A Complete Guide to El Chalten in Argentina
El Chalten, a village near the borders of Chile, is known as Argentina's hiking capital. And trekking and hiking in El Chalten are among the top activities in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia. Are you planning on visiting El Chalten? Our El Chalten travel guide includes the best things to do, practical information on how to get, tips on accommodation, or when to go.
El Chalten is a world-known hiking and trekking destination that attracts travelers and outdoor lovers worldwide.
The truth is that you might have never heard of this place before, but once you start planning your Patagonian trip, it will start popping up way too frequently.
Why is El Chalten so unique?
You don't need to go that far to appreciate the natural mountainous beauty as most of the trails start right in El Chalten, and visitors can choose from a wide range of day hikes or multi-day trekking routes.
It only depends on your budget, fitness level, and your adventurous soul what trek will make it to your travel itinerary.
If you are new to hiking or you want to change your travel style and get outside your comfort zone, you might be asking whether there are more things to do in El Chalten.
Well, there are classic tourist activities available such as biking or horseback riding, but hiking is what this destination is all about.
The absolutely stunning jagged peaks towering above insanely blue lakes are the main reason to visit the area, and it would be a shame to miss it.
For sure, you can enjoy tourist services in the town and get carried away by the uplifting outdoorsy atmosphere, have a beer, or eat a steak.
But to be honest; you do not travel to Argentinian Patagonia backcountry to get such an experience. Simply put, to enjoy El Chalten fully, you should be prepared to lace up your shoes.
In this travel guide, we've covered the best things to do in El Chalten, and we also share practical information on where to stay, how to get there, or what to expect.
Enough said, here is everything you need to know before visiting El Chalten than we did.
What to Expect
At the start, we must admit that despite truly stunning mountains towering everywhere around El Chalten, this village did not become our favorite one for many reasons.
Right after we crossed borders from Chile to Patagonia - from Villa O'Higgins to El Chalten, to be precise - in one day, which was both long and tiring (but wonderful), we faced several challenges we had to solve no matter how tired we were.
First, we needed to withdraw money. But would you believe that the withdrawal limit in all ATMs in El Chalten, one of the most touristy places in Argentina, was a whopping $50?
Yes, you can do it as many times as you want, at least until the ATM runs out of money (which is surprisingly quite often).
But unless you don't want to pay high bank fees, we recommend you withdraw only what is necessary and wait until you reach your next destination, for example, El Calafate, a base for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier.
Second, when we came to a hostel we booked, a very 'welcoming' receptionist told us we didn't have a reservation there, although we had confirmation on our Messenger App.
She told us we did not pay a deposit, although she did not ask for it when we had talked before.
After more than 12 hours of commuting that day, we did not have the strength to argue, plus we did not feel we wanted to support this type of behavior.
So for the next hour, we were desperately walking around El Chalten in the full season, trying to find a cheap accommodation.
Luckily, in the end, we found two beds in a dormitory in a questionable-looking hostel.
The third problem was to find something to eat.
Prices in restaurants in El Chalten were above our travel budget, so we had to go shopping and were quite shocked by what we found in shops in premier Argentina's destination - poor selection and rotten fruits and vegetables.
After several minutes when we were aimlessly walking around empty shelves, we grabbed some pasta and tomato sauce and finally headed to our hostel.
After those experiences, you cannot blame us that the first impression of El Chalten was not positive.
Is El Chalten Worth a Visit?
But thankfully, this small village close to the borders has one of the most beautiful mountains, glaciers, and lakes we've ever seen.
So after doing two of the most popular hikes in the area, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, we quickly forgot about it and gave El Chalten a second chance.
After road tripping Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia for two weeks, the bar was set very high as it is not easy to equal to some of the most photogenic sites such as Cerro Castillo, Hanging Glacier, or Marble Caves.
But the mountains around El Chalten were among the top things we've seen in Patagonia, and even both most popular trails in the area made it to our list of best day hikes in Patagonia.
It even almost exceeded the jewel of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park.
You might not have expected our blog post about El Chalten start with a few setbacks, but we feel it is necessary to show you the real face of El Chalten.
