El Chalten Hikes and a complete guide to make the most of El Chalten
El Chalten is an absolute dream destination for hikers and outdoor lovers. Known as the “Trekking Capital of Argentina,” this very small mountain town sits at the base of the stunning Fitz Roy range and offers some of the most breathtaking trails in Patagonia. Ensure El Chalten Hikes are on any Patagonia Itinerary!
Unlike the O trek in Torres del Paine, all the hikes from El Chaltén are day hikes, so you get to sleep in a bed and see incredible views from day hikes. The town is in the middle of absolutely nowhere, so make sure you go to the grocery store and stock up before arriving in El Chaltén.
How many days in El Chaltén?
The weather in El Chaltén is very unpredictable. To get three good days of hiking, you probably need to stay a week. We stayed a week there, and it was perfect. We had rest days when it was raining, and when the clouds cleared, we did the three best hikes.
Important things to know before your visit to El Chaltén
The town is very small and 300 kilometers from any larger town. The grocery stores were some of the worst I have seen in my life. If you are coming from El Calafate, make sure you stop at the grocery store and stock up for the week.
The town is only for tourists so everything was very expensive. Book a hotel with a kitchen so you can cook some of your meals at your accomodation.
If you are driving, have a full tank of gas before you start the journey to El Chaltén. We drove to El Chaltén from Puerto Natales; the journey was five full hours without a gas station and only one place that had coffee the entire journey. Only you and the llama for miles around.
The three best El Chalten hikes in the area:
All three hikes are easy to follow along a gps so there is no need to book a tour for any of the hikes. Use an app like AllTrails and you will be fine self-guided.
Laguna de los Tres – Fitz Roy Base Camp
This trek is hands down the best El Chalten hikes, leading to one of Patagonia’s most iconic viewpoints—Laguna de los Tres, right at the base of Mount Fitz Roy. Save the hike for the best weather day in the forecast.
- Distance: 20 km round trip
- Time: 8–10 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep final ascent)
The trail starts gradually, passing through forests and the scenic Río Blanco valley. The trail is relatively easy until the last 1 km, a wall of a steep climb, but when you reach the top, the view of Fitz Roy towering over the turquoise lake is unreal.
Make sure you pack lunch to enjoy by the lake and take in the views.
Starting from the end of 2024, a ticket to the Los Glaciares National Park is required for this hike. It was 45 dollars per person when we went. No need to book in advance. You can book a pass to enter the park 3 times within 6 months, if you are visiting El Calafate, it is the same park so worth getting the three visit pass.
Laguna Torre – Cerro Torre Viewpoint
This trek is easier as it does not have the final steep climb of Fitz Roy. This hike has view of another legendary Patagonian peak—Cerro Torre, famous for its impossible-looking spire. It is incredibly beautiful and does not require any fee to enter if you are on a budget.
- Distance: 18 km round trip
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail is less steep than Laguna de los Tres but equally stunning. You’ll walk through forests and open valleys before reaching Laguna Torre, where Cerro Torre rises dramatically behind the lake and floating icebergs.
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado – The Best Panoramic View
For some reason, this hike is not very popular, which means you have this incredible nature all to yourself. Sometimes there are rangers there checking the tickets but not always so you have to get a bit lucky or buy the 3 visit pass.
This trail has a 360-degree view of the whole Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre range; this is the hike. It was just as spectacular as the Fitz Roy hike because you had it to yourself with stunning views.
- Distance: 22 km round trip
- Time: 7–8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The trail climbs above the valley, giving insane panoramic views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and even Viedma Lake in the distance.
Where to stay in El Chaltén
Hostels are common in El Chalten, but still expensive. If you are a solo traveler, it is a great way to meet people. Book a hostel with breakfast included as the grocery stores are rough in El Chalten.
- Best Hostel: Hostel El Salto
I would recommend getting a place with a kitchen here if you come prepared with a car full of food from El Calafate. The food in town was expensive.
- Best Accommodation with a Kitchen: Aparts Complejo Ricanor
How to get to El Chalten
Patagonia is well connected by bus. You can take a bus easily from El Calafate, Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales to El Chalten. All the El Chalten hikes leave within walking distance of the town so a car is not needed while you are in El Chaltén.
If you are driving, make sure you get gas before starting the journey to El Chaltén. We rented a car, and it was very nice to have the flexibility throughout the trip.
If you are renting a car and crossing the board between Chile and Argentina, you will need an international permit to cross that is attached to the rental car. Make sure you request it beforehand. It will cost around 200 dollars. Another thing about the border is that when crossing into Chile from Argentina, they are very strict on no fresh groceries (no fruit, vegetables, eggs, etc.) crossing the border. They will check your car and make you throw out everything fresh at the border.
Final Thoughts on El Chalten and El Chalten Hikes
El Chaltén is a paradise for hikers. The weather is very temperamental so try to stay a week to ensure you have three sunny days to do the best El Chalten hikes in the area. Also ensure that you come to El Chaltén prepared as the grocery stores are terrible there.
