Rustic El Chaltén is a paradise of stunning natural landscapes perched on the edge of Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares. Established in 1985 to prevent territorial claims from Chile, today the village is famous for being the trekking capital of Argentina. El Chaltén is the place to walk on giant ice fields, gaze in awe at Andean peaks, hike mountain trails and explore placid glacial lakes.
A great way to discover El Chaltén’s attractions is on foot. You’ll find treks ranging from 2 hours to 7 days, suitable for varied levels of fitness. Trail maps are available from the village’s Centro de Informes (Information Centre) and Oficina de Turismo (Tourist Office).
Walk to the Mirador de los Cóndores lookout for panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two striking Andean peaks. Follow a short trail to Cascada Chorrillo del Salto, a 65-foot (20-metre) tall waterfall. Hike through scenic backcountry to blue-tinted lakes such as Laguna Capri and Laguna Torre. Traverse an enchanting forest on your way to Huemul Glacier.
Avid hikers can join multi-day hikes to the 11,168-foot (3,405-metre) tall Mount Fitz Roy and 10,174-foot (3,102-metre) tall) Cerro Torre. Alternatively, join mountaineering excursions to towering ice-encrusted mountain crests.
Visit Viedma Glacier via a boat cruise on the tranquil lake water of Lago Viedma or kayak on the Río de las Vueltas. Other activities in El Chaltén include horseback riding, mountain biking and wildlife spotting. Keep watch for condors, eagles, llamas and the elusive puma.
Reach El Chaltén by catching a bus from El Calafate, which is 3-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Stay overnight at camping grounds, budget hostels and alpine-style lodges. Due to adverse weather conditions, the majority of the village’s tourism services shut down in winter. Beyond El Chaltén, you can visit the southern section of Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares and witness enormous chunks of ice breaking free from Perito Moreno Glacier and crashing into Lago Argentino.
