El Chaltén is nestled in the Los Glaciares National Park and the starting point to some of the most iconic trails in Patagonia. The town is known as Argentina’s hiking capital and you can’t deny that when it lives in the shadow the iconic of mount Fitz Roy.
Where is El Chaltén
El Chaltén is located in Southern Argentina in in Santa Cruz Province 210km north from El Calafate.
How to get to El Chaltén
To get to El Chaltén you can take a bus from El Calafate or Bariloche. You can purchase the tickets directly from the bus terminals or online with Busbud.
Getting Around
Walk: Most of the hikes in the area leave from town.
There are also tours available in town that will handle any transport if required.
When is the best time to visit El Chaltén?
Summer (December–February): The peak tourist season, with hot temperatures, longer sunny days and temperatures averaging between 20 °C (68 °F) – 32 °C (90 °F).
Spring and Autumn: Milder weather with less crowds and temperatures averaging between 12 °C (54 °F) – 30 °C (86 °F)’
Low season (May–August): Cold temperatures with temperatures averaging between 10 °C (50 °F) – 25 °C (77 °F). Trails can be closed due to snow.
Our Verdict: Summer or late in the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and to see Laguna de Los Tres without being frozen over.
Where to stay?
El Chaltén is a tiny place so stay anywhere in town that suites your budget and the vibe you are looking for.
TRAVEL TIP: Book well in advance especially during summer as there is limited accommodation available.
Things to do in El Chaltén
Laguna de Los Tres Trail Summary
- Distance: 22km
- Time needed: 8 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Route type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,068m
Laguna de Los Tres is easily the most popular trail in El Chaltén and maybe Argentina. The trail takes you out to the foot of the most iconic peak in Patagonia Mount Fitz Roy with the stunning Laguna de Los Tres shimmering in front of it.
Mirador de Los Cóndores – Mirador de Las Águilas Trail Summary
- Distance: 5.3km
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 215m
Mirador de Los Cóndores and Mirador de Las Águilas are two viewpoints that sit on top of a flat topped mountain just outside of El Chalten. Mirador de Los Cóndores looks back over El Chaltén down the valley and back towards Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre. Follow the trail around and you will reach Mirador de Las Águilas that overlooks the Patagonian Steppe and Lago Viedma. The trail starts from the Los Glaciares National Park information centre to the east of town.
Chorillo del Salto Trail Summary
- Distance: 6.6km
- Time needed: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 139m
Chorillo del Salto is a stunning waterfall that pours over a cliff into a vibrant emerald pool below. The trail is just a short hike from town and a great choice to ease yourself in before tackling one of the longer hikes. The trail starts from the same spot as the Sendero Fitz Roy trail and you follow the river along the dirt road out to the waterfall.
Laguna Torre Trail Summary
- Distance: 17.5km
- Time needed: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Route type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 501m
Another one of the longer and more popular hikes from El Chaltén . We didn’t hike this one but for more information and other trail ideas check out the AllTrails page below.
Where To Eat & Drink
La Zorra Taproom: There are not a hello of a lot of places to eat in town but we did love La Zorra Taproom (they had me at beer!). The perfect place to stop for a post hike meal and a refreshing drink!
Our Experience
As massive lovers of the outdoors and hiking this place ticked all our boxes and with all the bucket list level trails in the area El Chaltén is a place you need to put on your to-do list! I think it goes without saying it was our favourite place in Patagonia.
Next Stop:
- How to Hike Laguna de Los Tres in Patagonia
- Bariloche: The Gateway to the Argentina’s Lake District
- How to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia
Also check out our YouTube video below 👇
