Is El Chalten Worth Visiting?
El Chalten is one of my favourite places to visit in Argentina.
Is it worth it? Absolutely, especially if you love hiking. It’s a adventure to one of the remote and untamed areas on the planet and has some of the best treks in the world.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or someone in search of an escape, the Argentinian side of Patagonia has something for everyone.
Here are some of the highlights:
| El Chalten Highlights | Worth It For... | 'Worth It' Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Laguna De Los Tres |
The no.1 trek in Argentina with insane views of Mt.Fitzroy |
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
|
Laguna Torre |
Another beautiful trek |
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
|
White Water Rafting |
A unique way to see the area, perfect for thrill seekers |
🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
|
Chorillo Del Salto |
A shorter trek to a secluded waterfall, perfect for rest days |
🔥🔥🔥 |
Still not sure how many days to spend in Argentina or where to even start planning?
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My Thoughts On El Chalten
- Patagonia is insanely beautiful and you won't find nature like this anywhere else in thr world
- You have access to the best treks in Argentina
- Not much to do if you don't like hiking. I recommend visiting for a day trip.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
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✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
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13 Great Reasons To Visit El Chalten
1. The Laguna De Los Tres Hike
- Difficulty: Hard
- Timing: 8-9 hours
- Distance: 15.5 miles / 25km
- Max Elevation: 2,300ft
El Chalten is the hiking capital of Argentina, rivalled only by its Chilean neighbour, Torres Del Paine, which sites on the other side of the border.
People travel from all around the world to come here, strap hiking boots and embark on some of Patagonias best hikes—one being the Laguna De Los Tres hike.
This challenging yet rewarding trek takes you through pristine forests, across flowing mountain streams, and finally, to the breathtaking Laguna De Los Tres – three mountain lakes that sit below the Fitzroy mountain range.
Once you reach the viewpoint, the panoramic views of Mt. Fitzroy reflected in the crystal-clear waters below will take your breath away.
For more information, head to the official El Chalten website below:
2. The Laguna Torre Trek
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Timing: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 11.8 miles / 19km
- Max Elevation: 2,300ft
Whilst Laguna De Los Tres is the most sought after hike, El Chalten is home to several other incredible trails which all offer something different.
Another great day out awaits you with the Laguna Torre Trek.
This trail grants you an up-close encounter with the awe-inspiring Cerro Torre, a jagged set of spires that sit behind a giant glacier and lagoon.
At the shore of the lagoon you can see numerous icebergs floating in the water which have fallen off from Grande Glacier.
For more information, head to the official El Chalten website below:
3. Camp Overnight For One Of The Best Sunrises In Argentina
I love hiking but I don’t like camping. I prefer to do a tough day out in the wilderness and then return to a nice warm shower and bed.
However, camping overnight at Laguna De Los Tres was one of the best experiences I had in Patagonia.
Yes I slept terribly and smelt pretty funky by the next morning, but I also saw Mt. Fitzroy for sunrise – which made it all worth it.
Aside from the epic sunrise, camping also splits this challenging trek in two. The campsite is about an hour away from the viewpoint.
Once you’ve set up your tent, you can head up in the evening time to see it at sunset or just wait until the morning and do it at sunrise.
As mentioned, I rented a tent, sleeping bag and mat in town from Bajo Zero.
4. White Water Rafting In Los Glaciares National Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Timing: 2-3 hours, tours start at 10.00 AM or 14:30 AM
- Cost: $55 per person
- When: Between October and April
For adrenaline junkies seeking something different from hiking, white water rafting down the Vueltas River Canyon is a must.
The rush of the river combined with the stunning scenery makes for an unforgettable trip and a different way of seeing this beautiful region.
The first section of the river consists of calm and winding waters, and gives you the opportunity to take in Mt. Fitz Roy from a different angle.
After some time practicing rowing and having the safety techniques explained, you’ll reach Grade III rapids where the adventure begins.
Check out Comarka Expediciones if you’re interested. With a 5-star rating from 112 reviews, you know you’re in good hands.
Or if you prefer you can book via Get Your Guide:
If you want to combine a trip to Chile alongside Argentina, then there are several ways to do this with a simple border crossing. The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:
5. Chorrillo Del Salto Hike / Waterfall
- Difficulty: Easy
- Timing: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 4.3 miles / 7 km
The Chorrillo Del Salto hike is perfect for your first day in El Chalten.
This is a short hike through lush forests that eventually leads you to a secluded waterfall. It’s 6km round trip with little elevation which is perfect for stretching the legs.
This large waterfall offers a nice escape from the town and is ideal for those seeking a gentler hike in El Chaltén.
