15 Best Things To Do In El Chalten, Patagonia

Looking for the best things to do in El Chalten?

El Chalten is—quite simply—one of the places you should never skip during a trip to Argentina. This tiny town, considered to be a climbing paradise and one of the best places to go hiking in Patagonia, has around 1,600 inhabitants, though apparently, no more than 400 people live there year-round.

The population inevitably swells with tourists in the summer months—they travel all the way to this remote location, which is the gateway to some of the best hikes in Patagonia.

Of course, being a hiking enthusiast and a lover of Patagonia, I have been to El Chalten and spent an extensive amount of time exploring the many trails and things to do in El Chalten on offer.

El Chalten means “smoking mountain” in the Aoniken language. It used to be the actual name of Mount Fitz Roy, referring to the clouds that normally form around the region’s peaks.

The town was founded in 1985 to keep watch over an area that was highly disputed between Argentina and Chile.

Are you curious to find out more about what to do in El Chalten and other practical information, including great hikes, restaurants, and more? Continue reading!

The Best Things To Do In El Chalten

Hike to the Condor Lookout

Hiking is by and large one of the best things to do in El Chaltén, and you should head out on a trail as soon as you get there. The walk to the Condor lookout is easy, with a gradual yet steady ascent, but very short (no more than 2 km—1.2 miles—there and back).

With the incredible views of the mountains and Lake Viedma, this is the perfect introduction to what this part of Patagonia has to offer.

The trail is at the southern entrance of town. The best time of day to hike to the Condor Lookout is sunrise when you can admire the peaks glow in a beautiful pink light. However, it’s also a great walk if you have a couple of hours to kill when you have just arrived in El Chalten, Patagonia, and don’t have enough time for a longer hike.

So, not only is this hike easily accessible from El Chalten, but it’s a pretty mellow one compared to hikes around other national parks in Argentina.

Hike to Mirador Cascada Margarita

This is more of a viewpoint than a long trek, making it one of the things to do in El Chalten if you’re short on time or want a laid-back stroll. It’s the perfect way to start your trip in El Chalten (or wind down after a busy few days of more intense hiking).

The trail is actually to the first viewpoint on the Laguna Torre Hike El Chalten, so you don’t necessarily need to do this if you’re already planning that one. However, if you don’t have the time for Laguna Torre for whatever reason, Mirador Cascada Margarita will give you the perfect little taste.

The trailhead is one Calle Riquelme and the hike is only about an hour.

Hike to Laguna Torre

Hiking the Laguna Torre is one of the best El Chalten things to do. It’s a moderate trek to the base of Cerro Torre, where you’ll get incredible views of the mountains.

The overall hike takes between 5 and 7 hours, depending on how often you stop and whether or not you walk all the way to Mirador Maestri, from where you have even better views of the glaciers.

The trail starts at the northern entrance of El Chalten. It’s initially very steep for about 2 km (1.2 miles), after which it becomes a very easy ascent. The only really difficult bit is the 2 km (1.2 miles) to Mirador Maestri, for the terrain is unsteady and the trail harder to follow.

You can easily hike to Laguna Torre El Chalten independently. If you’d rather join a guided hike, there are several that depart from El Chalten and El Calafate.

If you’re interested in just passing through El Chalten from El Calafate for the Laguna Torre hike, I recommend this Hike Cerro Torre: Full-Day Trek from El Calafate. You can also coordinate a pick-up in El Chalten if you’re already in town.

Hike to Laguna de Los Tres

If you’re looking for the best hikes in El Chalten, look no further. Hiking to Laguna de Los Tres should be at the top of your list for what to do in El Chalten.

At the base of Mount Fitz Roy, this is one of the most rewarding hikes in Patagonia, with incredible views throughout—starting with those you get from Mirador Piedras Blancas and Laguna Capri and ending with those you finally have once you reach the lake.

There are two starting points to this trail: one is in town, on the northern side, and you’ll have to walk to the lake and back on the same trail; the other is at Hostaria El Pilar, about 12 km (7.4 miles) north of town (you’ll need to get there by taxi), and after reaching the lagoon, you’ll walk on the same trail that goes back to town.

It’s an easy-to-moderate hike for the most part. However, after Campamento Poincenot camping site, the hike becomes strenuous with a one km (0.6 miles) that goes all the way to the lake, with a steady 40% incline on rocky terrain, incredibly hard to walk up and just hard to walk back down – making this one of the hardest hikes in the area.

