El Chalten, Patagonia Travel Guide

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Discover El Chalten, Argentina's trekking capital, with trails to Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, plus kayaking, biking & stunning Patagonian scenery.

El Chalten, a small mountain village in Argentina's Patagonia, is known as the trekking capital. It provides access to stunning trails leading to iconic peaks like Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, as well as beautiful glacial lakes and rivers.

A brief summary to El Chalten

San Martín, El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, AR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring El Chalten.

Book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak summer months (December to February), as lodging options can fill up quickly.
Bring cash, as there are limited ATMs in El Chalten.
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable.
Stock up on trekking snacks and packed lunch supplies at the supermarkets in town.
Check the weather forecast before embarking on a hike, and be prepared for strong winds.

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Explore El Chalten on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near El Chalten, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

Most travelers arrive in El Chalten via El Calafate. From El Calafate International Airport (FTE) or the El Calafate bus terminal, take a bus to El Chalten. Several bus companies operate this route, including Chalten Travel, Taqsa, and Caltur. The bus trip takes approximately 3 hours. A one-way ticket costs around AR$35,000. Additionally, there is a municipal tax of AR$2,000 to use the El Chalten bus terminal. Buses typically drop off and pick up passengers at designated locations throughout the town.
Walking

El Chalten is a small, walkable village, and many trailheads are accessible directly from town. From the main street, Avenida San Martin, you can easily reach the trailheads for Mount Fitz Roy/Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, and Chorrillo del Salto. Follow the well-marked paths and signs to your desired destination. No special transport is needed to reach these trailheads from accommodations in El Chalten.

Discover more about El Chalten

Nestled within Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Founded in 1985, the village serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails that wind through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes. The most famous trails lead to Laguna de los Tres, offering iconic views of Mount Fitz Roy, and Laguna Torre, showcasing the majestic Cerro Torre. El Chalten provides a range of activities beyond hiking, including kayaking on the Rio de las Vueltas, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The village itself has a charming, rustic atmosphere with quaint wooden buildings, independent stores, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the nearby Lago del Desierto, hike to the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, or embark on more challenging treks like the Huemul Circuit. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a novice hiker, El Chalten offers trails for all abilities, making it a must-visit destination in Patagonia.