • Personal hiking gear
  • Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park

Important information

  • Round-trip transportation from your accommodation in El Calafate is included, as long as your lodging has a reception desk. If not, we’ll let you know the closest meeting point for pick-up and drop-off.
  • The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included in the tour price. You’ll need to purchase it in advance through the official National Parks website.
  • This tour runs daily from October through April. In September, departures are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • If you're traveling between May and August, please contact us to check availability for those dates.
  • During April and September, the tour starts at 8:00 AM and ends around 7:00 PM. The return transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate departs at 4:00 PM.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

You can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Cancellations made after this period or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.

Tour itinerary

Laguna Capri Hike

Hiking distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)

Hiking duration: 3–4 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation gain: 1,300 ft (400 m)

Total tour duration (including transfers): 12 hours

7:30 AM

Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén

Your day begins with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in El Calafate. You'll travel in a shared minibus accompanied by a bilingual guide. The journey takes you to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, where you’ll arrive around 11:00 AM.

Estancia La Leona - Viedma Glacier Viewpoint

Around 9:00 AM, you’ll stop at Estancia La Leona, a historic roadside inn where you can use the restrooms or enjoy a hot drink before continuing the drive.

Along the way, you’ll also make a short stop at the Viedma Glacier Viewpoint, offering stunning views of the lake, the glacier, and the iconic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks — perfect for a photo break before the hike begins.

Travelers in front of Hotel La Leona during the trip between El Calafate and El Chaltén.
11:00 AM

Arrival in El Chaltén – Trek Prep

Once you arrive in El Chaltén, your guide will give you all the instructions you need to complete the trail safely and on your own.

The hike begins at the end of San Martín Avenue, right next to the entrance sign to Los Glaciares National Park. There, the guide will hand you your lunch box and show you the start of the self-guided trail to Laguna Capri.

You’ll also receive a trail map with useful information about the route, distances, and estimated hiking times.

Entrance to the trekking trail to Laguna Capri and Chorrillo del Salto from El Chaltén.

Ascent to the Vueltas River Viewpoint

The hike begins with a moderate uphill section during the first kilometer (0.6 miles), leading you to the Vueltas River Viewpoint. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the wide valley carved by this glacial river.

You’ll then continue along a gentler slope, walking with views of the Los Cóndores mountain range in the distance.

Walking Through the Andean Forest

As you move forward, the landscape shifts and you’ll begin walking among ñires and lengas, native Patagonian trees that offer shelter from the wind.

By the time you reach kilometer 2 (1.2 miles), you'll be fully immersed in the Patagonian Andean forest — a peaceful and scenic stretch of trail.

De las Vueltas river valley seen from the viewpoint on the trail to Laguna Capri, El Chaltén.

Trail Fork – Turnoff to Laguna Capri

A short distance ahead, you'll come to a marked fork in the trail. Take the left-hand path toward Laguna Capri, leaving the trail to Laguna de los Tres on your right.

This section is part of the official network of self-guided trails within Los Glaciares National Park.

Sign in the forest indicating the detours to Laguna Capri, Mirador Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres in El Chaltén.

Arrival at the Laguna Capri viewpoint

After a final stretch through the trees and glimpses of the surrounding peaks, the trail leads you on a gentle descent to the Laguna Capri viewpoint. From the lagoon’s shore, you’ll enjoy one of the most iconic views in El Chaltén: Mount Fitz Roy reflected in the water, framed by its distinctive granite spires.

Take your time here — it’s the perfect spot to rest, enjoy your lunch box, and soak in the peace and beauty of the Patagonian landscape.

Optional: Fitz Roy Viewpoint

If you still have energy and time, consider walking along the lagoon to Laguna Capri Camp. From there, it’s an additional 40-minute hike to reach the Fitz Roy Viewpoint, a fantastic panoramic spot with an interpretive sign explaining the surrounding mountain scenery.

Person sitting in front of Laguna Capri with Mount Fitz Roy in the background on a partly cloudy day.
5:00 PM

Return to El Chaltén – Transfer Back to El Calafate

After enjoying this stunning natural setting, you’ll hike back along the same trail to El Chaltén. At 5:00 PM, you’ll meet up with your group and guide for the return transfer to El Calafate, where you’re expected to arrive around 8:00 PM.

Traveler walking towards the welcome sign to El Chaltén, under a cloudy sky.

What to bring to Laguna Capri Hike El Chaltén from El Calafate tour

  • Appropriate clothing for outdoor activities and trekking: waterproof and quick-drying garments
  • Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for mountain terrain
  • Loose-fitting pants made of technical fabric (nylon or polyester)
  • Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
  • Fleece layer for extra warmth
  • Sun hat with a visor and a warm beanie
  • Gloves
  • Medium-sized backpack
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Snack and water
  • Photo ID

💡 Tip: If you have trekking poles, bring them along — they’re especially helpful in fall and winter, when trails may be snowy.

Where does the tour Laguna Capri Hike El Chaltén from El Calafate start

🚌 Pick-up and drop-off

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in El Calafate around 7:30 a.m. Don’t forget to tell us where you're staying when you book! You’ll be back around 8:00 p.m., and we’ll drop you off at the same spot.

✈️ Plan your trip

Need a ride to or from the airport? Make sure to book it separately:

🚖 Transfer from El Calafate Airport

🚖 Transfer to El Calafate Airport

📍 Getting to El Calafate

Check out our full guide to learn how to get to this amazing destination and explore all the travel options.

Questions & Answers

  • How long is the Laguna Capri hike?

    The round-trip hike is about 6.2 miles (10 km) with a total elevation gain of 1,300 feet (397 meters). Reaching the viewpoint takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace. It’s an easy and well-marked trail. The return hike to El Chaltén usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.

  • Is the hike guided?

    No, the hike is self-guided. However, a local guide will accompany you during the minibus ride from El Calafate to El Chaltén and will give you all the information and tips you need to complete the hike safely on your own.

  • Is food included during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a lunch box for you to bring on the hike. We also recommend bringing water and extra snacks if you tend to get hungry during physical activity.

  • What’s included in the lunch box?

    You’ll receive an individual lunch box for the hike. You can choose from the following options:

    • Standard: 2 ham and cheese sandwiches, 1 piece of fruit, 1 sweet treat, and 1 bottle of water.
    • Vegetarian: 2 cheese, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches, 1 piece of fruit, 1 sweet treat, and 1 bottle of water.
    • Gluten-free (TACC-free): 2 ham and cheese sandwiches on corn flour bread, 1 piece of fruit, and 1 bottle of water.

    Important: Vegetarian and gluten-free options must be requested in advance when booking.

  • Can I do the tour in winter?

    The tour runs regularly from October to April. In September, departures are available on select dates. If you're traveling between May and August, please contact us to check availability—tours during these months depend on weather and trail conditions.

  • What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

    Weather in El Chaltén can change quickly. If conditions are unsafe, the guide may adjust the route, delay the start, or propose an alternative plan. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll keep you informed of any changes.

Laguna Capri Hike El Chaltén from El Calafate tour reviews with Howlanders

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