Patagonia is vast region that covers most of Argentina’s south and includes some of its most awe-inspiring landscapes: the Andes mountain range, the arid eastern coast, and the southernmost point of the southern hemisphere.
If you love nature, hiking, and impressive views, El Calafate and El Chaltén, just three hours apart nestled in the Andes mountains, are great places to get a taste for Patagonia.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply love breathtaking views, with this El Calafate and El Chaltén itinerary you’ll be sure to have an incredible experience in one of the world’s most captivating regions.
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How to Get There
If you are coming from Buenos Aires or another major city in Argentina or Chile, the most convenient option is to fly into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) in El Calafate. From El Calafate, you have the choice to rent a car or take a bus to El Chaltén, a scenic drive that takes about three hours. Alternatively, you can stay in El Calafate first to explore its attractions before heading to El Chaltén.
While renting a car gives you the most flexibility, we found taxis within el Calafate, and buses between E Calafate and El Chalten to be plentiful and easy to navigate. In El Calafate most tours also offer transport to and from your hotel.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit El Chaltén and El Calafate largely depends on your preferences and interests.
Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May): These shoulder seasons offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and spectacular displays of autumn colors or blooming wildflowers. It’s an ideal time for hiking and exploring without the summer crowds.
Summer (December to February): Peak season in Patagonia, characterized by longer daylight hours and perfect weather for outdoor activities. This is the best time to tackle challenging hikes and explore the region’s natural wonders. However, expect more visitors, especially in popular spots like Mount Fitz Roy and Perito Moreno Glacier.
Winter (June to August): While colder, winter in Patagonia has its own allure. The landscapes transform into a winter wonderland, offering unique photography opportunities and a quieter atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a more serene experience amidst snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes.
What to Pack
Packing for Patagonia requires careful consideration due to the region’s unpredictable weather and varying outdoor activities.
Clothing: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking layers that can be easily adjusted as temperatures fluctuate. A waterproof jacket and pants are essential for protection against wind and rain, particularly during hikes. Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended for navigating rugged trails. Don’t forget to pack a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf, as temperatures can drop, especially in higher altitudes.
Gear: Bring a comfortable daypack for carrying essentials such as water, snacks, and a camera during hikes. A reusable water bottle or camelback is handy for staying hydrated with fresh Patagonian water from streams. Ensure you have sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against strong UV rays, which can be intensified by the region’s thin atmosphere.
Miscellaneous: Consider bringing a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters. Travel insurance is always a prudent choice for adventure travel. Additionally, having a basic understanding of Spanish, either through a phrasebook or app, can be useful for communicating in remote areas.
El Calafate and El Chaltén Itinerary
Days 1-3: El Calafate
El Calafate is best known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, which includes the Perito Moreno Glacier–a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning beauty and dynamic ice formations. The name El Calafate is the name of a type of berry native to the region that is often used in jams – make sure you try some while you’re here!
El Calafate is a town of around 25,000 people, so you will find there are plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and other services. While we recommend you book in advance, you should be able to find accommodation even if you don’t.
The day you arrive you will likely not have time to visit the Glaciers as these often leave in the morning. However, there is still plenty you could do!
Take a stroll through town, or complete the short 1.7 mile hike around Laguna Nimez. If you enjoy bird watching, you can also visit Reserva Laguna Nimez for a small fee ($10,000 ARS, or $7.75 USD).
We also visited the Centro de Interpretación Histórica (Calafate Historical Interpretation Center) and although small, we found it to be charming and very informative.
Lago Argentino Boat Tour
Day two is glacier day! Take a boat tour of Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers to see some of the impressive ice formations up close. The Upsala Glacier is the largest on Lago Argentino, while the Spegazzini Glacier is the highest.
The day starts with a pickup at your accommodation, where you’ll be taken to the port. Once there, you’ll need to pay the $30,000 ARS ($23.25 USD) entry fee to Los Glaciares National Park before you board the boat.
The boat will traverse the Upsala and Spegazzini channels where you’ll view the respective glaciers. The stops are long enough to take several pictures of your own, or pose for professional shots.
The last stop is the Spegazzini Refuge. Here you can have lunch, and opt for the 700m through a wooded path with natural viewpoints of the Spegazzini Glacier.
The tour involves a lot of sitting on a boat, but is a great precursor to seeing the impressive Perito Moreno the next day. We enjoyed the experience, but if you are on a budget, I suggest you skip this one and visit the Perito Moreno – you absolutely can’t miss this one.
Perito Moreno Glacier and Mini-Trek
The Perito Moreno Glacier is 30 km long and its walls stand a striking 240 ft above the surface of Lago Argentino on average. It’s impressive with its jagged peaks, a vast sheet of white and crystalline blue as far as you can see.
The glacier is known for being one of the few glaciers in equilibrium, meaning it was losing as much mass as it was gaining, but has seen signs of retreat starting in 2020.
There are many ways to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. You can take a bus or rent a car that will take you to Los Glaciares National Park, where you’ll pay the entry fee to the park again (half price with the ticket from the day before) and will give you access to explore the vistas on foot. Alternatively, there are a number of tours that offer a mix of experiences, including boat tours, kayaking, and glacier trekking.