For more information:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
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6. Mirador Los Condores and Mirador Aguilas
- Difficulty: Easy
- Timing: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 4-6 miles / 6.5-9.5 km
This is another short but fun trek ideal for your first day in El Chalten to get a feel for the area and get a good view of the town.
This scenic viewpoint offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the town and a better view of Fitzroy.
Make sure you sit for a while and pay attention. As the name suggests, this is a great place to see condors as they fly through the valley.
You can also continue to Mirador Las Águilas, roughly 20 minutes further, for panoramic views of Lago Viedma.
For more information on the viewpoint:
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
7. Enjoy Great Craft Beer In Town
After a day of exploration, unwind with a cold, refreshing craft beer at one of the cevecerias in town.
For such a small town, El Chalten boasts a diverse selection of handcrafted beers.
- La Cerveceria – this was my favourite place to go to after a day of hiking due to the beer garden. It’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy a beer if the suns out. The food is also good and portions are huge, so this is also a great place to eat after a day of hiking. I recommend the locro stew or lamb ravioli. They also have a nice beer garden if the weather is good.
- La Birre Del Rancho – this is another good spot for craft beer and the burgers here are great too.
- La Zorra Taproom – a nice deck area outside to sit back, relax and enjoy craft beers
Are you struggling to work out how many days you need in Argentina overall? Head to the post below to see a selection of itineraries that can help you:
8. Relax At Yaten Spa After A Long Day Of Hiking
Whilst Yaten Spa may not look like a high end spa, you can still get some great treatments here to soothe your tired muscles.
They offers massages and have jacuzzi pools and a sauna which is all you really need.
It may not look the part, but the 130 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor tell a different story.
Book yourself one or two rejuvenating spa treatments to revitalises those tired legs and get you ready for another day of adventure.
I recommend going earlier in the day before big groups arrive in the afternoon after their full-day hikes. You may also want to book ahead for massages as it will be busy during the summer.
If you are thinking of planning a long stay in Argentina and South America, then seeing an extended backpacking itinerary is essential to help you plan your trip. Check out the post below to help you plan your next trip:
9. The Best Alfajores At Chaltenos
Start your day on a delightful note with a visit to Chaltenos, a cozy café that serves up the best coffee and alfajores in town.
Alfajores are soft shortbread cookies with a creamy dulce de leche filling that are a popular treat in South America, especially Argentina.
Either come here after a trek to treat yourself, or stock up on alfajores for a big trek the next day. They pack them up in a box so they are easy to take with you, whether its on a hike or on to your next destination in Argentina.
I went out with a box of 6 on my hike to Laguna De Los Tres and me and a friend had 3 each!
When looking at the reviews before I went, lots of people were saying that these are some of the best alfajores they had in Argentina, not just Patagonia.
I was unsure, after having spent 3 months living in Buenos Aires, I had sampled almost every alfajores possible.
But after trying Chaltenos, I tend to agree.
10. Top Quality Restaurants To Fuel Your Adventures
For such a small town, El Chalten has an impressive amount of great restaurants.
The locals understand visitors are going to be tired and in need of good feed to help fuel their adventures into Los Glaciares National Park.
The craft beer, coffee and alfajores are all on point, but the restaurants here are some of the best in Argentina too.
Refuel at El Parador, known for its hearty Patagonian inspired barbecue, or indulge in the flavours of Italy at Maffia Trattoria.
I visitied Mathildas almost everyday as well for lunch and a coffee.
11. Stay At The Remote Aguas Arribas Lodge
I am a sucker for unique hotels and Airbnb’s.
Whilst I didn’t stay here when I visited El Chalten, this is definitely on my list for next time.
The Aguas Arribas Lodge is around 12km outside of El Chalten, set on the shores of Lago del Desierto.
It’s surrounded by woods, glaciers, lakes, and mountains, and offers panoramic views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Vespignani glacier.
The lodge can only be reached by boat or foot. So the rates include full board, guided trekking tours, and fishing activities.
Stay here if you want to take your adventure one step further and really get off the beaten track!
As mentioned, I would recommend actually staying in El Calafate, but if you are short on time then do it as a day-trip instead. Use the guide below to help you plan out your time in Patagonia:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
12. Half Day Hikes For Non-Hikers
Whilst most people visit El Chalten for the epic Laguna De Los Tres and Torre hikes, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other accessible trails for non-hikers.
I have worked with several clients via my Argentina trip planning service in their mid-60’s wanting to visit the area but concenred about the difficulty of the treks.
If you aren’t that in to hiking but still want to get some better views of Mt. Fitzroy you can opt for 3-4 hour treks that take you half way.
You can trek to Laguna Capri which is much easier on the legs but still has great views of Mt. Fitzroy.
You can also trek to Mirador Del Torre to get better views of Cerro Torre.