On the one hand, it is a dreamy destination every traveler must love. On the other hand, it is kind of a tourist trap, and it is necessary to know what to expect to enjoy it to the fullest, especially if you travel long term on a strict budget.
If this is your vacation where you don't need to worry about expenses that much, then you will probably enjoy El Chalten village far more.
Hiking in El Chalten
When you arrive in El Chalten for the first time, you will quickly understand that hiking is a religion here, and it is certainly the best thing to do in the area.
You will meet plenty of people dressed in functional and expensive-looking clothes.
Every other one carries hiking sticks, and overall, it is pretty clear from the very first sight that something special must be going on here.
And on trails to the world-known natural attractions, you will meet groups of people of every age you can immediately tell that this adventure in the mountains is their first in their lives.
And often, they look like it’s going to be their last if they overestimate their abilities. There's nothing wrong about gaining hiking skills in this Patagonian mountain range.
But before setting off, please realize that weather in the area, especially near El Chalten, can be pretty harsh, and you should come prepared to avoid any unpleasant experience.
And while the hikes in El Chalten are not the hardest in the world, the difficulty of many of them is far from easy. Make sure to read our guide to hiking for beginners before you go.
Entrance Fee
While the hiking trails in El Chalten are located within Los Glaciares National Park, there is no entrance fee in this area (unlike Perito Moreno Glacier).
So if you are looking for free things to do in El Chalten, you need to go hiking. This is excellent news for all backpackers and hikers who are trying to keep their Patagonia budget at bay.
Weather
Weather in El Chalten and Argentinian Patagonia, in general, is no joke. And we are talking seriously here.
Only a couple of days after we left El Chalten, we read an article in the news that two mountaineers (incidentally, one of them was from the Czech Republic, our home country) died during an attempt to climb Fitz Roy.
Although it was summer season, the weather was windy and rainy for several days in El Chalten, and all outdoor activities were hazardous, even hiking!
When to Visit El Chalten
You can visit El Chalten all year round, but there are a few things to consider before you go first. So, when is the best time to visit El Chalten?
Summer
The peak tourist (and most expensive) season in El Chalten is from December to March, when your chances to have nice weather with reasonable temperatures are higher.
Yes, it is very windy, but on the other hand, if you are on a strict schedule, visiting El Chalten in the summer season is your best bet.
But it is necessary to be prepared for rain and lower temperatures, especially at night, as well. For some, El Chalten in this time of the year might be way too crowded.
Spring and Autumn
Shoulder season, November and April, should guarantee you fewer crowds, lower prices, and picturesque contrasts of colorful leaves and jagged mountains behind.
Although the weather can often be hit or miss, this is actually the best time to visit for budget travelers and people who want to avoid crowds.
Winter
During winter, between June and September, temperatures drop significantly, and although winds usually cease, trails can be inaccessible because of snow.
Although we think Patagonia must be magical in the winter, the truth is, it is not the best to be, especially if you are not an experienced traveler.
Moreover, not all tourist services are opened during the low season, which might be a complication.
If you are still not decided, check out our blog post on when to visit Patagonia.
What to Pack
Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and changeable; it can rain any time of the year, and winds are so strong that at times it is even hard to walk upright.
As the absolute majority of activities take place outside, it is essential to arrive well-prepared.
You should always pack a rain poncho, windproof jacket, and extra warm layers, although you are starting your trek when the weather is sunny and clear.
Here are seven essential things you should pack for El Chalten.
Rain Jacket | A water and windproof jacket is a must-have item when traveling to Patagonia. It's not cheap, but worth it.
Down Jacket | Lightweight with great packability, this down jacket will make all your hiking adventures in El Chalten much more comfortable.
Daypack | A comfortable daypack with waist straps will make your day hikes better.
Trekking Poles | If you plan on doing a lot of hiking in Patagonia, don't leave your trusty hiking poles at home.
Gloves | It gets chilly due to strong winds, so you might want to protect your hands as well.
