What to do in El Chaltén

El Chaltén is a small town within Los Glaciares National Park, founded in 1985 and designed almost entirely around the mountains. Its unique feature is that the most famous trails in Argentine Patagonia begin just meters from the last houses: there's no need to hire long transfers or get up too early to reach the viewpoints of Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre.

This guide organizes the options according to the time you have, your physical condition upon arrival, and the time of year you travel.

If you only have one day

With a full day, the decision comes down to choosing between walking or sailing.

If physical condition allows and the weather is good, the trekking to Laguna de los Tres This is the hike most people come to do: 22 km, about nine hours, and the most impressive viewpoint of Fitz Roy. It's demanding, especially the final ascent. A slightly gentler alternative with equally stunning scenery is the Trekking to Laguna Torre, with icebergs floating in front of Cerro Torre.

If you prefer not to walk so much, the navigation to the Viedma Glacier It solves the whole day with very little demand: navigation, a short optional trek and the approach to the front of the largest glacier in Argentina.

If you have two or three days

With more than one day, it's advisable to alternate effort and rest, especially because the weather in El Chaltén changes quickly and you can't always choose what to do each morning.

A combination that works well: a day of strenuous trekking (Laguna de los Tres or Hill of the Fallen Fold, (which offers the best panoramic view in the area), a day of sailing or of Desert Lake, and a third, lighter day in Bonanza Ranch or with the Half-day trek to Laguna Capri.

If you are traveling with little experience in the mountains

Not everything in El Chaltén requires good physical condition. The boat trip to Viedma Glacier, the Lago del Desierto (Desert Lake) with the Vespignani Glacier (where one of the three trails is an 800-meter walk with no elevation gain), horseback riding at Estancia Bonanza, and the via ferrata with zip line These are activities designed for the general public.

If you are traveling with children, the Viedma Glacier boat trip is suitable for all ages and children under three years old are free.

If you're looking for adventure

The Ice Trek on the Cagliero Glacier It is the only ice trek in El Chaltén: it combines Patagonian forest, via ferrata and walking with crampons on the glacier, within the Los Huemules Reserve, far from the most traveled circuits.

Over the water, the rafting on the Río de las Vueltas It has class III and III+ rapids, and the kayak It offers the relaxed version, with a country brunch halfway through the tour.

When to travel

The excursion season runs from October to mid-April. December through February are the most stable and also the busiest months: it's advisable to book in advance, especially for activities with limited capacity. October, November, March, and April are less crowded and have lower prices, with more variable weather and shorter days.

Wind is a constant factor in the area and can modify or cancel activities, especially water sports. It's advisable to allow for flexibility in your itinerary and not leave the most important excursion for the last day.

How to get there

The usual access is from El Calafate, about three hours away via Route 40 and Route 23, with the classic stop at La Leona. We offer the transfer between both locations door-to-door or regular bus service with reception at destination.

The nearest airport is El Calafate. Many travelers combine both destinations in the same trip: if that's your case, we can also help you organize excursions in El Calafate. El Calafate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our section on Frequently asked questions Or write to us directly: we'll help you put together an itinerary based on the number of days you have, your physical condition, and the time of year.