Visiting El Chalten is one of the highlights of a trip to Argentina. But there’s so much more to see in this incredible country.
To see how to combine Patagonia into a three-week or one-month itinerary that covers the entire country, head to the posts below:
13. Embark On The Ultimate Adventure - The 4-Day Huemul Circuit
The Huemul Circuit is a 4-day trek that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southern Andes.
The circuit provides awe-inspiring views of landmarks like Lago Viedma, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the towering Mount Fitz Roy all from a different perspective of the one you would get when on the Laguna De Los Tres trail.
The trek involves camping in the wilderness, and can be done guided or self guided.
It’s important to note that the Huemul Circuit is not an easy trek and requires proper preparation, including physical fitness, appropriate gear, and a good understanding of the trail and weather conditions.
However, the challenges are well worth the rewards, and those who undertake the journey are often left with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty of Patagonia.
Here is a post on how to do the trek self-guided.
However, if you are an experienced hiker but feel less confident about planning the route yourself, check out these highly rated companies that can provide a guide:
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
Why Should You Skip El Chalten?
There are several reasons why El Chalten might not be worth it for you. Here are some reasons why you might want to give it a miss:
- It’s an expensive trip and won’t be for budget backpackers. Firstly, you need to get to Argentina, then book return flights from Buenos Aires to Patagonia. Whilst the trekking is free, accommodation and food will be more expensive compared to the rest of Argentina, especially during the summer (peak season).
- If you aren’t in to multi-day hikes or tough single day hikes, then also give it a miss. The Laguna De Los Tres and Laguna Torre hikes are tough and require a good level of fitness.
- It can get busy. This is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and if you are visiting between Dec-Feb in the summer, the trails will be packed with tourists. The better times to visit to avoid the crowds are during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons. Visit between Sep-Nov or March-May to avoid the crowds but still have warmer weather.
How To Get To El Chalten
The easiest way to get to El Chalten is to take the bus form El Calafate.
Buses leave from the main terminal in El Calafate, situated on Julio Argentino Roca street.
Among the available bus companies, you can choose from three: Caltur, El Chaltén, and TAQSA.
The earliest bus sets out at 8.00 AM, while the final departure is at 6.00PM and the bus takes approximately 3 hours.
I always use Busbud to book my buses in advance:
Do I Need A Car For El Chalten?
A car isn’t necessary for El Chalten in my opinion. The town is small, easily walkable and all the trails can be reached via a short walk.
You can easily take the bus from El Calafate which takes 3 hours.
However, if you enjoy exploring on your own terms and prefer travelling in between places by car, then by all means go for it.
I always use Discover Cars to find the best rental prices when looking for a car in Argentina.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
How Many Days Do You Need In El Chalten?
The amount of need depends on how much hiking you want to do and how many rest days you want to include.
Here are my suggestions:
- 2 Days In El Chalten – this is enough time to enjoy the town and complete the best trek – Laguna De Los Tres.
- 3 Days In El Chalten – your first day would be spent travelling to the town, then you could do the Laguna De Los Tres and Cerro Torre hikes on separate days.
- 4 Days In El Chalten – complete the two best treks with a rest day in between. These are tough treks and your legs will be cooked so I would recommend at least 4 days
- 5 Days In El Chalten – extend your day to 5 days or more if you want to do all the treks and also include white-water rafting
When's The Best Time To Visit El Chalten?
Argentina is blessed with sunny days and ideal temperatures most of the year, especially from November-March.
However, in Patagonia the weather is unpredictable. Ideally, visiting El Chalten year-round is do-able but the summer months (Dec-Feb) are most popular due to the hotter weather.
However, the shoulder seasons (September-November and March-April) are also great to avoid the big crowds.
Avoid the winter months from June-August if you can as it will be cold and wet. Also, due to the harsher weather, many of the tours companies close down and some of the trails might close too.
What Should I Pack For El Chalten?
Patagonia is so far south that it still gets cold in the summer. You’ll also be doing a lot of hiking so you’ll need the correct gear.
For hiking, you need base layers, hiking boots, a thermal mid-layer and a waterproof windbreaker.
Here’s my hiking loadout that ticks all these boxes:
- Hiking boots – fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes. I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
- Waterproof windbreaker – much needed when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather. I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L. Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop. Mens | Womens
- Hiking Socks – a few pairs of sturdy merino wool socks that don’t rub. There’s nothing worse than getting a blister whilst hiking. If you are from the UK, try these on Amazon.
- Hydroflask Trail Series Water Bottle – I always take this water bottle with me when I travel to South America. It’s 20% lighter than their other bottles and my back appreciates it when I’m on a long hike! It’s also durable, easy to clean and keeps drinks cold for 24 hours!
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