The El Chalten hike to Fitz Roy is definitely one of the most rewarding things to do in El Chalten, especially since you can see Fitz Roy from so many other places in the area! Every time you look at it while in Patagonia, you’ll know you did one of the best hikes with it.

I recommend this From El Calafate: Laguna de los Tres Trekking Tour. This self-guided tour departs El Calafate early in the morning and goes straight to El Chalten and the Laguna de los Tres starting point.

I also recommend this Laguna de los Tres Trekking Tour. This is another self-guided tour, where transportation is arranged, and you’re given a map for the hike. You can meet people on the way there and not have to worry about figuring out how to get there and back.

If you are toying with the idea of hiking Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre together, you can actually go on a two-day hiking tour. I recommend this 2-Day Hiking Tour of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from El Chalten. You’ll camp at Poincenot Camp and spend a full two days exploring the beautiful Patagonia.

Laguna Capri

If you want to check out the sights and sounds of a piece of the Laguna de los Tres, you can take a shorter hike to Laguna Capri – it’s what to do in El Chalten for something a bit more easygoing.

The trailhead is on the north end of Avenida Avenida San Martin. From the trailhead, just continue down the trail until you reach the lagoon, where you’ll find a few good spots on the beach to sit in front of the views.

You’re treated to up-close seating at Laguna Capri with a beautiful backdrop of Fitz Roy Massif beyond.

It takes about two hours each way, or four hours roundtrips, though this might vary depending on your pace and how much time to spend at the lagoon. And it’s very easy to do on your own, as well!

Hike the Huemul Circuit

Not far from El Chalten, the Huemul Circuit is one of the most challenging hikes in Patagonia. It will take the best of four days, during which you’ll have to cross rivers, climb over mountain passes, and camp – all in exchange for incredible views of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

Unlike the majority of hikes in Patagonia, you can’t walk this trail independently. In fact, the trail isn’t well marked, and you will need a local guide to help you navigate the area, cross the river, rock scramble, and even climb.

Make sure you are properly equipped for it, and ask for information in El Chalten before agreeing to do it. There are some outdoor stores in downtown El Chalten that offer gear rental if you don’t have exactly what you need, but they run out of popular equipment really quickly, so you’ll have to visit a few different outdoor stores and go as early as possible.

There are fewer guided tours available for Huemul Circuit because fewer tourists want to tackle this more technical and challenging multi-day hike. Chaltén Mountain Guides is a reputable local company that offers a four-day trek along the Huemul Circuit and is well-known amongst travelers in El Chalten.

Relax at Chorrillo del Salto

One of the places you absolutely should not miss while in El Chalten, Patagonia, is Chorrillo del Salto. This beautiful waterfall has a series of small natural pools with crystal clear (freezing) water. The views from there are absolutely splendid, and it’s a very quiet place too.

To get to Chorrillo del Salto, you have to follow the trail to Laguna de Los Tres from El Chalten. Once you get to the sign marking km 5 of the trail, take a detour right. There is no real trail to get there, but it’s fairly easy. All you have to do is follow the roar of the water.

You can’t swim here (you won’t want to anyway with the temperatures), but it’s a scenic hike that’s slightly different from other lagoon views and hikes.

You can actually go to Chorrillo del Salto when hiking to Laguna de Los Tres. It’s a perfect place for a break!

Go on an ice trek on Viedma Glacier

Ice trekking is a lot of fun. The most popular place to do it in Argentina is Perito Moreno Glacier, near El Calafate. The good news is that you can actually do it elsewhere, too – and closer to El Chalten.

This is obviously not something you can do on your own—you need a guide who tells you exactly where to step and a company that rents you all the gear you will need to walk on ice, such as crampons. It’s a fun way to get a better understanding of the life of a glacier.

Visit La Leona Petrified Forest

The landscape of Patagonia is incredibly varied, and you can get a good idea of this if you visit La Leona Petrified Forest.

About halfway between El Chalten and El Calafate, along Ruta 40, this is a place to admire beautiful dry and sandy rock formations, as well as the local wildlife (especially guanacos) and fossils.

You can only visit La Leona Petrified Forest on a guided tour because it is located on private land. You can enquire in town to find out more.

Go rafting down Rio de la Vueltas

Rafting isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when traveling to Patagonia, but it’s one of the most fun things to do El Chalten.

You can go whitewater rafting on rivers that are glacier tributaries and get a good dose of adrenaline. Several companies organize rafting expeditions on Rio de las Vueltas, on III and IV class rapids. You’ll be given all the equipment, and a photographer will race down the river on a kayak to snap photos of you.

