El Chaltén Travel Guide – Best Things to Do in Patagonia

Planning a trip to Patagonia and wondering what to do in El Chaltén, Argentina? This complete guide to El Chaltén has everything you need to plan your visit – the best hikes, viewpoints, restaurants, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in Argentina’s hiking capital.

Known as the Trekking Capital of Argentina, El Chaltén sits inside Los Glaciares National Park and is surrounded by world-famous trails, glaciers, and jaw-dropping mountain views. The best part? Every hike starts right from town, so you can spend your days exploring and your evenings relaxing with a well-earned glass of Malbec or a local craft beer.

Despite being one of Patagonia’s most popular destinations, El Chaltén still feels like a small mountain village – only about 400 people live here year-round. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or using it as your Patagonia basecamp, this guide covers everything to do in El Chaltén, Argentina, from must-see hikes to local eats and travel logistics.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• How long to stay: Plan for at least 3 days in El Chaltén to hike Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and explore shorter trails.
• Top things to do: Hike Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, visit Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, and go brewery hopping after a long day on the trails.
• Where to stay: Stay downtown for convenience or near the lakefront for quiet views – both are within walking distance of everything.
• Best time to visit: Go September – April for longer days and milder weather (but always pack for wind and rain).
• Can’t-miss eats: Try La Nieve for tacos and beer, La Tapera for steak and Malbec, and Lo de Haydee for trail lunches.

This post was originally published in April 2019, and was updated in October 2025.

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Best Time to visit El Chalten

The best time to visit El Chaltén, Argentina is from late September to early April, when Patagonia is in its spring and summer seasons. During these months, you’ll have the best chance of clear skies and open trails – though, in true Patagonia fashion, the weather can change in a heartbeat.

Peak season runs from December to February, with warmer days and more hikers on the trails. We visited in March and lucked out with two perfect days of sunshine out of three – proof that early autumn can still deliver incredible hiking weather with fewer crowds.

If you visit outside of these months, keep in mind that many hotels, restaurants, and trails close for the winter season (May through August).

How Many Days Should You Spend in El Chaltén?

We recommend three full days if you can swing it. That gives you time to hike both Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, explore a shorter trail or two, and still enjoy El Chaltén’s food and brewery scene. If you’re short on time, you can hit the highlights in two full days, but you’ll probably wish you had more.

Getting to El Chaltén 

The easiest way to reach El Chaltén is from El Calafate, located about 215 km (134 miles) south. Regular buses make the journey in about 2.5 to 3 hours, and tickets cost around $30 USD each way. You can also arrive from Chile if your Patagonia itinerary crosses the border.

Make sure to stay awake for the drive – the route offers your first glimpse of Mount Fitz Roy, and if you’re lucky enough to time it at sunset, the view is unforgettable. We rode in during golden hour and even through the bus window, it was breathtaking.

Keep an eye out for wildlife too, including guanacos (a cousin of the llama) grazing along the roadside.

When you arrive, you’ll find the El Chaltén bus station right at the entrance to town. Because it’s so compact, you can easily walk to most hotels and hostels within 10-15 minutes. We arrived just after sunset and walked to our lodging – the town felt peaceful, safe, and welcoming.

Where to stay in El Chaltén, Argentina

If you’re planning 3 days in El Chaltén, where you stay can make a big difference in how you experience the town. The good news? It’s tiny – less than a mile (1.5 km) from end to end – so you can walk almost anywhere in about 15 minutes. Whether you’re after comfort, convenience, or value, there’s something here for every traveler.

We personally use Booking.com for nearly all of our trips because it’s easy to filter by budget, location, and amenities. We love their no-money-down policy and flexible cancellation, which have saved us more than once when plans changed mid-trip.

Here are a few of our top picks for where to stay in El Chaltén:

1. Splurge Worthy: Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel

• Rating: 9.4 (Wonderful)
• Nightly Rates: Range from $250-$1,000 (prices vary on season)

Perched on a hill overlooking town, this modern boutique hotel offers incredible views of either the mountains or village below. Rooms include a private bathroom with tub, free Wi-Fi, and a mini-bar, plus access to an on-site restaurant, bar, and tour desk. It’s perfect if you want a little luxury after long days of hiking.

