El Chaltén day trip
El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital, offers breathtaking mountain vistas and iconic hikes, accessible as a day trip from El Calafate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer days, better weather
El Chaltén day trip
Best Time
Longer days, better weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital, offers breathtaking mountain vistas and iconic hikes, accessible as a day trip from El Calafate.
"The hike to Laguna de los Tres is a challenging but rewarding trek with unparalleled views of Mount Fitz Roy."
Pack for All Weather
Patagonia weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. :cloud: :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Book Tours in Advance
Especially for day trips from El Calafate. Agencies like Patagonia Chic are recommended. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fitz Roy Views
Laguna de los Tres Trail
Hike to the iconic viewpoint for breathtaking vistas of Mount Fitz Roy. A challenging but rewarding trek.
Laguna Torre
Laguna Torre Trail
A stunning glacial lake with views of Cerro Torre. This trail offers a different, yet equally spectacular, Patagonian landscape.
Ruta 40 Drive
The scenic drive to El Chaltén offers dramatic Patagonian landscapes, with mountains and vast plains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
El Chaltén: A Day Trip from El Calafate
Booking & Logistics for El Chaltén
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weather
Patagonia weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. :cloud: :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Book Tours in Advance
Especially for day trips from El Calafate. Agencies like Patagonia Chic are recommended. :ticket:
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the trails. Refill stations might be available, but it's good to start prepared. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weather
Patagonia weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. :cloud: :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Book Tours in Advance
Especially for day trips from El Calafate. Agencies like Patagonia Chic are recommended. :ticket:
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the trails. Refill stations might be available, but it's good to start prepared. :water_wave:
Consider a Full Day Tour
If short on time, a full-day tour from El Calafate is a good option to see highlights. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for El Chaltén day trips from El Calafate are generally positive, highlighting the stunning natural beauty and iconic hiking trails. However, some travelers note the long travel time and the unpredictable weather as potential drawbacks. The experience is often described as breathtaking and worth the effort, though many suggest a longer stay if possible.
"Excellent experience!
Tour Guides, Drivers and Staff were kind, thoughtful and always willing to help and to give an unforgettable experience! Best sense of humour as well!
Regarding transportation, comfortable vehicles suitable for each different activity, punctual pickup and drop-off, excellent local drivers and guides!
Fluent communication through WhatsApp.
Satellite internet, so we were connected almost all the time.
Fair prices, they were the same for the tours we have chosen.
I totally recommend this tour agency!!!"
Marcos Valen
"Anto was super helpful with planning our mini trekking tour - she explained the tour in detail and made sure that we were taken care of☺️🙏🏻muchas gracias!"
Moon Moon
"We booked a Chile day trip with Patagonia Chic. It was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend this excursion from El Calafate. That said, not everything was perfect in this tour, though there were definitely more pros and cons.
The tour itself was given through a company, called Wildlife Adventure. This reviews both companies. The booking process was not smooth. First off we could not book online, as their site kept on shutting down. When we finally did get through to their booking, the cost was higher than what we had been told at the office. They did email us and apologized, saying that because our location was set to US, their site had automatically changed the pricing to USD. Anyway, we ended up paying 200 Argentinian pesos per person for this trip, which was what we had been quoted when we went into the office.
We were told that to expect to be picked up at 6 AM, but they didn’t come until 6:50 AM. We were getting worried but couldn’t contact them because their offices didn’t open until 7AM. When the bus came, the guide apologize for being late but when we told them that we had been waiting since 6 AM, he looked very surprised and said that they don’t start picking people up until 6:30 AM. I believe our guide was working with Wildlife Adventure, and the mistake was on the part of Patagonia Chic.
The provided lunch was a big sandwich with marinated meat, a fruit bar, a carton of orange juice, a muffin, and a bottle of water. It was convenient, but I could definitely have gotten a better sandwich from the market as I had done the day before on a different excursion.
