About This Route
From El Chaltén, Argentina, the Laguna de los Tres trail to Fitz Roy's base is a 20-24km out-and-back, 1,600m gain day run popular for speed ascents (FKT ~1:45 up). Follow Rio de las Vueltas, climb steep meadows to Laguna Capri, then scramble Lagrimas del Diablo chute to the moraine viewpoint over turquoise lagoon beneath Cerro Fitz Roy's shark-fin spires. Park authorities permit running but enforce trail etiquette; crowded afternoons risky.
Safety Considerations
Steep, non-technical but rutted from hikers; wet roots slip in rain. Winds buffet exposed ridges; afternoon katabatics push runners off trail. Water abundant, filter at streams per APN guidelines. Altitude effects at 1,700m viewpoint. Blisters from sand/rock mix; tape hot spots early. Check Intendencia forecasts; avoid solo in fog. Leave No Trace: no off-trail shortcuts eroding fragile tundra.
Essential Gear
Hoka Speedgoat shoes, Salomon ADV Skin vest, Outdoor Research Helium rain shell, Leki Micro poles, Katoola Nanospikes (rare ice), Garmin Forerunner with offline maps.