>> Check current prices and availability at Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel

2. Mid-Range: Hotel Poincenot

• Rating: 8.5 (Very Good)
• Nightly Rates: Range from $120-$250 (prices vary on season)

Located right on San Martín Street, the main hub for restaurants and bars, this is a solid mid-range option close to everything. Rooms are modern with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms – everything you need for a comfortable stay in the heart of El Chaltén.

>> Check current prices and availability at Hotel Poincenot

3. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Lago del Desierto

• Rating: 7.5 (Good)
• Nightly Rates: Range from $70-$140 (prices vary on season)

This adults-only stay sits on the quieter edge of town but is still within easy walking distance of main attractions. Expect clean, simple rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast. The attached restaurant and shared lounge make it feel cozy and social – ideal for budget travelers.

>> Check current prices and availability at Hotel Lago del Desierto

If none of these sound like the right fit, you can browse all hotels in El Chaltén on Booking.com to compare prices, ratings, and reviews.

AirBnb in El Chaltén

El Chaltén has far more tourists than residents, so Airbnb is a great option with plenty of choices – from small cabins to modern apartments. Just make sure to book early during Patagonia’s summer months (December-March), when accommodations fill up fast and prices climb.

We stayed at Aires del Fitz, just off José Antonio Rojo Street and steps from the Cerro Torre trailhead. The location was ideal, our host was incredibly friendly (and spoke English!), and it was an easy walk to restaurants and shops.

With such a compact town layout, you really can’t go wrong – everything is close, safe, and walkable. Pick the place that matches your vibe, pack your hiking boots, and enjoy waking up to mountain views each morning.

With your home base sorted, lace up your hiking boots – everything worth seeing in El Chaltén is just a walk away.

Things to Do in El Chaltén, Argentina

If you’ve made it all the way to El Chaltén, chances are you’re here to hike, eat, and repeat – and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be. This tiny Patagonian village is the perfect base for exploring Argentina’s most famous trails, incredible scenery, and laid-back mountain vibes. Here’s how to make the most of your time here.

1. Hike to Mount Fitz Roy

Let’s start with the obvious – the Mount Fitz Roy trek is the reason most people come to El Chaltén. This 21 km (13 mile) round-trip hike is as stunning as it is challenging, with panoramic views, alpine lakes, and one of Patagonia’s most recognizable peaks waiting at the top.

The trailhead starts right from town, so you can literally walk from your accommodation to the start of the hike. We recommend starting early to catch the morning light hitting the Fitz Roy spires – it’s unreal.

If you want to plan your hike in detail, we wrote a complete Fitz Roy hiking guide that breaks down the trail kilometer by kilometer and includes insider tips for pacing, weather, and lunch stops.

2. Trek to Cerro Torre

If you only have a couple of full days in El Chaltén, Cerro Torre is the other hike you absolutely shouldn’t miss. It’s a bit shorter and has less elevation gain than Fitz Roy, but the views are just as jaw-dropping – think glacial lakes, forests, and dramatic mountain spires reflecting in the turquoise water.

Many travelers (including us) like to do Fitz Roy first, then Cerro Torre as a slightly easier “recovery day.”

We’ve got a full guide to Cerro Torre too, with everything you need to know before you hit the trail.

3. Discover Other Day Hikes and Short Trails

While Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre steal the spotlight, there are plenty of shorter trails worth adding to your list – especially if you want to avoid the crowds or give your legs a break between the big treks.

Here are a few favorites:

• Mirador de los Cóndores and Mirador de las Águilas: Two short hikes (less than 2 km each way) that start right near town. Perfect for sunset or if you’re short on time.
• Chorrillo del Salto: A beautiful 20-meter waterfall just 3 km (1.8 miles) from town. You can hike there in about an hour or rent a bike to make it quicker.
• Laguna Capri: A shorter section of the Fitz Roy trail that leads to a stunning lake with views of the mountain – ideal if you don’t want to do the full trek.
• Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: A lesser-known but epic viewpoint trail. It’s long (about 20 km round trip) but offers panoramic views of both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Pro tip: The weather in Patagonia changes constantly, so always pack for wind, rain, and sun – sometimes all in the same hour.

