Mount Fitz Roy
Cerro Fitz Roy (Cerro Chaltén)
A jagged granite giant at 3,405 meters, the iconic silhouette of Patagonia and one of the mountains widely regarded as the hardest to climb.
Cerro Fitz Roy stands 3,405 meters tall in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park, on the border between Argentina and Chile. The local Tehuelche people called it “Chaltén” (the smoking mountain), because its summit is almost always wrapped in cloud. Together with neighboring peaks such as Poincenot and Mermoz, it forms a jagged granite range. Its near-vertical walls and fierce winds make it a sacred goal for the world’s top climbers. It was first climbed in 1952 by a French team. The silhouette of this range inspired the logo of the outdoor brand Patagonia. Ordinary visitors do not need to climb it. The best place to see it up close is Laguna de los Tres, at the end of the Fitz Roy Trail (a round trip of about 20 km, taking 8–10 hours). Laguna Capri, the Mirador del Cóndor viewpoint and roadside viewpoints at the northern entrance of the town also offer full views. On clear mornings, the mountain is bathed in orange-red light, and the “burning mountain” is the most classic scene. It is best to set out before dawn or camp at Laguna Capri. The summit is often hidden by cloud, so you may need to stay several extra days to wait for a clear day. It is very windy, so bring windproof and warm clothing, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Opening hours
All day (national park trails, free)
Nearby sights
- Laguna Sucia
- Laguna de los Tres
- Cerro Torre
- Laguna Torre
- Piedras Blancas Glacier Viewpoint
- Laguna Capri
- Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
- Chorrillo del Salto