Laguna Sucia Viewpoint
A hidden gem in El Chaltén, Laguna Sucia offers an otherworldly turquoise lake and dramatic glacial views, often surpassing its famous neighbor, Lagun...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Spectacular autumn colors
Laguna Sucia Viewpoint
Best Time
Spectacular autumn colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in El Chaltén, Laguna Sucia offers an otherworldly turquoise lake and dramatic glacial views, often surpassing its famous neighbor, Laguna de los Tres.
"In my opinion, it's much prettier than Laguna de los Tres."
🚶♀️ Hike a Little Further!
Don't stop at Laguna de los Tres! A short 15-min walk further reveals the stunning Laguna Sucia. :hiking_boot:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Patagonian weather is notoriously unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna Sucia Viewpoint
Off the main trail to Laguna de los Tres
An otherworldly turquoise lake fed by glaciers, offering a more serene and arguably more beautiful view than Laguna de los Tres.
Laguna de los Tres
El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
The iconic glacial lake with dramatic views of the Fitz Roy massif, a must-see for any trekker in the region.
Glacier Icefall
Laguna Sucia
Witness dramatic ice calving from glaciers into the vibrant blue waters of Laguna Sucia, a powerful display of nature's force.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Stop at Laguna de los Tres!
+1Trekking Difficulty & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike a Little Further!
Don't stop at Laguna de los Tres! A short 15-min walk further reveals the stunning Laguna Sucia.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Patagonian weather is notoriously unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. :cloud:
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
The vibrant turquoise of Laguna Sucia is hard to capture. Experience it in person! :camerawithflash:
💧 Water Sources
Glacial meltwater streams are abundant, but it's always wise to filter or purify. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike a Little Further!
Don't stop at Laguna de los Tres! A short 15-min walk further reveals the stunning Laguna Sucia.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Patagonian weather is notoriously unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. :cloud:
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
The vibrant turquoise of Laguna Sucia is hard to capture. Experience it in person! :camerawithflash:
💧 Water Sources
Glacial meltwater streams are abundant, but it's always wise to filter or purify. :droplet:
🚗 Getting to El Chaltén
Consider taking a bus from El Calafate; car rentals in El Chaltén are limited. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Laguna Sucia for its breathtaking turquoise waters and dramatic glacial scenery, often deeming it more beautiful than the popular Laguna de los Tres. The challenging trek is considered well worth the effort for the otherworldly, fairy-tale landscapes. Some find the final ascent to be extremely demanding.
"Beautiful, ngl"
Flooo
"An incredible place, difficult to access, but well worth the trip.
In my opinion, it's much prettier than Laguna de los Tres."
facundo gimenez
"Don't miss this place! If you made it to Laguna de los 3, just walk a little further to the right and you will see this wonder! Laguna Sucia has an amazing blue color, the photos don't do it justice, and the entire 360° landscape is truly otherworldly."
Yael Carradori
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laguna Sucia is accessed via the trekking trail to Laguna de los Tres in El Chaltén. The trailhead is in town. You can reach El Chaltén by bus from El Calafate. +1
The trailhead for Laguna de los Tres (and thus Laguna Sucia) is within El Chaltén town, accessible by foot. For other trailheads, consider local transfers or hitchhiking.
You can drive to El Chaltén, but car rentals are scarce there. It's often easier to take a bus from El Calafate and use local transport or walk within El Chaltén.
Many attractions are accessible by foot from town. For further points like Lago del Desierto, consider transfers, remises, or hitchhiking.
Yes, El Chaltén is a small, walkable town, and the main trekking trailheads start directly from the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Laguna Sucia and the surrounding national park trails is free. It's part of Los Glaciares National Park.
The trails are open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking in winter or during bad weather is not recommended.
While the trails around El Chaltén are generally free, some specific areas or activities within Los Glaciares National Park might have fees. The Laguna de los Tres trek is free.
Yes, guided tours are available for the Laguna de los Tres trek, which includes access to Laguna Sucia. Many opt to hike independently.
Be mindful of park regulations, such as not feeding wildlife and properly disposing of trash. Check for any temporary closures due to weather.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Laguna Sucia is part of the Laguna de los Tres trek, which is approximately 20-25 km round trip and takes 8-10 hours. Laguna Sucia is a short detour from the main path. +1
The hike is considered difficult, with significant elevation gain, especially the final ascent to Laguna de los Tres. The detour to Laguna Sucia is less strenuous. +1
Wear sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing (including waterproofs), a hat, and gloves. The weather can change rapidly. :athletic_shoe:
While some brave souls do swim in the glacial lakes, the water is extremely cold. It's generally not recommended for casual swimming.
There are limited facilities on the trail. It's best to use restrooms in El Chaltén before you start and be prepared to pack out all your trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Mid-morning to early afternoon often provides good light. However, the dramatic clouds and changing light can also create stunning photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for the Fitz Roy massif. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant water colors.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks. Check the latest regulations for Los Glaciares National Park before flying.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the saturation of the water. Golden hour light can also bring out rich colors.
The viewpoint overlooking both Laguna Sucia and Laguna de los Tres is prime. Also, look for ice formations on the glacier and reflections in the lake.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking less intense hikes in El Chaltén, exploring the trails around Laguna Capri or Mirador de los Cóndores offers beautiful scenery with less demanding ascents. Always check weather conditions and pack plenty of snacks and water.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during mid-April can yield stunning autumn foliage, adding another layer to your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trek to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Sucia
Crucially, the Laguna Sucia viewpoint is not the end of the main trail but a worthwhile detour. After reaching Laguna de los Tres, continue a short distance further to the right to discover Laguna Sucia. This often-overlooked gem is described by visitors as 'much prettier than Laguna de los Tres' and offers a unique, serene experience.
Key elements of the trek include navigating varied terrain, from forests to rocky moraines, and experiencing the dramatic Patagonian weather. While the main trail is popular, the detour to Laguna Sucia often leads to a quieter, more personal encounter with nature.
Remember to pack essentials, including plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear, as facilities on the trail are minimal. The Unique Beauty of Laguna Sucia
Adding to its dramatic allure, Laguna Sucia is often the site of glacier ice calving. Visitors have witnessed and filmed chunks of ice breaking off from the glaciers and falling into the lake, creating a powerful spectacle.
This dynamic interaction between ice and water contributes to the raw, untamed beauty of the landscape. The entire 360-degree panorama, with glaciers descending from the Fitz Roy massif, creates a truly unforgettable and almost surreal environment. While photos struggle to do it justice, the visual impact of Laguna Sucia is undeniable. The vibrant colors, the imposing glacial backdrop, and the active glacial processes combine to make it a highlight for many who venture to El Chaltén.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit