If you’re dreaming of rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and epic trails, El Chaltén in Argentina’s Patagonia is your ultimate destination. Known as Argentina’s trekking capital, this small town packs a punch with its stunning hikes and breathtaking views.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy the great outdoors, this El Chalten hiking guide will give you all the information you need to go on the top 5 day treks. I guarantee these trails will leave you awe-inspired and wanting more!
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5 Best Day Hikes in El Chalten
El Chalten has an impressive number of trails, and it can be very hard to choose just a few! If you will be based in town and want a taste of several different trails, these are the best day hikes you can do while you’re there.
1. Laguna de los Tres: The Crown Jewel
- Distance: 14 miles (22 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,894 feet (884 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Duration: 8-10 hours
Let’s start with the big one—Laguna de los Tres. This is, without a doubt, the most iconic hike in El Chaltén, and for good reason. It’s the trail that every traveler to this part of the world dreams of, and it delivers in spades.
The hike to Laguna de los Tres is about 20 kilometers round-trip, and while it’s not technically difficult, it’s definitely a long day on the trail.
The trek begins at the end of Avenida San Martín in town or from the Rio Eléctrico trailhead, about 11 miles from El Chalten. We chose this option because it was not an out and back route, meaning we would get to appreciate different views along the way.
The trail meanders through the Rio Blanco valley, offering stunning views of the Piedras Blancas Glacier along the way.
The real challenge comes at the end, when the trail steepens dramatically for the final ascent to the lake. The terrain becomes gravelly here, and requires some caution as you’ll be ascending 1600 ft over a relatively short distance.
When you crest that final ridge and see the turquoise waters of Laguna de los Tres with the towering spires of Fitz Roy rising behind it, you’ll understand why this is the hike that everyone talks about. It’s a view that’ll stay with you long after you’ve left Patagonia.
TIP: If you continue walking to the left of the lagoon, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Laguna Sucia as well!
2. Laguna Torre: A Glacial Wonderland
- Distance: 11 miles (18 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,640 feet (500 meters)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 6-8 hours
If you’re looking for a slightly shorter hike with spectacular rewards, Laguna Torre is the perfect choice. This trail takes you through scenic valleys and along the Rio Fitz Roy, leading to the stunning Laguna Torre with its iconic Cerro Torre backdrop.
The trailhead for Laguna Torre is also conveniently located at the edge of El Chaltén, and the path is well-marked and easy to follow. This hike takes you through a mix of forests, meadows, and rivers, with frequent glimpses of Cerro Torre in the distance. The trail has a gentle incline, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.
The hike is mostly gradual, with some challenging sections as you get closer to the lake.
As you approach the end of the hike, you’ll hear the rumble of the glacier-fed river that flows from Laguna Torre. And then, there it is—the lake, with its pale blue waters dotted with icebergs calved from the Glacier Grande.
On a clear day, you’ll have an unobstructed view of Cerro Torre and its neighboring peaks, but even if the mountain is shrouded in clouds (as it often is), the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
TIP: Wear sturdy boots and prepare for variable weather. The wind can be strong near the lake, so dress in layers and bring a windbreaker.
3. Laguna Capri: A Relaxed Escape
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 820 feet (250 meters)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 3-4 hours
For a more relaxed hike with fewer crowds, head to Laguna Capri. This relatively short and gentle trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the pristine waters of the lake. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a scenic picnic spot, and a great option for beginners and families.
The hike to Laguna Capri is about 8 kilometers round-trip, making it a shorter and more manageable option compared to some of the more challenging trails in the area. The trailhead starts at the edge of El Chaltén, the same one used for the Laguna de los Tres hike, but don’t worry—this is a much gentler trail.
From the start, the trail begins with a moderate ascent that gradually winds through a forest of lenga and ñire trees, offering occasional glimpses of the Río de las Vueltas valley below.
The path is well-marked and easy to follow, with the incline being steady but not overly strenuous. This initial climb might get your heart pumping, but it’s nothing that most hikers can’t handle.
After about 45 minutes to an hour of hiking, you’ll reach a fork in the trail. The right path continues toward Laguna de los Tres, but to reach Laguna Capri, you’ll take the left fork. From here, the trail flattens out significantly, allowing you to catch your breath and enjoy the increasingly stunning views.
As you approach Laguna Capri, you’ll begin to catch glimpses of Mount Fitz Roy peeking through the trees. It’s a sight that never fails to inspire awe, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
For those who want to extend their time in this tranquil setting, Laguna Capri is also a popular camping spot. There’s a designated camping area just a short walk from the lake, offering basic facilities such as toilets and a sheltered area for cooking.
TIP: Bring a bathing suit. If you are visiting on a warm summer day, Laguna Capri is a great spot for a swim!
4. Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: The Best Panoramic Views
- Distance: 11.4 miles (18 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,697 feet (1127 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Duration: 7-9 hours
For those who want to see it all—Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and everything in between—Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is the hike for you. This trail offers some of the best panoramic views in the region, and while it’s a bit more strenuous than the previous three hikes, the effort is well worth it.
The trail starts off gently enough, winding through forests and meadows, but it soon begins to climb steeply. As you ascend, the trees thin out, and you’re rewarded with increasingly expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The final push to the summit is tough—it’s a steep, rocky scramble that’ll have your legs burning—but the 360-degree view from the top is nothing short of breathtaking.
On a clear day, you can see the entire Fitz Roy range, Cerro Torre, and even out to the Patagonian steppe. There’s something incredibly satisfying about standing at the top of Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, looking out over one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.
This hike is less crowded than the trails to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre, so if you’re looking for a bit more solitude, this is a great option. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and layers, as the weather can change rapidly at higher elevations.
5. Mirador de los Condores: Birdwatcher’s Paradise
- Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 650 feet (200 meters)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The Mirador de los Cóndores hike in El Chaltén is a short hike, perfect for those who want to experience incredible views without committing to a long trek. The trail is just a few kilometers round-trip and begins right on the edge of town.
The trail is short but steep, making it a quick yet satisfying hike. Given the low difficulty, this trail is accessible to hikers of all levels.
Once you reach the mirador, you’re greeted with a panoramic view that includes the dramatic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in the distance. This spot is unique for its namesake—the Andean condors. Watching them circle above the jagged peaks is an unforgettable experience that adds a touch of wild majesty to the hike.
The Mirador de los Cóndores is ideal for an early morning hike or a late afternoon excursion, when the light is soft and the condors are most active. It’s a quick and easy way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Patagonia, offering some of the best views in El Chaltén with just a short walk.
TIP: This hike is ideal for a sunrise or sunset visit. The lighting during these times can enhance the views and provide perfect photo opportunities.
Tips for Hiking in El Chaltén
What’s a hiking guide without tips? Here are some of the most important points to keep inmind before your trip.
- Weather: Patagonia’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes and pack layers to stay comfortable.
- Gear: Bring hiking boots, and lots of snacks and water in a small pack. On a sunny day, a hat and sunglasses will be welcome additions also.
- Navigation: Trails are generally well-marked, but it’s always a good idea to carry a map or use a GPS app for added security.
- Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails, pack out all your trash, and leave no trace to help preserve the beauty of Patagonia.
How to Get to El Chalten
To get to El Chalten from other parts of the country, you will need to fly into Comandante Armando Tola International airport in El Calafate first. El Chalten is just a 3 hour drive from El Calafate, which you can do by bus or with a rental car.
Planning on Visting El Chalten and El Calafate? Check out this 6 day Itinerary.
By Bus
There are several buses headed to El Chalten from El Calafate every day, which leave from the main bus terminal. You can buy tickets in advance, or at the terminal.
If you are traveling during the high season (December-February), you might want to consider purchasing your tickets online to reserve your spot. As of now the cost of the ticket is $24.000 ARG ($18 USD).
Long distance buses are very comfortable and affordable in Argentina. This is definitely the budget option, and I highly recommend it!
Rent a Car
Renting vehicles in this part of Argentina is fairly expensive. However, If you are traveling with your family or staying in the area for a while, renting a car may be your best option.
Where to Stay in El Chalten
El Chalten has a decent range of options given the town’s size. However, they do book up quickly, especially December through February. Make sure you book in advance!
Kau Si Aike: This B&B has clean, simple rooms, is in an excellent location, and includes a delicious breakfast. Patricia is a lovely and helpful hostess who will gladly offer recommendations. We stayed here and really enjoyed it.
Chalten Camp: If you’re looking for a unique experience, glamping with a view may just be it. This place is highly reviewed and includes breakfast.
Las Agachonas Apart: A more budget option, these units all include private bathrooms in kitchens. This is a great place if you’re wanting to be in the middle of town, but also have the option to cook.
Final Thoughts
El Chalten boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes I’ve ever seen, making it an ideal destination for hikers. Combined with a visit to El Calafate for glacier activities, this has been one of my favorite trips within Argentina.
If you are headed to Patagonia, El Chalten is an unmissable stop!
Let me know if you’ve found this El Chalten hiking guide useful in the comments.
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