Chorrillo del Salto
A beautiful, accessible waterfall reached by a scenic woodland trek, offering a serene escape near El Chaltén.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Chorrillo del Salto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, accessible waterfall reached by a scenic woodland trek, offering a serene escape near El Chaltén.
"A nice walk in the woods to a pretty waterfall, worth the effort no doubt."
🚶♀️ Walk or Drive?
Choose between a scenic 1-hour walk from town or a shorter 500m trek from the nearby parking lot .
☀️ Beat the Midday Rush
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the waterfall with fewer people around .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall
El Chaltén
A beautiful, multi-tiered cascade offering a serene natural escape. Perfect for a short, rewarding trek.
Scenic Woodland Trek
Trail from El Chaltén
Enjoy a peaceful walk through Patagonian forests, with views of the Río de las Vueltas along the way.
Mirador de los Cóndores
Near Chorrillo del Salto
A short, easy hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Plan Your Approach
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Drive?
Choose between a scenic 1-hour walk from town or a shorter 500m trek from the nearby parking lot.
☀️ Beat the Midday Rush
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the waterfall with fewer people around.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Even the short walk requires sturdy shoes, especially if you plan on exploring other trails in El Chaltén.
🚗 Parking Considerations
The parking lot gets busy; arriving early or late can secure a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Drive?
Choose between a scenic 1-hour walk from town or a shorter 500m trek from the nearby parking lot.
☀️ Beat the Midday Rush
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the waterfall with fewer people around.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Even the short walk requires sturdy shoes, especially if you plan on exploring other trails in El Chaltén.
🚗 Parking Considerations
The parking lot gets busy; arriving early or late can secure a spot.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning waterfall shots and forest scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chorrillo del Salto for its beautiful waterfall and easy accessibility, making it a perfect short trek from El Chaltén. While it can get crowded midday, the scenic walk through the woods and the free entry are significant draws. Some note the waterfall is smaller than expected, and the walk along the main road can be dusty.
"Not far from city for walking and don’t need to pay entrance fee. But you need to walk on the main road that hv the ton of dusk when car passing. The waterfall is beautiful in falls season but it’s just small waterfall"
Preaw Felionajj
"Beautiful waterfall! Pretty full of people midday but worth it for the view! To avoid paying to get into the park, you walk up the road instead which I imagine isn’t as pretty of a walk as the trail"
Katherine Lake
"A nice walk in the woods to a pretty waterfall. If you start in town there’s bit of a walk along the road, but you can drive 10 minutes to a parking lot and walk the last 500 meters. If you walk it’s a 90 minute activity. If you drive it maybe 45 minutes. It’s free."
David Nitchman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have a few options: walk from the town center (approx. 3 km, 1 hour each way), drive to a nearby parking lot and walk the last 500 meters, or cycle.
While there isn't direct public transport to the waterfall itself, El Chaltén is accessible by bus from El Calafate. From El Chaltén, walking or driving are the primary methods.
Yes, you can drive most of the way to Chorrillo del Salto. There's a parking area that allows you to reach the waterfall with a short 500-meter walk.
The trail starts at the end of Avenida San Martín in El Chaltén. You can also access it via a parking lot closer to the falls for a shorter walk.
The walk is generally considered easy with low difficulty, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Chorrillo del Salto is a free attraction. You do not need to pay an entrance fee to access the waterfall or the surrounding trails.
While the immediate area around Chorrillo del Salto is free, it's located near Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Some trails within the national park may have fees, but Chorrillo del Salto itself does not.
Chorrillo del Salto is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
Yes, many tours from El Calafate and El Chaltén include a stop at Chorrillo del Salto, often as part of a day trip.
While accessible, winter conditions in Patagonia can be harsh. Trails may be snow-covered, and some services in El Chaltén might be limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the waterfall's beauty without many people in the frame.
You can capture the main waterfall, the surrounding forest, and the Río de las Vueltas. There's also a path to the top for a different perspective.
The main viewpoint is at the base of the waterfall. A path leads to the top, offering a different angle and a sense of calm.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the waterfall and its surroundings.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a short, easy hike to a beautiful waterfall, relax by the water, have a picnic, and take in the natural scenery.
If walking from El Chaltén, budget about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. If driving closer, it can be as short as 45 minutes.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms directly at the waterfall. However, it's a popular spot for picnics.
Yes, the easy trail and short distance make it very family-friendly. Children can enjoy the walk and the sight of the waterfall.
While tempting, the water is glacier-fed and very cold, so swimming is generally not recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to introduce kids to hiking and the beauty of Patagonia without an overly strenuous effort. Pack some snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic by the water, and let them explore the natural surroundings safely.🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to explore the path to the top for alternative angles.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trek to Chorrillo del Salto
+1 This option offers a more immersive nature experience, allowing you to soak in the surroundings at a leisurely pace. Alternatively, for those seeking a quicker visit or with limited mobility, driving to a designated parking area significantly shortens the walk to a mere 500 meters.+1 This flexibility makes the waterfall accessible to a wide range of visitors, from avid hikers to families with young children.Regardless of your chosen approach, the trail is characterized by its low difficulty and gentle gradients, making it an ideal introduction to the trekking opportunities in El Chaltén.
+1 The path is well-marked, ensuring a straightforward journey. Along the way, you might even spot local wildlife, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your walk. The surrounding forest, particularly vibrant in autumn with its changing colors, provides a beautiful backdrop.It's worth noting that the walk along the main road, if you choose to drive part of the way, can be dusty due to passing vehicles.
Experiencing the Waterfall and Its Surroundings
The water, originating from glaciers, plunges down rocks, creating a soothing sound and a picturesque scene. Visitors often describe it as a place for contemplation and relaxation, a perfect spot to pause and appreciate nature's artistry. The area around the waterfall is ideal for picnics, allowing you to enjoy a meal surrounded by stunning natural beauty.For those looking for a slightly different perspective, a path leads to the top of the waterfall. This elevated viewpoint offers a new angle on the cascade and a sense of tranquility away from the main gathering spots.
While Chorrillo del Salto is a highlight, it's often visited in conjunction with other nearby short treks. The Mirador de los Cóndores, a brief hike, offers panoramic views of the valley and is a popular addition to a visit to the waterfall.
+1 These shorter trails are perfect for warming up before tackling more challenging hikes in El Chaltén or for a relaxed day exploring the natural wonders close to town.
Social
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