An excellent option for those seeking a less physically demanding hike compared to the more popular trails, yet still offering stunning glacier views. It’s also ideal if you’re connecting trails and planning to camp in the wild.

To reach the Mirador del Glaciar Piedras Blancas via the Pilar Trail, you’ll need a bit of effort and plenty of curiosity (or sheer stubbornness). Start by taking a shuttle or taxi to Hostería El Pilar, a few kilometers north of El Chaltén—because why waste your energy walking there when you’ll need it on the trail? From the trailhead, the hike is relatively straightforward and much less crowded than other routes.

The path meanders through lush forests and alongside roaring rivers, eventually opening up to the jaw-dropping view of the Piedras Blancas Glacier, a sprawling sheet of ice that puts your freezer compartment to shame. It’s about a 3-hour trek one way, so bring snacks—because hunger in the wilderness isn’t “rustic,” it’s just sad.