El Chalten Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Billy Zeballos/Argentina Travel
Framed by snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers and deep-blue lakes, this village is Argentina’s trekking capital and a gateway to Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares.

Rustic El Chaltén is a paradise of stunning natural landscapes perched on the edge of Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares. Established in 1985 to prevent territorial claims from Chile, today the village is famous for being the trekking capital of Argentina. El Chaltén is the place to walk on giant ice fields, gaze in awe at Andean peaks, hike mountain trails and explore placid glacial lakes.

A great way to discover El Chaltén’s attractions is on foot. You’ll find treks ranging from 2 hours to 7 days, suitable for varied levels of fitness. Trail maps are available from the village’s Centro de Informes (Information Centre) and Oficina de Turismo (Tourist Office). 

Walk to the Mirador de los Cóndores lookout for panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two striking Andean peaks. Follow a short trail to Cascada Chorrillo del Salto, a 65-foot (20-metre) tall waterfall. Hike through scenic backcountry to blue-tinted lakes such as Laguna Capri and Laguna Torre. Traverse an enchanting forest on your way to Huemul Glacier.

Avid hikers can join multi-day hikes to the 11,168-foot (3,405-metre) tall Mount Fitz Roy and 10,174-foot (3,102-metre) tall) Cerro Torre. Alternatively, join mountaineering excursions to towering ice-encrusted mountain crests.  

Visit Viedma Glacier via a boat cruise on the tranquil lake water of Lago Viedma or kayak on the Río de las Vueltas. Other activities in El Chaltén include horseback riding, mountain biking and wildlife spotting. Keep watch for condors, eagles, llamas and the elusive puma. 

Reach El Chaltén by catching a bus from El Calafate, which is 3-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Stay overnight at camping grounds, budget hostels and alpine-style lodges. Due to adverse weather conditions, the majority of the village’s tourism services shut down in winter. Beyond El Chaltén, you can visit the southern section of Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares and witness enormous chunks of ice breaking free from Perito Moreno Glacier and crashing into Lago Argentino.

Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel
Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Las Loicas 01, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
The price is ₹19,508 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹19,508
₹19,508 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"Friendly"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel
Hostel Rancho Grande
Hostel Rancho Grande
2 out of 5
Av. San Martin 724, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
The price is ₹10,931 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
₹10,931
₹10,931 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hostel in El Chalten. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Laguna Capri and Capilla de ...
9/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Love the convenience and proximity to the trail."

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2024

Hostel Rancho Grande
Fitz Roy Hosteria de Montaña
Fitz Roy Hosteria de Montaña
3 out of 5
Av. San Martin 520, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
The price is ₹8,582 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
₹8,582
₹8,582 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (64 reviews)
"Great spot to stay, close to tons of good restaurants. Breakfast was great. Close to many trailheads."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2024

Fitz Roy Hosteria de Montaña
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Andino Aparts - El Chalten
Andino Aparts - El Chalten
2.5 out of 5
Llao Llao 45, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
Stay at this aparthotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (76 reviews)
"The road is not in excellent condition."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2024

Andino Aparts - El Chalten
Chalten Camp - Glamping With A View
Chalten Camp - Glamping With A View
2 out of 5
Camino Cementerio S/N, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
Stay at this campsite in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Capilla de los Escaladores and Laguna Capri ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay at Camp Chalten, the hospitality we experienced was unlike anything we have ever experienced before. It was truly luxurious camping with turndown service every night and some of the best food we have ever had We had several mishaps related to our car breakdown and weather, ..."

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Chalten Camp - Glamping With A View
Cerro Electrico Upcycled Eco Stay
Cerro Electrico Upcycled Eco Stay
3 out of 5
Km 15 Ruta Provincial 41, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star cabin in El Chalten. Enjoy free parking, free food shopping service and premium bedding. Popular attractions Salto El Chorrillo Waterfall ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
views!!!!
"The view is perfect. very quiet and relaxing. great home base for many hikes if you have transportation."

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2024

Cerro Electrico Upcycled Eco Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of El Chalten

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We used Lengas for door to door transfers El Chalten-El Calafate town and airport. Excellent on time service with new Ford Transit size buses

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely little town. Most of the places were shut as it was end of the season .