Hiker with backpack observing the glacier and the lagoon from an elevated viewpoint.
View of Cerro Torre from the lookout point in El Chaltén
Hiker arriving at the shore of Laguna Torre surrounded by mountains.
Close-up of the glacier and ice floes in the Laguna Torre under a cloudy sky.
Impressive view of Cerro Torre and the glacier from the trail in El Chalten.
Panoramic aerial view of the town of El Chaltén and the surrounding valley.
Dirt road through meadows towards Laguna Torre and its glaciers.
Traveler crossing a wooden bridge with Cerro Torre in the background
Hiker resting in front of the glacier and lagoon overlooking Cerro Torre.
Panoramic view of Laguna Torre with glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the background.
Wooden sign at the entrance of La Senyera shelter in El Chalten.
Tower Lagoon
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Laguna Torre El Chaltén Hike from El Calafate

Self-guided, challenging hike to Laguna Torre or Cerro Torre viewpoint with transfers and lunch

(2 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Self-guided
Starts: We'll pick you up from your accomodation in El Calafate around 7:30 a.m.
Ends: You'll be back at your place in El Calafate around 8:00 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Laguna Torre Hike from El Calafate

Laguna Torre is one of the most iconic hikes in El Chaltén — ideal if you’re in good shape and have some hiking experience. It’s an 11-mile (18 km) round trip with 1,375 ft (420 m) of elevation gain and takes about 6 hours.

The tour includes roundtrip transport from El Calafate, a lunchbox, and a bilingual guide during the drive. Once in El Chaltén, your guide will give you all the info you need to hike on your own with total confidence.

There are two scenic stops on the way: La Leona Roadhouse and a Viedma Glacier viewpoint. Depending on the day, the guide may also stop there on the way back.

Want something easier? Hike just to the Cerro Torre viewpoint — 5 miles (8 km) round trip, 1,000 ft (305 m) elevation gain, and 3–4 hours total. Medium difficulty.

👇 Check the full itinerary below:

Tour details

Included

  • Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in El Calafate
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish/English) during the drive
  • Lunch box for the hike

Not included

  • Trekking guide on the trail
  • Personal hiking gear
  • National Park entrance fee

Important information

  • The full Laguna Torre hike is rated medium-high difficulty — best for people with mountain hiking experience. It’s about 11 miles (18 km) round trip with 1,375 ft (420 m) of elevation gain and takes 6–7 hours.
  • Looking for something easier? You can hike halfway to the Cerro Torre viewpoint — 5 miles (8 km) round trip, 1,000 ft (305 m) of elevation gain, and around 3–4 hours. Medium difficulty.
  • There’s no minimum age, but we recommend this hike for ages 16+. If you're traveling with kids, make sure they’ve done similar hikes before.
  • Note: We only pick up from hotels with a reception. If yours doesn’t have one, we’ll let you know the nearest meeting point.
  • 🎟️ The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included and must be bought online in advance on the official National Parks website.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before the tour starts. If you cancel later or don’t show up, no refund will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Laguna Torre Hike

Full hike to Laguna Torre

  • Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
  • Duration: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1,375 ft (420 m)
  • Difficulty: Medium-high

Halfway to Cerro Torre Viewpoint

  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Duration: 3–4 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1,000 ft (305 m)
  • Difficulty: Medium

Total tour time (including transfers): 12–13 hours

7:30 AM

Pick up in El Calafate

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel around 7:30 a.m., and you’ll hit the road along the legendary Route 40, following the shores of Lake Argentino on your way to El Chaltén.

Stop at La Leona & Glacier Viewpoint

Around 9:00 a.m., you’ll stop at Estancia La Leona — a great spot to grab a hot drink or use the restroom before continuing the drive.

You’ll also make a stop at the Viedma Glacier Viewpoint, where you can soak in stunning views of the lake, the glacier, and the iconic Fitz Roy and Torre peaks.

(These stops may also happen on the return trip, depending on the day and your guide’s judgment.)

Group of travelers next to the viewpoint of the Viedma Glacier overlooking the snow-capped mountains of Patagonia.
11:00 AM

Arrival to El Chaltén

You’ll arrive in El Chaltén around 11:00 a.m. Your guide will hand you your lunch and show you exactly where the self-guided trail to Laguna Torre begins.

Start of the Laguna Torre trail

Time to hit the trail! You'll start your hike through the beautiful Andean forest, where you might spot local wildlife and take in views of the Fitz Roy River valley.

