The Complete Guide to El Chalten, Argentina: Know Before You Go
Find everything you need to know before you go to El Chalten, Argentina in this helpful El Chalten travel guide.
Trying to plan a visit and determine what to do in El Chalten? Look no further. This travel guide to El Chalten covers all the need to know things about visiting El Chalten to make your trip go off without a hitch.
From the top things to do in El Chalten to where to stay and how to get there, you’ll find all the necessary details to get started on your trip to El Chalten in Patagonia. Let’s get started!
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About El Chalten, Argentina
El Chalten, Argentina is a small village of about 1,500 people located within Los Glaciares National Park. It is known worldwide as the “National Capital of Trekking in Argentina” and a must visit for all outdoor enthusiasts headed down to Argentinian Patagonia!
While the town is quite compact, it is the gateway to many famous trails, including the peaks of Cerro Torre and Cerrro Fitz Roy and offers endless outdoor activities. In fact, El Chalten took second place in the Lonely Planet travel guide for “Best Cities in the World to Know” in 2015 – the first city in Argentina to make the list!
Helpful Fast Facts about El Chalten
- Language: The primary language spoken in El Chaltén is Spanish. As a tourist destination, some locals have limited knowledge of English, particularly in the hotels, restaurants, and tourist information centers. However, it is always helpful to learn a few basic Spanish phrases before going.
- Currency: Being part of Argentina, the local currency in El Chalten is the Argentine Peso (ARS). I recommend taking some cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and cellular service can be limited in El Chaltén, especially in remote areas of the park. Download maps from Google Maps or Maps.me ahead of time and then embrace the opportunity to disconnect.
- Costs: There is no entry fee to access Los Glaciares National Park or to hike its trails, so head to El Chalten and explore its natural beauty at no extra cost!
- Environment: You’ll be spending a lot of time in El Chalten outside. Don’t forget to pack essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a small first aid kit, and a good day pack for your hiking adventures in El Chaltén.
Best Things to Do in El Chalten
Determining what to do in El Chalten can be a challenge with so many hikes available right from town, not to mention in the surrounding areas. To make the most of your time in the city, make sure to fit in at least these top activities in El Chalten.
Hike to Cerro Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres
One of the best things 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.
You’ll find 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 trails 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.
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 Blancs Glacier, all nestled into the middle of the mountains
Fun Fact: Mount Fitz Roy is the mountain used as the basis of the Patagonia brand logo.
Visit the Mirador Condores and Mirador Las Aguilas
One of the shorter popular hikes in El Chalten is to 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!
Know what to pack for a day hike with the Essential Hiking Packing List
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 hike for one hour until you get to a viewpoint of Cagliero Glacier. From there, you’ll venture out onto the ice for about two hours. It’s one of the best options for walking on a glacier in Patagonia and a can’t miss experience!
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 6km followed by a canyon with a succession of rapids over the next 9m stretch and finishing with 1km 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 5-7 degrees Celcius. Both activities will provide the necessary equipment, like a thermal wetsuit, to stay warm during the journey!
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 th 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.
Find more fun things to do in: 9 Best Things to Do in El Chalten, Argentina: A Hiker’s Paradise
Where to Stay in El Chalten
El Chalten is a small town catering mostly to backpackers and hikers. As such, you will find lots of budget accommodations in El Chalten with a few nicer options in the mix.
Budget Hostels & Hotels in El Chalten
For basic, inexpensive accommodations, check out Albergue Aylen-Aike, one of the top hostels in El Chalten. It offers cheap dormitory rooms in the center of town, perfect for the budget traveler.
Another popular budget hotel in El Chalten is Rancho Grande. Here you’ll find private rooms with shared bathrooms and dormitory options.
Mid-Range to Luxury Hotels in El Chalten
If you’re looking for something a little bit classier, try the Chalten Suites Hotel. This lovely hotel offers beautiful rooms with balconies, and far more amenities than most hotels in El Chalten.
Another great mid-range to luxurious option is Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel. It is best known for its amazing views of the surrounding valleys, lakes, and Fitz Roy Mountain.
Unique Hotels in El Chalten
Alternatively, for more adventurous accommodations, try the Patagonia Eco Domes. They are located 6 miles out of town with views of Cerro Fitz Roy and offer a bit of luxury off the beaten path. The domes are outfitted with great views, fireplaces, seating areas, heating, and en suite bathrooms. Additionally, you’ll find a sun terrace, garden, restaurant, and bar on site.
Find other awesome Patagonian destinations in this 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary.
How to Get to El Chalten
Being a small town in Argentinian Patagonia, El Chalten can be a bit of a challenge to get to. Fortunately, there is a nearby airport and frequent buses and transports that travel to El Chalten – you just have to know where to find them!
Fly into nearby El Calafate
The closest airport to El Chalten is in El Calafate. Your best bet to fly into El Calafate from abroad is to fly through Buenos Aires, Argentina. From there, it is an inexpensive 3 hour flight.
