El Calafate: Laguna De Los Tres Transfer & Self-Guided Hike

The El Calafate: Laguna De Los Tres Transfer & Self-Guided Hike offers adventurous travelers an unforgettable journey through Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Tackling a challenging 20-kilometer trek over 8-9 hours, hikers can expect to be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Laguna de los Tres, framed by majestic mountains and glaciers. With essential equipment provided, this high-difficulty hike is perfect for those in good physical condition. However, the real question is whether one’s sense of adventure is up for the task at hand.

Key Points

• This self-guided hike from El Calafate to Laguna de los Tres in Patagonia lasts 8-9 hours and covers a distance of 20 kilometers.
• The hike is classified as high-difficulty, requiring good physical fitness, and is not suitable for certain groups such as children under 16 or individuals with altitude sickness.
• Hikers will be provided with walking sticks and maps, and should bring essential items like warm clothing, navigation tools, and first aid supplies.
• The final kilometer to the lagoon is particularly challenging but offers stunning views of Laguna Madre and Hija.
• The tour is priced at €93.09 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Location and Duration

This tour takes travelers from El Calafate to the stunning Laguna de los Tres in Patagonia.

The total duration is 8 hours, with 4 hours of travel time and 9 hours of self-guided hiking. The pickup is included from your hotel in El Calafate, with a 30-minute tolerance for the pickup time.

The hike itself covers a distance of 20 kilometers and is estimated to take 8-9 hours, including breaks.

The final kilometer to the Laguna de los Tres is particularly challenging, but it offers stunning views of the Laguna Madre and Hija.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from El Calafate, the tour travels along Route 40, leading participants to the town of El Chaltén.

There, they’ll receive an introduction to the trail and distribution of walking sticks and maps before embarking on the 20-kilometer trek.

The hike includes key stops at Laguna Capri, Camping Poincenot, and the final destination of Laguna de los Tres.

The last kilometer to the lagoon is described as challenging, but rewards hikers with stunning views of Laguna Madre and Hija.

The total duration of the self-guided hike is estimated at 8-9 hours, including breaks.

Physical Requirements

The self-guided hike to Laguna de los Tres is considered a high-difficulty activity, requiring a good level of physical fitness from participants.

This challenging trek isn’t suitable for:

• Children under 16
• Individuals with altitude sickness
• Those with low fitness levels
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Travelers over 60 years of age

Due to the demanding nature of the 20-kilometer hike, which includes a challenging final kilometer, the tour operator emphasizes the importance of being physically prepared.

Trail conditions can also be difficult in winter due to freezing, further adding to the challenge.

What to Bring

Hikers embarking on the self-guided trek to Laguna de los Tres should pack essential items like a flashlight, ample food and water, a warm jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, and rain gear. The trail conditions can be challenging, especially in winter when freezing temperatures may be encountered. To ensure a comfortable and prepared hike, it’s recommended to bring the following:

Item	Description	Importance
Layers	Thermal clothing, waterproof jacket	Protect against changing weather
Navigation	Map, compass, GPS	Avoid getting lost on the trail
First Aid	Bandages, medications, emergency kit	Address injuries or emergencies
Sustenance	High-energy snacks, electrolyte drinks	Maintain energy and hydration

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Customer Feedback

Based on the 10 customer reviews, the overall rating for the El Calafate to Laguna de los Tres self-guided hike is 4 out of 5 stars.

While the tour received praise for its beautiful views and challenging hike, there were some critiques:

• Limited guidance and basic map information were noted by customers
• The comfort of the transportation vehicle was also a point of feedback

Notable comments highlighted the breathtaking beauty of the lagoon and the difficulty of the trek, which requires a high level of physical fitness.

Departure and Arrival

Typically, the tour departs from El Calafate, a town in the Patagonia region of Argentina.

Travelers are transported along Route 40, a scenic highway, before arriving at El Chaltén, the trailhead for the Laguna de los Tres hike.

Upon arrival, participants receive an introduction to the trail and are provided with walking sticks and maps to guide them.

The total trekking distance is 20 kilometers, with an estimated duration of 8-9 hours, including breaks.

The final destination is the breathtaking Laguna de los Tres, where hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Trail Conditions

The trail conditions can be difficult, particularly during the winter months. Hikers should be prepared for potentially challenging terrain, as the trail may be icy and slippery due to freezing temperatures.

Additionally:

• Snowfall can make the trail harder to navigate and increase the risk of getting lost or disoriented.
• Strong winds and inclement weather can make the hike more physically demanding and dangerous.
• Trail conditions may vary significantly depending on the time of year, so it’s crucial to check for updates before embarking on the trek.

Despite these challenges, the stunning views of Laguna de los Tres make the hike well worth the effort for those with the necessary fitness and preparation.

Pricing and Cancellation

The tour from El Calafate to Laguna de los Tres is priced from €93.09 per person. This includes transportation from the hotel in El Calafate, with a 30-minute tolerance for pickup time.

The total duration of the experience is 8 hours, with 4 hours of travel and a self-guided hike of 9 hours. Customers have the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy allows for changes in plans or unexpected circumstances.

The high-difficulty activity isn’t suitable for certain groups, so it’s essential for customers to carefully review the physical requirements and restrictions before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour information does not specify the availability of languages other than English. However, some tour operators in the area may offer guided tours or materials in multiple languages to accommodate international visitors.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

Pets are not allowed on the hike. The tour specifies that it’s not suitable for children under 16 or those with mobility issues, so bringing a pet would likely not be permitted. Hikers should come prepared without any additional companions.

Are There Any Restrooms or Facilities Along the Trail?

There are no designated restrooms or facilities along the trail. Hikers should be prepared to use the natural environment discreetly. The hike is self-guided, so hikers must plan and manage their own needs accordingly.

Can I Leave Belongings at the Starting Point During the Hike?

You can leave belongings at the starting point during the hike. The tour operator provides storage facilities so you don’t have to carry extra items on the challenging trek to Laguna de los Tres.

Is There an Option to Extend the Hike or Explore Additional Areas?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the hike or explore additional areas. It’s a self-guided hike with a specific itinerary that includes the Laguna de los Tres as the final destination.

Recap

The El Calafate: Laguna De Los Tres Transfer & Self-Guided Hike offers an unparalleled adventure through Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes. This high-difficulty hike promises unforgettable views and an invigorating outdoor experience for those in good physical condition. With essential equipment provided, hikers will embark on a 20-kilometer journey, culminating at the stunning Laguna de los Tres, framed by majestic mountains and glaciers.

You can check if your dates are available here: