Piedras Blancas Glacier
El Chaltén, Argentina
Piedras Blancas Glacier is a low-hanging glacier that descends from the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy in El Chalten, Argentina's trekking capital. While you can’t access the glacier, a famous trail of the same name leads to a mirador with views of the vivid blue ice and the jagged peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy.
The basics
Piedras Blancas Glacier Viewpoint is part of the trek to Laguna de los Tres, a lagoon backed by sharp mountain summits. While still a 6-mile (10-kilometer) out-and-back route, the hike to the mirador is much less strenuous than others in the region. You can see Piedras Blancas Glacier on several El Chalten sightseeing and hiking tours, which usually combine the glacier with local highlights such as the Mirador de los Condors, where you can observe the birds of prey.
Things to know before you go
Much of the track is loose gravel, so hiking poles and hiking shoes with good grip are essential.
There’s a hostel at the start of the El Pilar trailhead where you can buy snacks and water and use the toilet, but there’s nothing on the track itself.
You can’t bring dogs on this hike.
How to get there
The trail starts at El Pilar, or you can access it from another starting point at the bridge over the Eléctrico River on Provincial Route 41. There are parking lots at both of the trailheads. From the center of El Chalten, it’s a 35-minute drive via the RP23 road.
When to get there
The best time to visit is spring and summer (October through February); it's also when you’ll find the largest crowds along the popular trail. The round-trip route generally takes three hours to complete.
Continuing the Laguna de los Tres hike
If you’re up for the challenge, you can continue the hike to Laguna de los Tres. It’s one of Argentine Patagonia’s most famous hikes as it takes you past Mt. Fitz Roy, famous for being on the Patagonia brand logo. The challenging 13.6-mile (22-kilometer) route offers sublime views of the mountain scenery.
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