Take the Bus from El Calafate to El Chalten
From El Calafate, you can catch a bus directly to El Chalten. There are frequent busses running this route, typically starting in El Calafate town, then stopping at El Calafate airport, and ending in El Chalten. To ensure you have a spot on the bus, you can book your El Chalten bus ahead of time. Alternatively, if you aren’t on a strict timeline, you can try to catch one directly from El Calafate once you land at the airport.
The bus ride to El Chalten from El Calafate is only 2-3 hours and offers beautiful scenery of Argentinian Patagonia. Try to get a window seat to make the most of the ride.
Book a Minivan Transfer from El Calafate to El Chalten
Another great option to get from El Calafate to El Chalten is to book a minivan transfer. The perks of taking a transfer is that you’ll get to make some stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and grab a few pictures. These stops typically include La Leona for coffee and the mirador of Viedma Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy.
Spend some time exploring the top things to do in El Calafate!
When to Visit El Chalten
The weather in El Chalten is famously unpredictable. This is mostly due to its location in the mountains of Patagonia where weather conditions can change rapidly. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day.
Summer in El Chalten
Summers (December to February) tends to bring longer days and milder temperatures, with average highs ranging from 59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20 degrees Celsius). However, be prepared for sudden drops in temperature and strong winds.
Fall in El Chalten
Autumn (March to May) offers stunning foliage colors and cooler temperatures, with average highs around 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius).
Winter in El Chalten
Winter (June to August) brings cold temperatures, with average highs ranging from 32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 5 degrees Celsius). Snowfall in El Chalten is common in winter, creating a winter wonderland for those who venture out.
Spring in El Chalten
Spring (September to November) brings the return of milder temperatures and blooming flowers, with average highs ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
Regardless of the season you visit El Chalten in, it’s essential to pack layers for your outdoor adventures. This includes bringing warm clothing and waterproof gear. That way, you’ll be prepared for the ever-changing weather conditions in El Chalten.
How to Stay Safe in El Chalten
Traveling to El Chalten is generally considered pretty safe. It’s a small and peaceful town with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to take standard precautions to ensure your safety and security.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Take care of your belongings: Keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Use hotel safes or secure lockers whenever available.
- Stay informed about weather conditions: The weather in El Chalten can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check forecasts and trail conditions before embarking on hikes or outdoor activities. Be prepared for changes in weather and carry appropriate gear with you.
- Follow hiking safety guidelines: When hiking, stick to designated trails, carry a map, and inform someone of your itinerary. Be aware of your physical capabilities and don’t push yourself beyond your limits. There are a lot of extreme hikes and conditions in El Chalten.
- Be cautious with wildlife encounters: While wildlife encounters in El Chalten can be exciting, keep a safe distance and do not disturb or feed the animals. Follow any guidelines provided by park authorities or tour guides.
- Use reliable transportation services: There’s always someone looking to make an extra peso off of you. If you’re hiring a taxi or using transportation services, choose reputable companies and agree on the fare beforehand. Also, if you’re traveling during peak seasons, arrange your transportation in advance.
Overall, by using common sense, being aware of your surroundings, and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe and memorable experience in El Chalten.
Frequently Questions about El Chalten, Argentina
As one of the most popular destinations in Argentinian Patagonia, El Chalten is a must visit for all tourists to this southern region. Of course, being a bit off the beaten path, it can raise some questions. Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions for El Chalten.
Is El Chalten worth visiting?
Hiking in El Chalten makes this Argentinian city one of the most popular destinations in Patagonia. Home to Mount Fitz Roy, El Chalten is world renown and a can’t miss city when planning a trip to Patagonia.
How many days do you need in El Chalten, Argentina?
To fully enjoy the area, you’ll need a minimum of two days in El Chalten. To really get to know the city and all of the surrounding mountains, you can easily spend three or four days hiking in El Chalten and beyond. Each hike and activity will offer new perspectives, views, and insight into this stunning area.
When is the best time to visit El Chalten?
Located in the Southern hemisphere, the best time to visit El Chalten is during their summer. This means between December and February. Not only will the weather be lovely, but you’ll have long days to enjoy exploring El Chalten and the surrounding mountains.
Is the tap water safe to drink in El Chalten?
Yes, the tap water in El Chaltén is safe to drink. Before setting out on your hiking adventures fill up your water bottle at your accommodations or at one of the many refilling stations around town. You can also take water purification tablets or a LifeStraw filter to refill your bottle along the hiking paths from the flowing water in the area.
Visit Other Parts of Patagonia
Visiting and hiking in El Chalten, Argentina is one of the best things to do in Patagonia. It offers stunning views, fresh mountain air, and access to the Los Glaciares National Park.
Of course, there is a lot more to see in Patagonia – both in Argentina and in Chile. If you’re interested in El Chalten, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to do the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park located nearby in Chile or exploring El Calafate, Argentina.
Here are some posts to get you started:
- 9 Best Things to Do in El Chalten, Argentina: A Hiker’s Paradise
- Where to Stay in El Calafate: Hotels for All Budgets
- 18 Best Things to Do in El Calafate, Argentina
- Epic 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary: Travel Guide to an Outdoor Paradise
- 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
- Best Time of Year to Visit Patagonia: Season by Season Breakdown
Check Out this Epic 2 Week Patagonia Itinerary
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