Explore El Chaltén: Your Ultimate Guide to Patagonia’s Hiking Capital

Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, El Chaltén stands as Argentina’s hiking capital, beckoning adventurers with Los Glaciares National Park’s rugged mountains, crystalline lakes, and sprawling glaciers. The town has cultivated a great laid-back vibe, drawing people from around the world seeking simply to enjoy the natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a casual hiker, El Chaltén offers an array of experiences – and arguably the best day hikes in Patagonia. Lodging? Take your pick, from camping under the stars to indulging in luxury lodges and camps. And don’t forget the parilla!

Don’t forget to check out our destination guides to El Calafate and Ushuaia – perfect to combine with your trip to El Chaltén! Wondering how to get to Buenos Aires or Patagonia? Check out our flight reviews of American Airlines business class and premium economy between New York and Buenos Aires!

When to Go

Summer high season (Dec-Feb): While offering the best chance of favorable weather and higher temperatures, crowds swell during this period so expect popular trails to be busy at points. Always be prepared for rain, wind, and lower temperatures which may affect hiking conditions.

Shoulder season (Sep-Nov and Mar-May): With fewer crowds and lower prices, these months provide stunningly colorful foliage and calmer winds. However, weather can be unpredictable, with rain and occasional snow left from winter.

Winter low season (Jun-Aug): Expect low temperatures, fewer services open, and some inaccessible trails, but winter offers a unique experience amidst the snow-dusted landscapes for those seeking solitude.

How Long to Stay

Plan for a stay of 3-5 days to fully immerse yourself in El Chaltén’s natural wonders. You won’t have time the day of arrival for any major activities, and two of those days should be dedicated to full-day hikes. Keep in mind that activities may be limited during rainy days, so flexibility in scheduling is helpful when feasible.

Things to Do

This is a hiking town, pure and simple. Breathe the mountain air and indulge in the beauty of disconnecting – your active dolce far niente. Hit the trails early with your layers, lunch, and plenty of water. While there are hikes of all duration and levels of difficulty, the highlights are Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Keep in mind there is no entrance fee for Los Glaciares National Park, but there is an entrance fee for Los Huemules Nature Reserve. Those seeking other activities can embark on glacier treks, cabalgata or horseback rides, mountain biking, and kayaking/rafting expeditions. There are guided local hikes (if that’s your thing), and even guided day trips from nearby Calafate if your time in the area is too short. My suggested itinerary for El Chaltén is below—plus a day on either end for travel.

• Day 1. Laguna de los Tres, with views of Cerro Fitz Roy in the distance. Hit Laguna Capri en route, and you can also combine with Glaciar and Mirador Piedras Blancas.
• Day 2. Laguna Torre, with views of Glaciar and Cerro Torre in the distance.
• Day 3. Los Huemules Nature Reserve – some combination of Laguna/Glaciar Huemul (can add Salto del Anillo), Laguna del Diablo/Glaciar Cagliero, Lago Eléctrico, Rio Eléctrico/Piedra del Fraile.
• With additional days or extra time, you can check out: Mirador de los Cóndores y Águila, Salto del Chorrillo, Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, La Leona Petrified Forest, Laguna Madre e Hija (Fitz Roy – Torre connection)

Guided day tours are easy to book via Viator and Get Your Guide, or via local companies. You can go rafting on the Rio de las Vueltas. Estancia Bonanza has horseback riding and gastronomic experiences. And if you want to hike but prefer doing so with a guide, there plenty of options – to Laguna de los Tres, Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, or a 2-day hiking trip to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Although I really recommend spending a few days in the area, you can book a day trip from El Calafate.

How to Get There

Access El Chaltén from El Calafate, Bariloche, Puerto Natales (Chile), or Punta Arenas (Chile). The easiest way is to fly into El Calafate airport and choose between bus services, renting a car, or private transfer for the scenic 3-hour journey. The road is paved and in good condition. Tips: Book tickets or car rentals early during high season, and hit the ATM and gas station before leaving El Calafate – I’ve definitely heard stories from people arriving to empty ones.

Safety

El Chaltén is generally very safe for travelers. Exercise usual caution on hiking trails, adhere to park regulations, and stay informed about weather conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Places to Stay

From camping grounds to luxury lodges, El Chaltén offers accommodations for every budget – but prices were overall higher than I expected. Best value seems to be an apartment/tiny home rental!

Luxury

Also check out Explora El Chaltén.

Higher End

Also check out Destino Sur Hotel and Spa de Montaña and Chaltén Suites Hotel.

Glamping

Also check out Patagonia Eco Domes.

Refugios

Also check out Refugios de Laguna Condor and Piedra del Fraile.

Estancia

Also check out Estancias El Condor, Helsingfors, and Josefina.

Midrange

Also check out Hostería Senderos, Kaulem Boutique Hotel, Hostería El Pilar, Posada y Cabañas el Barranco, and Pudu Lodge.

Budget

Also check out Mermoz, Nothofagus, Hospedaje lo de Guille, and Hostel Rancho Grande.

Rentals: Not much on Airbnb, but there are plenty available and super easy to book on Expedia or Booking.com!

Places to Eat:

El Chalten has a hearty food scene. Devour a local-style pizza, sizzling parilla, or serious sandwich after a day on the trails. Take your pick! And don’t forget ice cream at Domo Blanco to wash it down. Apologies for the lack of food pics – this will improve!

• Local Eats: Ahonikenk, La Tapera, La Viñeria Grill and Pasta, Lito Restorán, Fuegia
• Grab a Drink: La Cervecería Chaltén, La Zorra Taproom
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Curcuma, Cumbre Reberde
• Parilla: Asadores, Rebelde, La Oveja Negra
• Italian: Maffia, Diadema Resto Chaltén
• Pizza: Laborum, Patagonicus
• Most places offer takeout, but also try: La Lomitería, La Roti, Lo de Haydee, La Esquina
• Cafés: Mathilda Resto Bar Casa de Té, Paisa High Mountain Coffee, La Nieve Cafe, BRUNCH, Banneton
• Something Different: Chica Ramen
• Something Sweet: Domo Blanco, La Chocolatería Josh Aike, Alfajores y Dulces

What to Bring

Layers, layers, LAYERS. Don’t forget essentials like a rain jacket, down jacket, day pack, trekking poles (or rent your own there), gloves, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen/lip balm, and lunch bags/containers for your outdoor adventures in El Chaltén’s beautifully unpredictable weather.

Conclusion

In El Chaltén, every trail tells a story and every moment spent in nature rejuvenates the soul. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments of contemplation, this Argentine gem promises an unforgettable experience amidst Patagonia’s untamed beauty. Venture forth, and let the mountains whisper their secrets to you on the wind.

Psst! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. But don't worry, it doesn't sway our recommendations! This helps us keep the adventure going and produce more awesome content for you.

Don’t forget to check out our destination guides to El Calafate and Ushuaia – perfect to combine with your trip to El Chaltén! Wondering how to get to Buenos Aires or Patagonia? Check out our flight reviews of American Airlines business class and premium economy between New York and Buenos Aires!