We were told that water would be unlimited. It was. They had a big tank of water and a funnel that they would use to refill your water bottles. The guide would do so while sitting on the bus steps. The problem is the roads are very gravelly and bumpy. The funnel kept on falling off the big water bottle. There was no attempt to keep that funnel clean. If you are squeamish about hygiene, you might want to bring your own clean water. Thankfully, I’m not too squeamish.
The bus that we were on is actually a truck with a fixed up container that can house passengers. It was pretty dusty inside. I didn’t know why until I was actually on the trip. The trip takes you through very dusty, gravelly, bumpy, and curvy, rustic roads. It affords very, very beautiful, amazing views, and an awesome adventure. But if you tend to get carsick, I strongly suggest that you take some medicine with you. As this was not a bus, but a truck, it doesn’t have any windows in the front. One of our fellow passengers got so carsick that we had to stop the truck at one point so she could get some fresh air.
Our driver was Cesar, and our guide was Santiago. At the Chile border, Esteban joined us as our Chile guide. Esteban was the much more experienced of the two, and he was the one who provided most of the information once we arrived in Chile. Santiago was younger and a little corny lol. But he tried. His English was a little more difficult to understand than a Esteban’s. To give Santiago credit, most of the information that he gave us was on the Argentinian side, and it was really early in the morning when most of the passengers were trying to get some sleep before reaching the border.
We had five stops along the way once we reached the Chile side. Everything was so beautiful that all the little cons were pretty much overshadowed by the beauty that we saw.
The one con that I hope the company is able to reflect in the future is that they had two trucks stopping at all the same points at the same time. This was not from a separate company, but they were the exact same trucks. They should scatter the trips, even by just 15 minutes, so when we get out to take pictures, there isn’t such a large crowd. We were only given 10 minutes at certain stops and scattering the trips just by 15 minutes could’ve made the process so much calmer and enjoyable. As it was, I felt like I was tripping over everyone while trying to find a nice isolated spot to get a picture."
Viv Park
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus or organized tour. The journey takes approximately 3 hours each way. Many tour operators in El Calafate offer full-day trips that include transportation and guided hikes. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, you can drive. The route is primarily along the scenic Ruta 40. Renting a car offers flexibility, but be prepared for potentially unpaved sections and variable weather conditions.
Expect around 3 hours of travel each way, totaling 6 hours of driving. This leaves about 4-6 hours for hiking and exploring in El Chaltén itself, making it a long but feasible day.
Yes, several bus companies operate routes between El Calafate and El Chaltén. This is a more budget-friendly option if you prefer to explore independently, but requires careful planning for return times.
The roads, particularly Ruta 40, can be a mix of paved and gravel. They can be dusty and bumpy, especially in certain sections. Drivers should be cautious and aware of potential wind gusts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
El Chaltén is part of Los Glaciares National Park. While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the town itself, some trails might have associated park access considerations. It's always best to check with your tour operator or local information centers.
For popular trails like Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre, no specific booking is required for individual hikers. However, if you're joining a guided tour, booking that tour in advance is essential.
The park is generally accessible year-round, but visitor services and trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons. During peak summer, trails are accessible for longer daylight hours.
While some last-minute bookings might be possible, it's highly recommended to book your El Chaltén day trip in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and preferred itinerary.
Information on discounts is not widely available for day trips. It's best to inquire directly with tour operators or check official park websites for any potential concessions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For a day trip, the most popular hikes are to Laguna de los Tres (for Fitz Roy views) and Laguna Torre. Both offer stunning scenery but require a good level of fitness and time commitment. 
The hike to Laguna de los Tres is challenging, approximately 20-24 km round trip with a significant final ascent. Laguna Torre is slightly less demanding, around 18 km round trip, but still requires a good level of fitness.
El Chaltén is known for its unpredictable and often windy weather. Be prepared for sun, rain, and strong winds, even in summer. Layering clothing is key.
Yes, numerous tour operators in El Calafate offer guided day trips to El Chaltén, which can include transportation, packed lunches, and guided hikes. This is a great option for those who want a structured experience.
