9 Best Things to Do in El Chalten, Argentina: A Hiker’s Paradise
Find the best things to do in El Chalten and the surrounding area to build out your epic Patagonia itinerary.
El Chalten, Argentina is a picturesque town in the heart of Patagonia. It’s a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers with its awe-inspiring landscapes, towering peaks, and pristine lakes. Best of all? There’s an plenty of activities in El Chalten to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
In fact, when determining what to do in El Chalten, it can be a challenge with so many hikes and viewpoints available right from town and in the surrounding areas. To see the most of the area, try to fit in at least these a few of these amazing things to do in El Chalten. You certainly won’t regret it – although your legs may be quite tired from all the hiking!
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
1. Hike to Cerro Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres
The number one best thing to do in El Chalten is to hike to Mount Fitz Roy. It’s certainly the main attraction in El Chalten and what draws travelers in from near and far. As such, you’ll find a large international community of hikers out on the trail and hanging out around town.
There are many trail options to reach Cerro Fitz Roy, and there are even more trails that will take you further into the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Each of the hiking trails to Mount Fitz Roy offer great rewards at varying difficulty and distances, but make sure to strap on your boots bright and early to hit the trails with plenty of daylight ahead of you, as they do take all day!
One of my favorite add-ons to Laguna de los Tres is to head over to Mirador Piedras Blancas to admire this astounding glacier. You’ll be able to see the glacier fed lake below the Piedras Blancas Glacier, all nestled into the middle of the mountains. Just follow the signs on the trail, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views!
Fun Fact: Mount Fitz Roy is the mountain used as the basis of the Patagonia brand logo.
2. Visit the Mirador Condores and Mirador Las Aguilas
One of the shorter popular hikes in El Chalten is the hike up to Mirador Condores (Condor Lookout) and Mirador Las Aguilas (Eagles Lookout). These lookout points offer great views into the mountains and down into the town of El Chalten.
The trailhead for this hike sits near the entrance of the town making it easily accessible for everyone. The full route takes only about 2 hours to do the 3.3 miles with just under 700 ft elevation gain. It’s a perfect trail for beginner hikers or to simply warm up for some of the longer trails in the area. Check out this hike on All Trails!
3. Trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Known as providing one of the best views from El Chalten, the journey to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is a must do hike in El Chalten. It’s best done on a clear day so you can fully appreciate the views along the way and the stunning 360 views from the summit.
Throughout this out and back hike, you’ll climb about 3,700 ft of elevation over 12 miles. You’ll need about 7 or 8 hours to complete it, so set aside a full day for this trek. From Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, you will also be able to see Cerro Torre, Laguna Torre, and Mount Fitz Roy – talk about views to reward your hard work! See the full trail on All Trails.
Just come well-prepared and check weather conditions before you set out as this El Chalten trek frequently sees high winds and variable weather. Don’t let that deter you though, as you’ll really enjoy the serenity and beauty of Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. There’s a reason it’s one of the top things to do in El Chalten!
Know what to pack for a day hike with the Essential Hiking Packing List
4. Go Glacier Trekking
Adventure further into El Chalten and the surrounding areas with a full-day glacier trekking on Cagliero Glacier. This beautiful glacier is located in Los Huemules Reserve, one of the most beautiful areas of El Chalten.
On this adventure, you’ll start out with a couple hour hike to get to Etancia Los Huemules. From there, you’ll hike for another hour until you get to a viewpoint of Cagliero Glacier. Next up, you’ll venture out onto the ice for about two hours for a once in a lifetime experience of glacier walking. In fact, it’s one of the best options for walking on a glacier in Patagonia and a can’t miss experience in El Chalten!
5. Try River Rafting or Kayaking on the Rio de Las Vueltas
The glacial fed Rio de Las Vueltas is another great opportunity to check out the stunning views of the mountains in El Chalten. There are two awesome options to take in these views.
First, you can take a half day kayaking tour on Rio de Las Vueltas. It will take you down over 10 km of the river through lush forests of lengas, vertical walls, and with views of the mountains following you all the way.
Alternatively, you can take a two hour river rafting trip down the river. You’ll encounter some gentle rapids during the first 6 km followed by a canyon with a succession of rapids over the next 9 km stretch and finishing with 1 km of calm water.
It’s worth noting that for both activities you’ll be subjected to the cold waters of the river, where the temperature averages just 41 – 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 5-7 degrees Celcius. Don’t worry though, both activities will provide the necessary equipment, like a thermal wetsuit, to stay warm during the journey!