This is a great change of pace from the many great hikes and adventures around Patagonia. Most people don’t think of white water rafting when they think of the glaciers and mountains, but it’s the adventure of a lifetime all the same.

I recommend this heart-racing Rafting Experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia. This is the perfect beginner rafting experience in El Chalten. The beginning of the ride is on the calm waterway, with gorgeous views of the Andean forest, Cerro Fitz, Rou, and more. You’ll then go down Class III rapids for an exciting and safe finish.

Kayak Rio de las Vueltas

If you want to make the most of your time and take in all the beauty of Rio de las Vueltas without the fast-paced adventure of rafting, then kayaking is what to do in El Chalten.

Many parts of the river remain calm most of the time, and these parts are the perfect places for a leisurely kayak. You still get amazing views, but you have slightly less stress about the river rafting portion of the activity.

Of course, like most outdoor El Chalten activities, kayaking depends on the weather. But you’ll have to go on a guided tour that’ll provide all the necessary equipment, and they’ll make sure things are good to go with nice weather and calm waters.

I recommend Chalten Kayak in the Rio de las Vueltas with Lunch tour. This is a six-hour adventure that includes transportation from El Chalten, lunch, equipment, extra gear to wear, a safety guide, and hours of fun with great views.

Climb Cerro Madsen

When I say climb Cerro Madsen, I mean climb it (not hike it). Cerro Madsen is one of the easiest mountaineering peaks around El Chalten to summit.

Even though it’s relatively low technical difficulty, that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. Mountaineering isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a lot more coordination and a much higher fitness level than your basic hike.

That said, if you have any interest in summiting a mountain in El Chalten, this is your best bet (especially if you’re a beginner).

You have to go to Cerro Madsen with a guide, and many in town offer various excursions. Chaltén Mountain Guides is one popular choice. You don’t technically need mountaineering experience, but it will help tremendously.

Horseback riding in Estancia Bonanza

Horseback riding is another thing that many people don’t even consider when thinking of Patagonia, Argentina. But it’s another one of the best things to do in El Chalten, especially if you’re looking for a change of pace.

Estancia (ranch) Bonanza is only about 30 minutes from El Chalten town. It’s one of the most beautiful ranches with plenty of horseback riding trails. Horseback riding is a good way to experience the beauty of the mountains without exhausting yourself too much.

Estancia Bonanza was a ranch that has since been turned into a beautiful resort with all sorts of El Chalten activities, including horseback riding, climbing, and walking trails. It also has beautiful accommodation that feels like it’s in an entirely different world.

If you don’t want to stay at the ranch but want to explore it, I recommend this Horseback Riding in Estancia Bonanza. The tour includes private transportation and two hours of horseback riding at the ranch. It’s a unique experience and worth getting out of town for.

Get a much-deserved massage

Is there anything better than getting a massage after a long hike? (Well, ok, there is to me: a pint of cold beer—but more on that later).

The good news is that El Chalten has a couple of spas where you can get a professional massage, spend some time in the sauna or jacuzzi, and even do cold therapy leg treatments, which are very effective in restoring you!

The best place to go is Spa Yaten, on San Martin 36. Technically, it’s classified as a medical spa, but it offers a wide variety of treatments and relaxation therapies.

Some hotels in El Chalten also have on-site spas, which is particularly convenient. Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña is a popular spot for its spa, gorgeous backdrop, and beautiful property grounds.

Drink craft beer

Yes, one of the best things to do in El Chalten after a long hike is to have a good beer. I love a good massage, but I also love a delicious beer after the excitement and exhaustion of finishing a beautiful hike.

Despite being so small, El Chalten has a few good pubs where you can enjoy a craft beer.

Most of them have some sort of happy hour, so your pint will turn out quite inexpensive. My favorite place is La Cerveceria, a pub that brews its own beer, has a nice beer garden, and where you can also get very earthy portions of stews and other local specialties.

La Zorra Taproom Chaltén is another popular place that offers a wide selection of every type of beer.

Practical Information About El Chalten

A little about Los Glacieres National Park

As I said in this post already, hiking is one of the top things to do in El Chalten. The hiking trails and routes in El Chalten are located in Los Glacieres National Park. This national park is hands-down one of the best in Argentina, with many of the best hikes in Patagonia.

Los Glacieres National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands out for several reasons. First, it’s impressive size. The national park has a total surface area of 600,000 hectares, and it has over 300 glaciers that cover most of the park.

The largest mountain in Los Glacieres National Park is Mount Fitz Roy, which can be seen perfectly on a clear day around El Chalten.