For a break from boots and trails, book one of the thrill-filled rafting trips departing from town. White-Water Rafting on the Río de las Vueltas excursion includes full gear (neoprene suit, helmet, boots), expert guides navigating up to 10 km of class III–III+ rapids, and views of the mountains from the river you won’t get on foot.

>> Check current tour availability and pricing on Viator.

4. Explore Downtown El Chaltén

After the trails, spend some time wandering around El Chaltén’s downtown area. It’s compact, walkable, and filled with cozy restaurants, bars, and gear shops. Most of the action happens along Miguel Martín de Güemes, José Antonio Rojo, and San Martín streets.

Grab tacos and a beer at La Nieve (seriously, some of the best we’ve had in Argentina), or try mate – Argentina’s national drink – at Mathilda Café. You’ll see locals carrying thermoses of hot water everywhere, ready for their next sip.

5. Where to Eat in El Chaltén

After a long day on the trails, nothing hits quite like a good meal – and El Chaltén delivers. Despite being a small mountain village, the food scene here is surprisingly solid, from homemade pasta to hearty Argentinian classics and a few unexpected gems.

Here are some of our favorite places to eat in El Chaltén:

• La Nieve – Tacos and beer in Patagonia? Yep, and they’re some of the best we’ve had anywhere. The tacos were fresh, flavorful, and perfect alongside a cold Argentinian red ale from Cervecería Andes. They also offer boxed lunches if you want to grab something for the trail.
• Maffia Trattoria – A cozy Italian spot where you pick your pasta and sauce combo. We had the mushroom ravioli and spinach fettuccine carbonara – both delicious and the perfect carb-load before a big hike.
• La Tapera – Classic Argentine food and wine in a warm, rustic setting. Go for the lomo (tenderloin) or bife de chorizo with a bottle of Malbec. If you’re lucky, they’ll offer you a shot of homemade liqueur with your bill – a fun local touch.
• Lo de Haydee Panadería y Cafetería – The best place to grab affordable boxed lunches for your hikes. Each lunch comes packed with a sandwich, empanada, fruit, snacks, and dessert – perfect for a full day outdoors.
• El Parador Comida Para Llevar – A small takeaway joint with fresh pasta and seriously good empanadas. It’s tiny inside, so be ready to take your meal to go. We ate ours back at our Airbnb and still talk about it.

From hearty steak dinners to simple sandwiches for the trail, El Chaltén’s food scene has plenty to keep you fueled – and happy – between hikes.

6. Go Brewery Hopping

You didn’t think we’d skip the booze, did you?

El Chaltén may be small, but it has a surprisingly fun craft beer scene. Most breweries make their own small-batch beer, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon “sampling” (responsibly) after a long day of hiking. Some of our favorites included La Cervecería, Don Guerra, and La Vinería – each one unique, cozy, and full of hiker energy.

If you want to recreate our route, we shared our full self-guided brewery crawl here.

7. Enjoy the Views (Even from Town)

One of the best things about El Chaltén is that you don’t have to hike miles to enjoy incredible scenery. Mount Fitz Roy is visible from almost everywhere in town, often framed by colorful houses or café terraces.

If you get lucky with clear weather (we had two out of three days of blue skies), grab a drink, find a sunny bench, and just take it all in – it’s pure magic.

Things to know before visiting El Chaltén

Before your trip to El Chaltén, there are a few things you’ll want to know – especially if this is your first time visiting Patagonia.

When we were planning, we ran into a lot of confusing or outdated info, so here’s what we wish we’d known before we arrived.

Is El Chaltén Safe?

Yes, it’s one of the safest places we’ve traveled in Argentina. Crime is extremely rare, and the biggest dangers are unpredictable weather and overexertion on long hikes. Use common sense on the trails, check forecasts before heading out, and you’ll be just fine.