Hiking Boots | Sturdy hiking boots which provide good support will help you tackle the most popular trails with ease.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm | Even though you will probably be wearing pants and a jacket most of the time, you should still protect your face from the sun. The strong winds can cause dry lips, so use lip balm as well.
We've also created a useful post Patagonia packing list where you can find more detailed packing guide.
Best Things to Do In El Chalten
Los Glaciares National Park is home to many majestic peaks, but two day hikes that stand above them all are treks to Laguna Torre, wherefrom the shore you can see Cerro Torre and Laguna de Los Tres with characteristic Cerro Fitz Roy.
Both treks are well-signposted and similar in length, 24 and 26 kilometers.
What we liked the most, both trails start right in El Chalten, so it is easy to reach trailheads to these fantastic treks even if you don't have a rental car.
For more intrepid travelers, there is an option to pack camping gear (there are plenty of rental shops in El Chalten), buy food for several days, get lost in the national park, and escape the crowds.
Of course, there are many more trails in El Chalten, and if you have more time, feel free to explore as many of them as you can.
Among other top attractions belong Lago del Desierto, a path to a wonderful waterfall Salto El Chorrillo or Glacier Huemul hike.
But below, we would like to share with you more about activities we actually did in El Chalten.
Cerro Torre And Laguna Torre
The hike to Cerro Torre and Laguna Torre climbs up at first, but the path is mostly flat once you get to the first viewpoint.
It is impossible to get lost here, as there are signs every kilometer where you can even see your progress - we actually found it a bit demotivating to know every kilometer we passed, but it might have an opposite effect on you.
Although the weather was quite fine that day, there was a cloud hanging above Cerro Torre, and we did not get the full view of the rugged mountains behind Laguna Torre.
Fortunately, from the main viewpoint by the lake, there is another path that leads for another two kilometers closer to the glacier.
It was very windy, but we are glad we made it to another viewpoint overlooking the glacier as it was the highlight of our day.
We do not have to mention that not many people opt for the extension, so it is a great place to eat your lunch (large rocks can work as a shelter because the wind blows here strongly).
Once you soak in the views, you can retrace your steps back to El Chalten.
Laguna de los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy
A day hike to Laguna de Los Tres, alias Mount Fitz Roy is for most travelers the main reason to arrive in El Chalten.
The characteristically shaped mount Fitz Roy is towering above the stunningly blue waters of Laguna de Los Tres, and this trip is totally worth your time.
When checking the weather forecast, you should reserve this trip on a day with the best prospects, as bad weather can significantly influence your experience.
The path is narrow but easy to follow and goes up and down.
The hardest part starts right behind a campground which you will pass through (in case you plan on staying in the camp, arrive early as it fills up quickly), approximately on kilometer 8.
From here, the trail goes steeply up, but the promise of seeing something amazing will push you forward.
The view from the lake's shore is breathtaking, but to get the lesser-known yet even more incredible view, continue a hundred meters or so along the path on your left only to see another lagoon!
Glacier Piedras Blancas
When returning back to El Chalten, you can take a short two-kilometer side trip to Glacier Piedras Blancas.
It is really worth it but be ready that this side trip will make from the hike to Mount Fitz Roy almost 30 kilometers long day.
Top Activites in El Chalten
Hiking is indeed the number one activity to do in El Chalten. And arriving in El Chalten without any hiking intentions quite frankly make any sense.
So, are you wondering what to do in El Chalten except hiking? There are more activities that can be done here, but they're usually pretty straightforward and don't offer much variety.
Moreover, they are not free, as you usually need to rent equipment, arrange transport, or take a guided tour.
MTB Biking
If you like biking, then you can definitely try MTB biking from Lago del Desierto back to El Chalten. Moreover, you can visit some top attractions in El Chalten, such as Huemul Glacier or Chorillo del Salto along the way.
The entire stretch of road is unpaved, so the mountain bike comes in handy here.
If biking on the main road is not your thing, you can consider this El Chalten MTB Tour that includes some more exciting trails.
Ice Trek Cagliero
Would you like to visit Laguna El Diablo and Cagliero Glacier and do some ice trekking while using crampons?