About an hour in, you’ll reach the first scenic viewpoint, with sights of the Fitz Roy River Canyon and the Margarita Waterfall — a perfect photo stop.

Person next to the sign at the start of the trail to Laguna Torre in Los Glaciares National Park.

Cerro Torre Viewpoint

About an hour further along the trail, you’ll reach the Cerro Torre viewpoint. If the skies are clear, you’ll get stunning views of Cerro Torre and the surrounding glaciers — definitely a highlight of the hike.

If you’ve chosen the shorter route, this is your final stop. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy your lunch box, and take in the scenery before heading back.

When you’re ready, just follow the same trail back to where you started.

View of Cerro Torre from the lookout point in El Chaltén

Laguna Torre

If you're in good shape, have experience with similar hikes, and decide to go all the way to Laguna Torre — your adventure continues!

The trail gets a bit steeper, and after about 2 more hours of hiking, you’ll reach Camp D'Agostini. From there, it's just a short walk to the breathtaking Laguna Torre, with epic views of the Grande Glacier and the towering Cerro Torre.

You’ll have some time to rest, enjoy your lunch, and snap some photos before heading back.

⚠️ Heads up: The final stretch can be a bit tricky, with some loose rocks and unclear paths. Make sure to follow the marked trail on your map so you return safely.

Person sitting in front of Laguna Torre with ice floes and snow-capped mountains in the background in El Chalten.
5:00 PM

Back in El Chaltén

Around 5:00 p.m., you’ll meet up at the agreed meeting point in El Chaltén to begin the return trip. The exact time will depend on when your hike started, the weather, and the pace of the group that day. Once everyone’s back, you’ll hop on the minibus.

Return to El Calafate

You’ll get back to El Calafate around 8:00 p.m., and we’ll drop you off at your accommodation — tired, happy, and full of epic memories from the day.

Signposted road to El Chaltén surrounded by vegetation and mountains.

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

To stay safe and make the most of your hike, we recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable, layered hiking clothes
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Sturdy hiking shoes (ideally waterproof boots)
  • Small backpack (20–30 liters)
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
  • Trekking poles (optional, but helpful)
  • Extra snacks if you want more than the included lunch box
  • ID and proof of National Park entrance
  • Fully charged phone (plus a power bank if you have one)

Where does the tour Laguna Torre El Chaltén Hike 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 hike and the full tour?

    You can choose between two hiking options:

    • The full hike to Laguna Torre takes about 6 hours.
    • The half-route to the Cerro Torre viewpoint takes 3–4 hours.
    • Regardless of the option you choose, the total duration of the tour (including transfers) is 12–13 hours.

    If you go for the shorter hike, you’ll have more time to relax at the scenic stops and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

    Pick-up in El Calafate is around 7:30 a.m. and drop-off is between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m..

  • Is the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park included?

    No, it's not included. You must buy it in advance on the official National Parks website and bring your voucher with you on the day of the activity.

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

    The weather in El Chaltén can change quickly. If conditions aren’t great, your guide will let you know and may suggest postponing the start or adjusting the plan.

    For safety, the guide might recommend doing only the shorter hike to the Cerro Torre viewpoint.

    Please always follow the guide’s advice — they know the terrain and conditions well.

    Make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing, just in case the weather turns.

  • Where will I be picked up and dropped off?

    Pick-up and drop-off are included from your accommodation in El Calafate, as long as it has a reception desk. If it doesn’t, we’ll coordinate a nearby meeting point with you.

  • Do I need previous hiking experience?

    Yes — this is a challenging route, recommended for people with prior mountain hiking experience and good physical condition.

    If you’re new to hiking or prefer something easier, check out our El Chaltén Day Trip from El Calafate with shorter hikes to Chorrillo del Salto and Mirador de los Cóndores, or try the Laguna Capri Trek.

  • Is the Laguna Torre Hike tour available year-round?

    No — this tour runs only from October to March.

    In winter and early spring (April to September), there’s not enough daylight to complete the full route from El Calafate, and trails may be blocked by snow or ice.

    If you’re visiting during those months, we recommend the El Chaltén Day Trip or Laguna Capri Trek — both are shorter and better suited to winter conditions.

  • Is it a guided tour?

    This tour includes transfers from El Calafate with the assistance of the guide only during the vehicle ride and at the beginning of the route, where he will give you detailed directions. During the hike, you will walk the trail on your own following the signs and the map. The trekking to Laguna Torre is therefore self-guided.

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

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