Getting Around El Chaltén

We’ve already mentioned how small El Chaltén is, but it’s worth repeating – walking is the best way to get around town. Everything is within 15 minutes on foot, and it’s the easiest way to soak in the charm and hit all the best spots along the main streets.

That said, sometimes walking just isn’t realistic – like when it’s 6 AM, raining sideways, and you need to get to the bus station with all your luggage (true story). In that case, taxis do exist! We used WhatsApp to message Remis Keoken, a local taxi company, and they came to our rescue within minutes.

If you’re traveling during the day or in calmer weather, finding a taxi is much easier, but don’t count on being able to flag one down on the street.

Do You Need a Car in El Chaltén?

Not at all. The beauty of El Chaltén is that it’s completely walkable. All the trailheads start right from town, and the streets are easy to navigate. Most visitors arrive by bus from El Calafate and don’t need a car for their entire stay.

Renting Hiking Gear

If you’re not traveling with your own gear, no worries – El Chaltén has several rental shops where you can grab trekking poles, crampons, and other hiking essentials. We rented from Patagonia Hikes and found it much cheaper than bringing gear from home.

There are at least six rental shops in town, and most open early enough for you to gear up before heading to the trailheads.

Language Tips

While El Chaltén is used to tourists, English isn’t widely spoken. We got by with basic Spanish, some hand gestures, and help from a few friendly locals, but if you don’t speak much Spanish, download a translation app that works offline. It’ll make life easier – especially since WiFi here can be spotty.

Bring Cash (But Don’t Panic if You Run Out)

You’ll hear plenty of warnings online about cash being the only way to pay in El Chaltén, but that’s not totally true anymore. While some restaurants, bars, and markets now accept credit cards, others still don’t – so it’s smart to have pesos on hand just in case.

Here’s what we learned:

• There are two ATMs in town: one at the bus terminal and another at the bank. Both can run out of cash on weekends during high season.
• There’s also an ATM at the El Calafate bus station, so it’s a good idea to stock up before arriving.
• Many hotels, hostels, and even restaurants will exchange USD or euros at decent rates if you’re short on pesos.

You Can Find Everything You Need in Town

Despite its remote location, El Chaltén is far from primitive. We found everything we needed – and more – right in town. From grocery stores and souvenir shops to bakeries, breweries, and even laundry services, it’s surprisingly well-equipped for such a small village.

If you forget something (like sunscreen, snacks, or a water bottle), you’ll be able to find it here. Prices are fair, especially compared to other tourist towns in Patagonia.

WiFi and Connectivity

The one thing that truly reminds you how remote El Chaltén is? The WiFi.

Most of the town runs on satellite internet, which means speeds are slow and connections drop frequently. Uploading to social media is frustrating, streaming is nearly impossible, and refreshing Instagram feels like dial-up days all over again.

Our advice: embrace it. Use this time to unplug, slow down, and enjoy being off the grid for a few days. Patagonia will make you forget about notifications anyway.

Final Thoughts on Visiting El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén might be a small village, but it packs a massive punch. Between world-class hikes like Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, cozy restaurants, and laid-back brewery vibes, this little mountain town truly earns its title as the Trekking Capital of Argentina.

Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, there’s something about the energy here that makes you want to get outside, breathe in that crisp Patagonian air, and soak up every glacier view and mountain peak.

We spent three days here and could have easily stayed longer. Whether you’re coming for the trails, the food, or just to disconnect from WiFi and reconnect with nature, El Chaltén is one of those rare places that still feels untouched – wild, raw, and completely worth the journey.

If you’re planning your Patagonia adventure, make sure to check out our other Argentina travel guides to help you plan the perfect trip:

• Complete Hiking Guide for Mount Fitz Roy Trek from El Chaltén, Argentina
• Hiking Guide for Cerro Torre from El Chaltén, Argentina
• The Most Epic 10-Day Itinerary for Argentina and Patagonia
• Perito Moreno Glacier Tour – Trekking a Patagonia Glacier in Argentina
• Things to Do in El Calafate – Gateway to Patagonia in Argentina
• Patagonia Packing List: What to Pack for El Chaltén, Argentina