6. Explore Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall
An easy hike from El Chalten town, Chorrillo del Salto Falls is a perfect break from the longer hikes in the area. Coming in at just 4.6 mile out-and-back trail from El Chalten with only 456 feet of elevation gain, it’s a more accessible trail for beginner hikers in town. It can also be visited by car with about a half mile hike from the parking lot to the waterfall.
To avoid crowds, try to go to Chorrillo del Salto Falls in the early morning or late afternoon. Mid-day this waterfall will be visited by tour buses in the area and can get crowded. Check out full details about this hike on All Trails.
7. Admire Viedma Glacier
Located on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Glacier National Park in Argentina, Viedma Glacier is a magnificent natural wonder. This ice mass spans an impressive 978 square kilometers making it the longest glacier in all of South America. Getting up close to the glacier allows you to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this glacier.
You can explore this natural wonder from El Chalten or El Calafate – where you can join a guided tour that will take you to view Viedma Glacier. Choose from a number of ways to experience the glacier. The most popular way is through a boat tour across Lake Viedma. Cruise across the crystal-clear waters, to get close enough to feel the chill in the air and witness the glacier’s sheer size firsthand.
For the more adventurous, an ice trekking excursion is an absolute must. Your tour guide will provide crampons and experienced guides, to allow you to step onto the glacier itself, feeling the crunch of the ice beneath your feet. Travel over its frozen surface, explore ice caves, and witness the captivating formations that nature has sculpted over centuries.
To book a tour for this beautiful glacier, contact Patagonia Aventura, San Martรญn 56 (9301) El Chaltรฉn, Santa Cruz, Argentina, Tel: +54 2962-493110.
8. Relax at the Spa Yaten
After a long day of hiking in El Chalten, treat yourself to a massage at Spa Yaten. Here you’ll find a perfect oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation after all of your strenuous outdoor activities. It will help prep you for whatever is next in your Patagonian itinerary.
Skilled therapists provide a range of therapeutic treatments here using natural and organic products infused with local essences. From massages to facials and hydrotherapy, each session is tailored to melt away stress and revitalize the senses. Spa Yaten’s facilities, include hot tubs and saunas, to further enhance the experience.
After your pampering session, take a moment to unwind in the relaxation area, savoring a herbal tea and reflecting on your adventures in El Chalten. Visiting Spa Yaten is a great addition to your Patagonian journey, allowing you to reconnect with yourself amidst the stunning landscapes of El Chalten.
9. Take a Guided Hiking Tour of El Chalten
With so many hiking trails in El Chalten, it can be a bit overwhelming to determine where to go. To make trekking Chalten more relaxing, join a hiking tour.
There are many options available like a day trip hike to the Mount Fitz Roy’s base camp. This 10 mile / 16km one way trek passes many of the top scenic sights in El Chalten, such as the Blanco River, Piedras Blancas lacier, Poincenot Camp, Mounts Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Saint Expery, and Capri Lagoon. This trek can also be done from nearby El Calafate.
Want to hike even further? Try out the 2 day hiking tour of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. This 2 day hike in El Chalten takes you up to Laguna de los Tres on day 1 and Laguna Capri with amazing views of Fitz Roy. You’ll camp overnight in provided tents with sleeping bags and mats, and then continue hiking on day 2 from Poincenot Camp to Laguna Madre e Hija, Laguna Torres below Cerro Torre, and back into town.
Explore More of Patagonia
From epic hikes to breathtaking viewpoints, El Chalten is the gateway to Patagonian adventure. You’ll find plenty of things to do in El Chalten that make your vacation one of your best yet.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Los Glaciares National Park, marvel at the towering peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and explore pristine lakes and glaciers. Indulge in the local cuisine, savoring delicious meals after a day of exploration. And for a well-deserved relaxation, treat yourself to a rejuvenating visit to Spa Yaten.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments in nature, El Chalten has it all. So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this outdoor lover’s paradise.
Here are more resources to continue planning what to do in El Chalten and beyond!
- Epic 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary: Travel Guide to an Outdoor Paradise
- Best Time of Year to Visit Patagonia: Season by Season Breakdown
- 18 Best Things to Do in El Calafate, Argentina
- Where to Stay in El Calafate: Hotels for All Budgets
- Hiking the W Trek East to West in Torres del Paine National Park
- How to Book Campsites in Torres del Paine National Park
- Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Penguins of Isla Magdalena from Punta Arenas
Like this post? Pin it.