As you've already guessed, the only way to visit the area is on a guided tour. Ice Trek Cagliero Tour is a moderately challenging activity that features some basic climbing.
No experience is needed here, but there is an age limit, and kids under 15 years are not allowed for safety reasons.
Horseback Riding
The steppe, snowy mountains, and grazing horses. One of Patagonia's most classic and dreamy images can easily become a reality once you arrive in El Chalten.
Remember, no previous experience is required for horseback riding here.
You can consider reserving a Horseback Riding Tour here.
Kayaking
If you are a fan of kayaking, then know that El Chalten is ready for you. Lago del Desierto will probably be your best bet to try this activity, though you can enjoy De las Vueltas River from where you can see Mount Fitz Roy.
We enjoyed the Lago del Desierto from the boat, and we believe that the kayaking experience must be even better.
Where to Stay in El Chalten
Finding a reasonably priced accommodation in El Chalten in the high season turned out to be an almost impossible quest.
So when planning your travels, do not forget to make your reservation well in advance to secure a room in the village.
If you are a budget traveler, be mentally prepared that accommodation prices are higher in El Chalten but don't expect better service and standards.
We've selected the top accommodation options in the list below, so you can start planning your perfect trip.
Budget | Lo de Guille - Basic but clean hostel offering private rooms, good wifi, and breakfast, which is basically what every traveler needs.
Mid-range | Pudu Lodge - Perfectly located stylish lodge offers well-appointed rooms and a cozy dining room.
Luxury | Destino Sur Hotel and Spa de Montana - Beautiful new hotel with a gym, spa treatments, and mountain views from every room is the best you can find in El Chalten when looking for a bit of luxury.
How to Get to El Chalten
El Chalten, despite its size, is well-connected with other destinations in Argentina.
We arrived from Villa O’Higgins in Chile, but usually, travelers reach El Chalten from El Calafate, where you can also find the nearest airport.
Or even from Bariloche in Lake Districts, this is a long ride, though.
Bus
There are several bus companies serving the route between El Chalten and El Calafate, approximately three times a day.
But it is highly recommended to book your seat when you arrive in El Chalten, especially between December and February.
The bus ticket from El Calafate to El Chalten costs 800 Argentinian Pesos per person, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to get there. In the low season, there is usually only one bus per day running between these two places.
Car
An increasingly popular way of getting to El Chalten is by car. If budget allows, you should consider renting a car when traveling around Patagonia to maximize your holiday time.
Tour
If short on time, then consider taking this popular El Chalten Tour from El Calafate, which allows you to soak up the incredible scenery of Los Glaciares National Park in a day.
Is El Chalten Safe?
El Chalten is a remote village in Patagonia and is considered extremely safe.
The crime against tourists is almost non-existent, and the only danger lurks in the mountains if you overestimate your skills or underestimate the weather.
We also created a guide on staying safe in South America based on our personal experience after almost a year of traveling around South America.
It might come in handy if you plan to visit this amazing continent soon.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How Many Days for El Chalten
We believe that you need three days for El Chalten, and here's why. If you have only a day in El Chalten, we recommend you to do the Laguna de Los Tres hike (the one where you can see Mount Fitz Roy).
So a first-time visitor to El Chalten would need at least two full days to do the two most famous hikes in the area.
Those two days don't involve coming or going from the village, so you would most likely need three days for El Chalten in order to create a realistic travel itinerary.
Also, you wouldn't have time for other shorter hikes or activities in the area.
Three to five days in El Chalten will allow you to see this incredible place in a more relaxed manner, though it's not needed if you are short on time.
If you are following our footsteps, then you arguably don't have to go back to Lago del Desierto area, as you've already been there.
In the end, it all depends on how many days you can afford to stay in El Chalten and on your travel itinerary.
Keep in mind that if you have a car, then you can plan your trip to El Chalten a bit more efficiently than travelers using public transport.
Lastly, there is not much to do in El Chalten when it rains, so you most likely need to wait it out. Therefore, an extra day comes in handy.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