While El Chaltén is famous for its trekking and mountain views, the primary glacier viewing is in El Calafate (Perito Moreno). El Chaltén's beauty lies more in its dramatic peaks and glacial lakes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
If you're on a day tour, lunch is often included as a packed meal. If exploring independently, there are cafes and restaurants in El Chaltén town, but options can be limited and pricier.
It's a good idea to pack snacks and water, even if lunch is provided. This ensures you have sustenance during your hikes and can enjoy them at your own pace.
Options can be limited, especially on organized tours. It's advisable to inform your tour operator in advance about any dietary restrictions or to pack your own suitable meals.
El Chaltén can be relatively expensive due to its remote location. Packed lunches from tour operators are usually more economical than dining in town.
Yes, there are small shops and cafes in El Chaltén where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and sometimes simple meals. However, selection might be limited.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the trails to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre offer incredible photographic opportunities. Capture the dramatic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be spectacular for capturing the mountains. However, with a day trip, you'll likely be hiking during midday, which can still offer dramatic light.
A good quality camera or smartphone with decent low-light capabilities is recommended. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive landscapes.
The classic shots include the reflection of Fitz Roy in Laguna de los Tres, the jagged peaks of Cerro Torre, and the vast Patagonian steppe during the drive.
Look for wildlife like guanacos, capture the changing weather patterns, and focus on the scale of the mountains against the sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure your tour operator can accommodate children and that the itinerary allows for breaks. Packing plenty of snacks and entertainment for the bus ride is essential. 🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Consider booking a tour that allows for some flexibility at viewpoints to capture the best light, or if driving yourself, plan your departure to catch the golden hours. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The El Chaltén Day Trip Experience
Many tours focus on reaching iconic viewpoints like Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre, which are challenging but incredibly rewarding hikes. +2 Be prepared for a long day, with travel time consuming a substantial portion of your schedule. Organized day tours often streamline the process by including transportation, a guide, and sometimes a packed lunch. This can be ideal for those who prefer a structured itinerary and don't want to worry about logistics.
However, if you opt for a self-drive or public bus, you gain more flexibility but need to be meticulous with timing to ensure you can complete your chosen hike and catch your return transport. The weather in El Chaltén is notoriously fickle, so packing layers and waterproof gear is non-negotiable, regardless of the season. While a day trip provides a fantastic introduction to El Chaltén's natural beauty, many visitors find themselves wishing for more time to explore the numerous other trails and soak in the atmosphere. If your itinerary allows, extending your stay to at least two or three days is highly recommended to truly appreciate the trekking opportunities and the charm of this mountain town.
Hiking Trails in El Chaltén
+1 This hike is often cited as one of the best in South America, offering unparalleled views. Laguna Torre offers a slightly less strenuous but equally breathtaking experience. This approximately 18 km round trip hike leads to a glacial lake with views of the iconic Cerro Torre.
The trail winds through forests and open landscapes, providing diverse scenery. Both hikes require a good level of fitness and ample time, making them ambitious but achievable for a dedicated day trip. +1For those with more time, El Chaltén boasts numerous other trails, including the Mirador de los Cóndores and Mirador de las Águilas for shorter, accessible viewpoints, and longer multi-day treks. Regardless of the trail chosen, proper preparation, including sturdy footwear, adequate water, and weather-appropriate clothing, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Logistics and Booking for El Chaltén Day Trips
If you opt for independent travel, you can take public buses, which are more economical but require strict adherence to schedules. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, allowing you to depart and return at your convenience, but be prepared for the driving conditions and potential costs.
Regardless of your chosen method, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak season from November to March, to avoid disappointment. When selecting a tour, pay attention to the itinerary and the hiking options offered. Some tours might be more focused on scenic drives and shorter walks, while others are designed for more serious hikers. Always check reviews and confirm details to ensure the tour aligns with your expectations and fitness level.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit