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Welcome to El Chaltén, the trekking capital of Argentina! El Chaltén is a small city on the northern fringe of Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, surrounded by gorgeous mountains in each course.
Most individuals come to El Chaltén to expertise the rewarding hike to Laguna de los Tres, with its pristine view of Mount Fitz Roy. There are a lot extra outdoorsy issues to do in El Chaltén, together with rafting journeys, mountaineering, and estancia visits.
After I instructed my guides at Ecocamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine that we have been heading El Chaltén, they might invariably sigh with happiness. “I love El Chaltén,” they’d say, dreamy smiles on their faces.
And as quickly as I bought there, I noticed why. El Chaltén is a tiny, idyllic city set between mountains. It’s near the whole lot — the paths start actually proper on the town, and you’ll hike out of your lodging with out worrying about transportation to the trailhead!
And the hikes? They’re SPECTACULAR. A few of the finest in all of Patagonia. You possibly can hike each day for every week and have a special expertise every day.
I also needs to let you realize that El Chaltén is a wild place. On this distant city, you must count on the climate to be diverse, the wifi to be gradual, and the telephone sign to be non-existent. That is the place for a digital detox! (Although if you actually need wifi, head to PAISA Excessive Mountain Espresso. Extra on that under.)
So when you’re trying to unplug, spend your days climbing within the mountains of Patagonia, and your nights having fun with Argentine lamb and craft beer, you’re going to love El Chaltén! Listed here are the very best issues to do in El Chaltén, Argentina, a mountain city you’ll always remember.
This submit was printed in February 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.
Issues to Do in El Chaltén, Argentina
Hike Laguna de los Tres path to Mount Fitz Roy
In case you’ve seen anyone photograph of El Chaltén, it’s from Laguna de los Tres. Mountain climbing to this beautiful viewpoint, with the teal lake set in entrance of Mount Fitz Roy, is the primary factor to do in El Chaltén and one of the vital well-liked hikes in all of Patagonia.
Be mindful, this isn’t a hike for rookies. It is a lengthy hike, and the final half is a difficult uphill slog — however when you’re a match and skilled hiker with the correct gear, you’re going to find it irresistible.
Laguna de los Tres, or Lake of the Three, references the three mountains that encompass the lake: Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Mount Poincenot. Alongside the path you’ll take pleasure in panoramic views and choices to detour to close by lagoons or camp for the evening.
The Laguna de los Tres path begins from proper in El Chaltén. “Sendero al Fitz Roy” on Google Maps is the trailhead, perched on the tip of city. Costume appropriately — the path experiences robust winds, and in Patagonia, the climate might be unpredictable — carry climbing poles, and be ready for the ultimate kilometer (0.6 miles) to be probably the most troublesome half.
This out-and-back hike is 22 km (13.7 miles) in complete, with over 1000 meters (3200 ft) in elevation acquire, and will take about eight hours to complete. You possibly can hike independently, because the path is well-liked and well-marked, or you possibly can be a part of a climbing group with a information.
For climbing fanatics on the lookout for a extra intense journey, there’s additionally a two-day guided tour, which incorporates in a single day tenting and visits to close by lakes Laguna Torre and Laguna Capri.
Hike to the Fitz Roy Viewpoint
If 14 miles of climbing to Laguna de los Tres and again isn’t for you, you possibly can nonetheless do a part of this hike and luxuriate in spectacular views — simply cease on the Fitz Roy Viewpoint. That is truly what Charlie and I did, as we have been nonetheless considerably destroyed from climbing to the Base of the Torres del Paine in Chile.
Mountain climbing to the Fitz Roy Viewpoint is a couple of three-hour out-and-back reasonable hike. Simply the correct quantity of climbing whenever you desire a satisfying exercise however not fairly an all-day hike.
There’s a level within the hike the place you see a cut up path, one facet heading to the view of Cerro Fitz Roy, one facet heading to Laguna Capri. The 2 trails be a part of once more, so you are able to do the path in a circle and return again to El Chaltén.
Enjoyable reality: This view of Fitz Roy is what they modeled the Patagonia model emblem on! And you may also see Fitz Roy from Laguna Capri itself, which is a well-liked spot for tenting. You too can take pleasure in views alongside the best way, like Mirador Río de las Vueltas.
Hike to Laguna Torre
The second large hike in El Chaltén after Laguna de los Tres is the hike to Laguna Torre. This 17.5-km (11-mile) difficult hike winds alongside the Río Fitz Roy valley, providing mountain vistas and viewpoints alongside the best way.
The path begins from the city of El Chaltén, or you possibly can hook up with it from different climbing routes within the space. The out-and-back hike takes about 5 hours (although when you check out the evaluations, many hikers report it taking nearer to seven). Some hikers select to camp in a single day and hike again the following day.
In case you don’t wish to hike the entire thing, you possibly can simply hike the primary 20 minutes of the path, till you see a waterfall down within the valley. I gained’t lie, this isn’t the large payoff that the hike to the Fitz Roy viewpoint is — however it’s one thing when you’re up for a mini-mini hike.
Raft down Río de las Vueltas
There are extra outside actions in El Chaltén than simply climbing! The most effective non-hiking issues to do in El Chaltén is to go on a rafting journey down the Rio de las Vueltas.
The primary part of the river is calm, permitting you to admire the views of Mount Fitz Roy and the native wildlife throughout you. Then it’s time for an adrenaline increase! Dangle on tight as you and your fellow rafters navigate 10 km (6.2 miles) of Class III rapids.
Needless to say this exercise relies on the water ranges. Charlie and I booked a rafting journey, however sadly we weren’t capable of go as a consequence of excessive water ranges throughout our go to. If rafting is excessive in your record, you may wish to reserve in your first day simply in case it will get postponed a day or two.
Trek on Cagliero Glacier
Patagonia has a group of extraordinary glaciers, and ice trekking is likely one of the finest methods to get to know them! On this guided ice trekking expertise you’ll have an opportunity to discover the Cagliero Glacier and Laguna del Diablo, or Satan’s Lagoon.
Word that it is a difficult tour — way more so than Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. You and your group will journey from El Chaltén to Los Huemules Reserve for a three-part journey. Half one is a two hour hike alongside the Diablo River by way of a lush forest.
Half two entails taking by way of ferrata mountain climbing stairways to the glacier viewpoint — not for anybody with a worry of heights!
Lastly, partially three, it’s time to strap in your crampons and trek instantly onto the icy Cagliero Glacier! You’ll be on the glacier for about two hours earlier than turning round to return to El Chaltén.
Hike to Piedra del Fraile
One other lovely hike within the El Chaltén area takes you to Piedra del Fraile. On this 13-km (8-mile) route, you’ll trek alongside the Eléctrico River and Blanco River earlier than reaching the Piedras Blancas Lagoon.
The Piedra del Fraile path connects with the Fitz Roy path to succeed in Laguna de los Tres, if you wish to add on a much less crowded facet hike. Simply know that this can add as much as a protracted day total.
Hike to the Mirador Piedras Blancas
In case you’re after a extra reasonable hike in Patagonia that also has gorgeous views, the Mirador Piedra Blancas path is likely one of the finest issues to do in El Chaltén.
This 10-km (6.2-mile) out-and-back hike begins from El Pilar or the Eléctrico River, and will take about three hours to finish.
Alongside the best way you’ll see gorgeous views of the Piedras Blancas glacier and waterfalls, and you could even get to witness a calving!
Hike to Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall
One of the crucial accessible trails in El Chaltén is the hike to the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. This 6.6-km (4-mile) simple hike is appropriate for kids and will take lower than two hours to finish. One of many nicer issues to do in El Chaltén whenever you desire a low-key however energetic day!
In case you’re quick on time or have mobility considerations, there’s a car parking zone nearer to the waterfall so that you solely need to stroll the final stretch of the path.
And don’t overlook to pronounce it the Argentine approach — chor-REE-sho del Salto! Double Ls are SHs right here!
Hike to Laguna Azul
The hike to Laguna Azul is likely one of the finest rewards for the least quantity of effort. It’s solely 90 minutes of climbing alongside a 5.3-km (3.3-mile) moderate-grade loop monitor for views of two lovely lakes and a waterfall.
On this hike, you’ll cross over a suspension bridge to go to Laguna Verde and Laguna Azul with mountains and glaciers within the distance. This monitor is situated inside Estancia Los Huemules, which is on personal land, and also you’ll pay an entrance price.
You possibly can examine opening hours and reserve your entry right here. Needless to say the Argentine alternate charge is risky.
Additionally, you must know that there are many Laguna Azuls in Patagonia — the area is roofed in lovely blue lagoons! Ensure you’re climbing to the one close to El Chaltén earlier than you head out.
Take a ship journey on Lake Viedma
Lago Viedma is likely one of the largest lakes in Argentina and is fed by the Viedma Glacier. From El Chaltén, you possibly can take a ship journey out on the glacial lake to see the ice up shut.
You’ll take pleasure in crusing on the intense blue waters and admiring the sights and sounds of the tall glacier partitions. Hold your eyes peeled for calving ice!
Some Lake Viedma excursions embody the chance to discover the glacier itself by way of ice trekking or mountaineering. Get in contact with the customer middle in El Chaltén, Centro de Informes Turisticos, to see their newest choices, as they’re not posted on-line.
Go to the El Chaltén’s Craft Breweries
You might be shocked to be taught that each El Chaltén and El Calafate are dwelling to a ton of craft breweries — there’s simply one thing in regards to the mountains that pulls brewers!
Many of the breweries serve scrumptious meals, so that they make the proper celebratory spot after ending a hike.
La Cervecería Chaltén is a superb spot for lunch, they usually serve some enjoyable, customizable pastas, along with their assortment of beers — they usually carry you a bowl of popcorn, too!
La Zorra Taproom is one other brewery price visiting (in addition they have one other location in El Calafate, which additionally sells merch), in addition to La Birre del Rancho and Fresco Bar.
Go to Lago del Desierto and Vespignani Glacier
You possibly can take pleasure in a full day of crusing, climbing and epic views on this day journey to Lago del Desierto and the Vespignani Glacier. From El Chaltén you’ll drive out to Punta Sur Port and board a ship throughout Lago del Desierto.
After crusing previous glaciers and mountain terrain, you’ll hike the path of your alternative by way of the Glacier Vespignani Reserve. There are three trails to select from with various issue, so explorers of all ranges can take part.
When you’ve completed climbing, you’ll take pleasure in a snack after which head again to El Chaltén.
Go to La Leona Petrified Forest
Stroll by way of prehistoric Patagonia whenever you go to La Leona Petrified Forest. Right here you’ll be capable of discover an eroded panorama with 70 million-year-old petrified tree trunks and dinosaur fossils. It appears such as you’ve dropped onto the floor of the moon!
La Leona has climbing trails, historic websites, and plenty of locations price exploring.
In case you’ve rented a automotive and are driving from El Chaltén to El Calafate, and even simply from El Chaltén to the airport, I like to recommend making a cease at La Leona Petrified Forest. In actual fact, that is just about the one worthwhile cease on the three-hour drive.
In case you’re touring between El Chaltén and El Calafate by bus, there isn’t a cease on the petrified forest.
Go horseback driving
One other nice technique to discover the terrain of El Chaltén is on horseback. Head out on a two-hour horseback driving expertise in Estancia Bonanza the place you’ll cross over rivers and streams, experience by way of forests, and have lovely mountain vistas surrounding you.
There are morning or afternoon rides obtainable, and each embody a light-weight meal. And sure — youngsters are welcome on this tour!
Take pleasure in an Argentine parrilla at an estancia
You’re invited to a Patagonian lamb roast on the ranch Estancia Bonanza! Whereas Argentina could also be all in regards to the beef, many individuals don’t understand that cordero, or lamb, is what dominates menus in Patagonia.
From El Chaltén you’ll head out on a scenic route — together with strolling throughout a suspension bridge and driving in a 4×4 — till you attain El Establo (the barn) the place your conventional grilled meal awaits.
Your meal will embody chorizo, grilled lamb, roasted greens, and grilled fruit with cream for dessert.
Eat Argentine steak
In case you’re a meat eater within the least, you possibly can’t come to Argentina and never take pleasure in their most well-known culinary achievement! You’ll discover loads of eating places in El Chaltén dishing up giant steaks to hungry hikers.
I actually loved the steak I had at La Tapera, a bife de chorizo (which unusually doesn’t include chorizo — it’s an Argentine lower), pictured above. Different nice steak spots in El Chaltén embody La Viňeria; Butch, Bar de Carnes; and The Asadores.
You too can take pleasure in a glass of Patagonian purple wine together with your steak, although bear in mind that the native wines are usually not as deep and complicated because the reds you’ll discover additional north in Argentina, just like the Malbecs of Mendoza.
Drop into PAISA Excessive Mountain Espresso
Each time I journey, I at all times seek for the very best espresso on the town. And PAISA was completely the winner in El Chaltén. In actual fact, they made the very best flat white I had in all of Argentina! What a discover, particularly for a tiny mountain city!
In case you’re a espresso drinker eager for one thing nicer than burned filter espresso (usually the default in Patagonia), I extremely advocate you go to PAISA and deal with your self to their scrumptious espresso drinks and fabulous desserts.
It’s additionally price noting that they’ve quick wifi, which is difficult to return by in El Chaltén. You may not even have telephone sign right here! So if you have to textual content your loved ones or submit a number of envy-inducing photographs to Instagram, that is the place to do it.
Take a day journey to El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier
Whereas technically you can take a day journey from El Chaltén to El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier, I don’t advocate it. It’s a three-hour drive to El Chaltén, after which a further hour to Perito Moreno Glacier — and driving eight hours in a day is simply nuts.
That mentioned — I do know that loads of folks will try to do that anyway, so I would as effectively provide you with recommendation on the best way to do it safely. You’ll solely be capable of pull this off if in case you have a rental automotive; the buses gained’t make it attainable.
As a result of Patagonia has lengthy hours of daylight in the summertime, I like to recommend you get up early and head straight out. Cease in El Calafate for one thing to eat, then head to Perito Moreno. From there you’ll be capable of hike up and down the intensive platforms, permitting you to see the glacier from plenty of angles.
Head again to El Calafate whenever you’re completed and seize some extra meals, or possibly a beer when you’re not the designated driver. Perito Moreno Glacier is the principle attraction within the space and the rationale why folks go to El Calafate, however the city of El Calafate is a enjoyable place to stroll round and maybe do a little bit of buying earlier than heading again.
Now — when you’re set on doing a glacier trekking tour, which I did and completely cherished, you’ll have to time your go to across the arrival and departure of the tour. And also you’ll be driving again after sundown, which might be dangerous in such an remoted space.
In case you REALLY wish to try this, I like to recommend you in a single day in El Calafate earlier than heading again to El Chalten.
Learn Extra: 25 Epic Factor to Do in El Calafate, Argentina
How A lot Time to Spend in El Chaltén
How a lot time you spend in El Chaltén actually is determined by how a lot climbing you wish to do. I might advocate a minimal of two full days to slot in one large hike and one different exercise, like rafting or horseback driving, or maybe one other hike.
In case you’re coming for the hardcore trekking expertise, you’ll need 3+ days to discover this area. Possibly even every week or longer. Loads of folks do that, together with plenty of Argentines.
It’s attainable to do a day journey from El Calafate to El Chaltén, so long as you could have a rental automotive — and I feel it’s simpler than doing the reverse as a result of it’s a three-hour drive because you’re not coming all the best way from the glacier itself.
Needless to say the climate in Patagonia might be wild and diverse. It’s commonplace to expertise all 4 seasons in a single day. That signifies that unhealthy climate days can occur.
Giving your self a bit additional time in El Chaltén will provide you with a buffer in case you could have unhealthy climate days — or high-water-can’t-go-rafting days, like we had.
Easy methods to get to El Chaltén
The best technique to get to El Chaltén is to fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE), a regional airport you possibly can attain from different hubs in Argentina, together with Buenos Aires. From there, you’ll board a 2.5-hour bus to El Chaltén. In case you’re coming from El Calafate city, the bus experience is three hours lengthy.
Buses from El Chaltén proceed north, stopping at extra factors in Patagonia, making El Chaltén an amazing addition to an extended Patagonia journey. From El Calafate, you possibly can fly or take a LONG bus experience to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego.
Must you hire a automotive on your journey to El Chaltén? I feel it is sensible to hire a automotive when you’re visiting each El Chaltén and El Calafate, and completely important when you’re planning to day journey between them.
However when you’re solely heading to El Chaltén and planning to hike and do outside actions, I don’t suppose it’s well worth the expense — simply take the bus and hike straight out of city. That’s one of many nicest issues about El Chaltén — the whole city is the trailhead!
The place to Keep in El Chaltén
Whereas El Chaltén is a small village in a distant a part of Argentina, there are inns and guesthouses to swimsuit each finances. Nevertheless, most of those locations are small institutions with restricted rooms, so it’s necessary to e-book forward of time.
One factor to needless to say even when a resort claims to have wifi, it may not be at a useful pace to do something past learn plain textual content.
High-Rated Luxurious Resort in El Chaltén: In case you’re on the lookout for probably the most scenic place to remain in El Chaltén, you’ll wish to splurge on Patagonia Eco Domes. They’re situated a bit outdoors of city however the views don’t get higher than this! You too can benefit from the on-site bar, restaurant, solar terrace, therapeutic massage companies, and day by day breakfast.
High-Rated Mid-Vary Resort in El Chaltén: I stayed at Hosteria Senderos and located it to be a superb mid-range choice. It’s proper throughout from the bus station, which may be very handy if in case you have an early departure or heavy luggage. There’s a restaurant on website with respectable meals and the rooms are snug, although small. The wifi is so gradual it’s barely useful, however that’s what you get in El Chaltén!
High-Rated Funds Resort in El Chaltén: Funds vacationers can try Andino Asides for an apartment-style keep in El Chaltén. The residences include a separate kitchen and eating room, and a continental breakfast is served day by day.
Discover offers on locations to remain in El Chaltén right here.
Greatest Time to Go to El Chaltén
Peak season in Patagonia is from December to March, which is summer time in South America. That is whenever you’ll have the very best climate – although needless to say the climate nonetheless varies wildly on this area – and the longest days.
You’ll have probably the most hours of daylight in December and January, which can also make these the busiest and costliest occasions to journey to El Chaltén. To keep away from the crowds however nonetheless get good climate, I’d advocate going on the tail ends of excessive season — suppose late November to early December, or late March.
I went to El Chaltén in early December and it labored out rather well. Whereas we didn’t have the limitless blue sky days that we had in Torres del Paine (significantly, try these images when you haven’t but), we have been capable of take pleasure in clear views of Fitz Roy, even when it was overcast.
No big rain clouds, no hoards of individuals — labored for us!
Is El Chaltén Value It?
Sure, El Chaltén is price it! I completely cherished my time in El Chaltén; it nearly felt like a fairy story. El Calafate may seem like it has extra on paper, however you completely can’t evaluate it to what El Chaltén looks like.
I feel the nicest factor about El Chaltén is that the climbing trails begin proper from the city. That makes it a lot simpler to get out and discover with out worrying about transportation. Think about if all cities had this!
So sure, a number of days in El Chaltén is a trip effectively spent. I hope you could have probably the most great time in El Chaltén — and Patagonia!
Extra on Patagonia:
Extra on South America:
Have you ever been to El Chaltén? Any solutions? Share away!
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