El Chalten Travel Guide

Discover the stunning natural beauty, adventurous hikes, rich culture, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations in El Chalten. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to El Chalten

Located in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina, El Chalten is a nature lover’s paradise. This charming mountain village is famous for its stunning scenery, rugged landscapes, glacier-fed rivers, and abundant wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a true adventure in South America.

List of Places to Visit in El Chalten

There are numerous places to visit in El Chalten. Whether you are interested in history, nature, adventure, or culture, this town has something for you. Here is a list of must-see attractions in El Chalten:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The El Chalten Interpretation Center: This museum offers an in-depth look at the history, geography, and ecology of the region.

Natural Attractions of El Chalten: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Fitz Roy: This iconic peak is one of the most famous hiking destinations in Argentina. It offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and lakes.
  • Glacier Viedma: This majestic glacier is the largest in the region and is a popular destination for boat tours and ice hiking.
  • Lago del Desierto: This scenic lake is located at the end of a long valley and offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
  • Los Glaciares National Park: This park is one of the most important natural reserves in the world and boasts over 750,000 acres of protected land.

Hiking/Biking Routes of El Chalten

El Chalten is an adventure lover’s paradise, with numerous hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are some of the best routes to try out:

  • Laguna de los Tres: This 14 km round-trip trail offers stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Cerro Torre trail: This challenging 22 km round-trip hike takes you through stunning forests and alpine landscapes to reach views of the impressive Cerro Torre mountain.
  • Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: This hike offers incredible views of the Andes Mountains, the Viedma Lake, and the Continental Ice Field, covering 18 km and taking about 7 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in El Chalten: Activities and Tours

El Chalten offers many activities and tours for visitors to enjoy, including:

  • Ice hiking and glacier climbing: Explore the beautiful glaciers of the region with the guidance of an experienced guide.
  • Horse riding: Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the area on a guided horseback riding tour.
  • Rafting and kayaking: Get a thrill by taking part in a rafting or kayaking tour that will show you the beautiful Patagonian scenery from a different perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for El Chalten

Day 1: Arrival in El Chalten and a short walking tour around the village

Day 2: Hike to Laguna de los Tres and return to the village

Day 3: Hike to Cerro Torre and return to the village

Day 4: Boat tour of Glacier Viedma

Day 5: Horseback riding tour in the surrounding areas

Day 6: Explore El Chalten on your own or take another one of the numerous outdoor adventures available, such as rafting or kayaking

Day 7: Departure from El Chalten

Food and Drink Scene of El Chalten

El Chalten has a variety of dining options, with dishes that reflect its regional traditions and the local produce. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Locro: A hearty and flavorful stew typically made from white corn, meat, and regional vegetables.

  • Asado: Known as Argentinean BBQ, this dish is a must for meat lovers as Argentine beef is famous for its great taste and quality

Local Beverages

  • Mate Tea: The most popular drink in Argentina. Yerba mate is a native plant that is used to make this iconic drink.

Where to Stay in El Chalten: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

El Chalten has a variety of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to fit any budget or travel style. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa: This five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy.

  • Hostel Kaulem: A comfortable, budget-friendly option located in the heart of town and close to the hiking trails.

  • Hosteria Senderos: This cozy guesthouse offers comfortable and clean accommodations and easy access to the hiking trails.

What to Buy in El Chalten: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home as memories from El Chalten include:

  • Handmade woolens: These are made from the local Merino wool and are warm and soft for winter months.

  • Leather products: Argentinean leather is famous worldwide so be sure to pick up a fine leather product at the numerous shops in the village.

Local Culture and Customs of El Chalten

Argentinean culture is heavily influenced by its history and indigenous roots, and El Chalten is no exception. The town has a significant European influence, thanks to the influx of settlers during the 20th century. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to respect local traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit El Chalten

The best time to visit El Chalten is during the summer months from December to February when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush green. The autumn colors in April are also very beautiful and give a different look to the landscapes, while in winter the place transforms into snowy paradise.

Do’s and Don’ts of El Chalten

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress in layers suitable for hiking and unpredictable weather.
  • Take plenty of water, snacks, and warm clothing on hikes.
  • Plan ahead for accommodation and reservations if traveling during peak season.
  • Follow the Leave No Trace guidelines.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash or waste behind on the trails or in the village.
  • Disturb wildlife or remove natural resources from the area.
  • Ignore weather warnings or hike alone in dangerous conditions.
  • Drink tap water - it is not safe to drink.

Safety and Health in El Chalten

Safety in El Chalten

El Chalten is a relatively safe destination, but it’s always important to take precautions. Visitors should be prepared for cold and rainy weather, harsh terrain, and adopt the proper footwear and equipment for each activity and whether it’s an individual or guided tour. Visitors should also be vigilant of theft or pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Health in El Chalten

Visitors should ensure they take proper precautions to protect themselves against health issues such as altitude sickness, hypothermia, and dehydration. It is always best to seek advice from a medical practitioner before travelling to the area, especially if visitors have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Getting to El Chalten: Transportation Options and Logistics

El Chalten is located about 3 hours by car from El Calafate, which has an airport and is the gateway to the Perito Moreno glacier. Here are some transportation options to get to El Chalten from El Calafate:

Airports Near El Chalten

  • The nearest major airport is in El Calafate (FTE), 3 hours away by car or Bus

Bus Stations Near El Chalten

  • Several buses run regularly between El Calafate and El Chalten, taking around three hours.

Other Options

  • Self-driving is a popular option for people traveling to El Chalten. You can rent a car at El Calafate Airport or in the village.

How to Get Around in El Chalten

El Chalten is a small town, and everything is within walking distance. However, if you prefer a little more speed or want to explore the outskirts, you can rent bicycles for the day or take an organized tour.

Where to Go Next from El Chalten: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several destinations near El Chalten that are worth exploring, including:

  • El Calafate: This town is only 3 hours away and is home to the famous Perito Moreno glacier.
  • Torres del Paine National Park: A 9-hour drive to the Chilean border, this park is one of the most famous in South Chile and has numerous hikes, beautiful landscapes and some amazing wildlife sightings.

Conclusion

El Chalten is a paradise for adventure-seekers, with stunning natural scenery, challenging hiking and biking trails, a rich culture, and delicious food. This guide has everything you need to plan a memorable trip to this South American gem. What are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!

Mount Fitz Roy, one of the most technically challenging mountains on Earth for mountaineers. Mount Fitz Roy, one of the most technically challenging mountains on Earth for mountaineers. Cerro Torre Cerro Torre