El Chaltén is a village in Argentina's Santa Cruz province, in Patagonia, inside Los Glaciares National Park, where the Fitz Roy and de las Vueltas rivers meet, about 400 m above sea level. It was founded on October 12, 1985, making it Argentina's youngest town. It is 220 km from El Calafate on a fully paved road.
It is Argentina's National Trekking Capital under Law 27,055. The trails of the park's northern section start right from town: to Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405 m), and to Laguna Torre, facing Cerro Torre (3,102 m), two of the world's most famous granite peaks among climbers.
The best time to go is October to March. In winter fewer services are open, the trails have snow and mud and, from May to September, hikers must register at the park's Visitor Center before heading out.
Things to do in El Chaltén
- 1
Laguna de los Tres hike (Fitz Roy)
The area's most popular trail. It is 25 km in total, 8 to 9 hours, rated medium-high, and ends at the glacial lake at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. It starts at the end of San Martín Avenue. If you're short on time, Laguna Capri, on the same trail, is an 8 km round trip with Fitz Roy views.
See tours - 2
Laguna Torre hike (Cerro Torre)
About 18 km round trip up the Fitz Roy river valley to the Laguna Torre viewpoint, facing Cerro Torre and its glacier. Allow 3 to 4 hours each way; it is rated easy. A shorter option is the round trip to the Cerro Torre viewpoint, about 5 km in total.
See tours - 3
Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints
Two of the park's shortest and most accessible trails. They start at the Visitor Center at the entrance to town and look over the village, the de las Vueltas river valley and, on clear days, Fitz Roy. Ideal for your arrival day or for sunset.
- 4
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
A trail that climbs to a panoramic viewpoint over the peaks of the park's northern section. It can be done in a day and is an alternative to the two classic lakes.
- 5
Chorrillo del Salto
A half-day outing to a waterfall about 6 km from town, on the road to Lago del Desierto. You can walk there, and it's the classic plan for a day of bad weather in the mountains.
- 6
Lago del Desierto and Huemul Glacier
Lago del Desierto is a provincial reserve 37 km from town on Provincial Route 41, a gravel road along the de las Vueltas river. It is surrounded by lenga and ñire forest and by the Vespignani range, with hanging glaciers. You can sail it by catamaran and hike up to see the Huemul Glacier from above.
See tours - 7
Boat trip to Viedma Glacier
Boat trips leave from Puerto Bahía Túnel, on Lake Viedma, near town, and approach the face of the Viedma Glacier. Some options add a hike on the ice with crampons.
See tours - 8
Climbing on Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre
The park's northern section is a world mecca for technical climbing. Climbing and trekking in remote areas require registering with the park first, and expeditions onto the Southern Patagonian Ice Field must be done with licensed operators and guides.
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El Chaltén weather
| Month | High | Low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15°C 58°F | 7°C 44°F | 15.7 h |
| Feb | 15°C 60°F | 7°C 45°F | 14.2 h |
| Mar | 13°C 55°F | 6°C 42°F | 12.4 h |
| Apr | 10°C 49°F | 3°C 37°F | 10.6 h |
| May | 7°C 44°F | 0°C 32°F | 9.0 h |
| Jun | 4°C 38°F | -2°C 28°F | 8.2 h |
| Jul | 3°C 37°F | -3°C 26°F | 8.6 h |
| Aug | 4°C 40°F | -2°C 28°F | 10.0 h |
| Sep | 6°C 43°F | -1°C 30°F | 11.8 h |
| Oct | 9°C 48°F | 2°C 35°F | 13.6 h |
| Nov | 12°C 53°F | 4°C 39°F | 15.3 h |
| Dec | 14°C 57°F | 6°C 42°F | 16.2 h |
2015–2024 averages calculated from Open-Meteo historical data (ERA5 reanalysis). They may differ by one or two degrees from the local weather station.
Best time to visit El Chaltén
The best time is October to March, with long days and every service open. The village welcomes visitors year-round, but in winter the trails have snow and mud and most services close.
Summer
December to February
Peak season: long days to fit the long hikes into a single day, and every boat trip and tour running. Book accommodation well in advance.
Autumn
March to May
Crowds thin out. In March the town holds the National Trekking Festival, which marks the first Argentine attempt to climb Fitz Roy on March 18, 1948.
Winter
June to August
Trails have snow and mud, and from May to September hikers must register at the Visitor Center before setting out. Many hotels and restaurants close.
Spring
September to November
The season picks up again: from October buses return along Route 40 from the north and most services reopen. Fewer crowds than in summer.
How to get to El Chaltén
By plane + bus
The nearest airport is El Calafate (Comandante Armando Tola, FTE), with flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Bariloche, Ushuaia and Trelew. From there it's 200 km of paved road to El Chaltén.
By bus from El Calafate
It's 220 km on a paved road, partly on National Route 40, with three daily departures from El Calafate's bus terminal. There are also buses from Río Gallegos (452 km).
On Route 40 from the north
From Tres Lagos, follow Route 40 for 35 km and then Provincial Route 41 for 90 km to town. From October to April there are several weekly buses from Bariloche, 1,392 km away.
How many days in El Chaltén
3 full days cover the two classic hikes and a short outing. To add Lago del Desierto, Viedma Glacier or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, and leave room for bad weather, 5 to 7 days is ideal.
Day 1
Arrive from El Calafate and catch sunset at Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints.
Day 2
Hike to Laguna de los Tres, stopping at Laguna Capri.
Day 3
Hike to Laguna Torre, facing Cerro Torre.
Day 4
Lago del Desierto and Huemul Glacier, stopping at Chorrillo del Salto on the way back.
Day 5
Viedma Glacier boat trip or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. Also your spare day if it rained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit El Chaltén?
October to March, when days are long and every service is open. In winter the trails have snow and mud and many services close.
How many days do you need in El Chaltén?
At least 3 full days for Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre and a short outing. 5 to 7 days is ideal: mountain weather changes fast, and spare days give you a better chance of seeing Fitz Roy clear.
Do you have to pay to hike in El Chaltén?
Yes. Access to the Los Glaciares National Park trails from El Chaltén requires a paid pass. Argentina's National Parks Administration sells day passes and 3- or 7-day Flexipasses on its online portal, and the second day is 50% off if you return within 72 hours.
How do you get from El Calafate to El Chaltén?
By bus or car, on 220 km of paved road, partly on National Route 40. There are three daily buses. El Calafate's airport is 200 km from El Chaltén.
Which hike should I do in El Chaltén if I only have one day?
Laguna de los Tres, if you're fit: 25 km and 8 to 9 hours, with Fitz Roy views. For something shorter, try Laguna Capri (8 km round trip) or Laguna Torre, which is rated easy.
Can you visit El Chaltén in winter?
Yes, but with fewer services and trails covered in snow and mud. From May to September you must register at the park's Visitor Center before hiking. The Visitor Center opens 10 am to 6 pm in winter and 9 am to 5 pm from September to April.
How far is Lago del Desierto from El Chaltén?
37 km on Provincial Route 41, a gravel road that follows the de las Vueltas river. The lake is a provincial reserve outside the national park, and you can tour it by catamaran.
Keep exploring
Parque nacional
Los Glaciares
Destino
Guía de viaje: El Calafate
Sendero
Laguna de los Tres
Sendero
Laguna Torre
Sendero
Laguna Capri
Sendero
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Sendero
Chorrillo del Salto
Sendero
Huemul Circuit
Escalada
Fitz Roy
Escalada
Cerro Torre
Arqueología
Pinturas del Lago Viedma
Fauna
Huemul
Fauna
Cóndor andino