We opted for a tour that included time on the boardwalk in front of the glacier, a short boat ride in front of the glacier, and hiking on the glacier, primarily because we were VERY interested in the hiking part!
The tour began with a 90-minute ride to El Calafate, which took us straight to the boardwalk in front of the Perito Moreno. The boardwalk is extensive, with multiple levels offering various vantage points – all of which are honestly incredibly beautiful. Keep your eyes and ears open to experience one of the glaciers ruptures, called glacial calving.
After exploring the boardwalk, we had lunch (you can bring your own or buy it at the cafeteria) before taking a boat ride to the trek’s starting point. Once we disembarked, it was time for the mini trek! The guide explained the rules, told us what to expect, and helped tie the crampons onto our shoes.
The mini trek was incredible – so much so that I regret not doing the longer trek, called “Big Ice”, which is quite a bit pricier. This easy to moderate hike doesn’t cover much distance but there are some slopes you should descend carefully. Overall, I’d say this is a suitable hike for just about anyone and well worth the price!
Day 3-6: El Chaltén
Continue your adventure in El Chaltén, known as the trekking capital of Argentina. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the town’s laid-back atmosphere and prepare for days filled with outdoor exploration. This town has a very different vibe from El Calafate – it is a true backpacker destination, with lots of breweries, great restaurants, and a very relaxed feel.
Because this town is small, we recommend you book accommodation ahead of time. Similarly, if there are specific restaurants you want to try, you should also make reservations. We found that some popular spots were fully booked!
What we loved about El Chaltén was the freedom to explore without extensive planning or tours. While tours like white water rafting and horseback riding are available, El Chaltén is Argentina’s hiking capital, so hiking we did.
There are many trails in Chaltén, but the most iconic are Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. The former is much longer than the latter, but both offer unparalleled views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Laguna Torre
After a 3-hour bus ride from El Calafate, we arrived in Chaltén around noon. We quickly checked into our B&B, dropped off our bags, and set out to complete the Laguna Torre hike – we couldn’t wait!
This is a fairly easy 11 mile (18 km) hike round trip, which offers incredible views along the way, including the view of Laguna Torre at the end. The most difficult parts are the ascent at the beginning of the hike, and the final ascent to Mirador Maestri which has very uneven terrain.
After the first mile or so, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Cerro Torre. Most of the trek follows Rio Fitz Roy, where you’ll have beautiful views of not just the river, but of Cerro Massif. Once you reach Laguna Torre you’ll get up-close views of Cerro Massif, and the icebergs floating in the lake.
Laguna de Los Tres
The next day we got up early to start the 14-mile round trip Laguna de los Tres hike. This is rated a moderate to difficult hike, with an elevation gain of 2,894ft. The trail is well marked and not too challenging, until the last trek up to the viewpoint. This part is steep and is covered in loose rock, so take your time.
Check out this El Chalten hiking guide to learn more about the town’s best trails.
There are two ways to start the hike. You start from town, at the end of Avenida San Martín. This route is out-and-back, and easily accessible on foot from wherever you are staying in town.
The other way is to take a shuttle to the bridge over Rio Eléctrico, about 11 miles from el Chaltén. The benefit of taking this route is that you return via a different trail, which leads straight to town, ending in the Avenida San Martín trailhead.
It was easy and affordable to arrange a transfer from our B&B, so we decided to start at Rio Electrico (also called Hostería del Pilar trail).
The start of the hike was flat, with views of the open expanse and mountains in the background. After a climb through the canopy, we reached Mirador del Glaciar Piedras Blancas, where we had lunch (don’t forget to pack your own!).
We then continued on a relatively flat trail to the final ascent. This section is about 1.5 miles long, with a 1,600 ft elevation gain—quite challenging but rewarding with breathtaking views at the top! You’ll be greeted by the bright blue water of Laguna de los Tres and stunning jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy.
Once you have a chance to catch your breath and soak in the view, you can hike just a bit further, following a path to the left of Laguna de los Tres, to Laguna Sucia. Here you’ll get to enjoy more incredible views of the lakes and mountains.
On the way back, we took the Fitz Roy trail to El Chaltén, stopping briefly at Lago Capri, where people were sunbathing and drinking mate in the warm weather. If the weather permits and you’re not in a rush, consider resting and taking a dip in Lago Capri!
Laguna de los Tres was one of our favorite hikes ever. Although it is busy during high season, it is so worth it!
Final Thoughts
El Chaltén and El Calafate are the gateway to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in South America. Whether you’re captivated by towering glaciers, challenging hiking trails, or simply the tranquility of Patagonian wilderness, this itinerary ensures an enriching and unforgettable adventure.
Remember to respect the environment, practice Leave No Trace principles, and embrace the opportunity to connect with nature.
Are you ready to embark on your Patagonian journey? Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty that awaits in El Chaltén and El Calafate.
Related Reading
El Chalten Hiking Guide: 5 Best Day Hikes
How to Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier (Everything you Need to Know)
Navigating Money in Argentina: A Traveler’s Guide to Exchange Rates, Cash, and Credit Cards