If you’re in El Chalten, just take a second to appreciate the grand scale of this national park and consider yourself lucky you can be immersed in its beauty!

BONUS: You don’t need to pay an entrance fee at any of the trails in Glacieres National Park around El Chalten!

Best time to visit El Chalten

Summer—between November and March—is by far the best time to visit El Chalten and the rest of Patagonia. If you prefer traveling in the shoulder season, visit in October or April, but keep in mind that many businesses and even trails may be closed. Call in advance to double-check.

Even in the summer months, the weather in Patagonia remains unpredictable: you can expect wind, rain, and, in the worst-case scenario, even snow at any time. Make sure to check the weather before you head out on a hike.

Unless you have a very tight schedule, I suggest you stay in El Chalten for a week or more so that you can wait for good weather conditions to hike to Laguna de Los Tres or Laguna Torre.

How to get to El Chalten

The nearest airport is in El Calafate, which has direct flights from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia via Aerolinas Argentina, and connecting flights from a number of other places in the country. It then takes about 3 hours to travel from El Calafate to El Chalten.

By Bus

There are regular buses between El Calafate and El Chalten. These depart from the main terminal, on Julio Argentino Roca in El Calafate, at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm and, with several other departures during peak season. The best companies are Chalten Travel and Caltur.

By car

If you like the idea of having your own car, rent one at El Calafate airport. DiscoverCars is my go-to for car rentals, as they make things incredibly easy and safe. You can compare prices, book online, and continue on with all the freedom a car gives you.

The only place you can stop along the way for fuel, toilets, and food is Estancia La Leona.

ATMs in El Chalten

You should try to withdraw cash in El Calafate before arriving at El Chalten. There are only a few ATMs in town by the bus terminal, and they are often out of money and out of service. When they do run out of money, it can take up to a week to restock.

Cash is king in El Chalten, so budget your cash wisely and plan accordingly.

Internet in El Chalten

According to other travelers, the internet has been slowly improving in El Chalten over the last few years. On my first trip there, it was not really a thing.

It likely will continue to keep improving, but you 100% should not rely on the internet for anything while there. The local SIM providers still don’t get much service, and most places have very poor connectivity. The WiFi is also very inconsistent at best. So, even if it seems to be working fine, don’t be surprised if it suddenly cuts out for a few hours.

Let your family and friends know where you’ll be before getting to El Chalten. Set up an out-of-office reply in case someone tries to reach you for work reasons. Download anything you might need for offline use. By all means, do not schedule work conferences or e-meetings while you are there.

Where to stay and eat in El Chalten

El Chalten has some good accommodation options and a few good restaurants and breweries. Most places are closed between the end of April and the beginning of October.

These are some of the best places to stay in El Chalten:

Rancho Grande is an excellent hostel near the center of El Chalten. It has private rooms, dorms, good common areas, an in-house pub serving earthy portions of food, and even a travel agency.

Posada y Cabañas El Barranco has good rooms and well-equipped bungalows and is close to the town center.

Chalten Suites Hotel is the best hotel in town, although a little expensive compared to others. But it’s right in the heart of town, with great rooms, amenities, and gorgeous architecture.

Most bars, restaurants, and bars in El Chalten offer happy hour and usually get packed between 5:00 and 8:00 pm when people come back after a day of hiking. These are the best places to grab a bite:

• Maffìa – a simple eatery where you may have to share your table with other people. They still make homemade pasta and sauces. Good enough, even for Italians; portions are earthy, and prices fair.
• Ahonikenk – at the entrance of town, it offers Argentine staples such as milanesa with very big portions and fair prices.
• Curcuma – the only completely vegan restaurant in town.
• La Vineria – an excellent place for draft beers and wines.
• Cerveceria Artesanal – the best pub and brewery in El Chalten.
• Mathilda – a lovely café with refreshing salads and drinks.

Other useful information

Make sure to get good travel insurance for your trip to Patagonia. I strongly recommend HeyMondo. Hopefully, you won’t need to use any travel insurance, but it’s very good to have just in case!

Have you been to El Chalten? What are the things to do in El Chalten that you enjoyed the most?

Further Readings

Planning a trip to Argentina? These posts will come in handy:

• A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
• 32 Unmissable Things To Do In Buenos Aires
• 11 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
• A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
• 25 Delicious Argentina Food To Try
• Top 13 Things To Do In Rosario Argentina: An Insider’s Guide!
• Hiking Gear And More: The Perfect Patagonia Packing List
• The Best Argentine Movies

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