Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Barb Landro, Pexels
El Chaltén, known as the trekking capital of Argentina, attracts visitors with its stunning Patagonian landscapes, offering world-class hiking and mountaineering around the iconic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Beyond extensive trekking, the region provides opportunities for activities such as kayaking, rafting, and horseback riding, all amidst its pristine natural beauty.
The compact village of El Chaltén features a main street lined with bakeries, restaurants, and bars, which create a vibrant, outdoorsy atmosphere as hikers return from the trails. Hostels are common and offer communal spaces, facilitating interaction among travelers. Specific spots like La Zorra Taproom and Bourbon Smokehouse are noted for their social ambiance.
Top 5 Things to do in El Chaltén
El Chaltén offers an array of outdoor pursuits, primarily world-class trekking, complemented by activities such as kayaking and horseback riding amidst stunning Patagonian landscapes.
1. Hike to Laguna de los Tres (Mount Fitz Roy)
This is a quintessential full-day trek, leading to an incredible glacial lake at the base of Mount Fitz Roy. The trail offers continuous stunning vistas, with the final kilometer involving a steep ascent. The rewarding views of the iconic granite spires and turquoise waters make this a highlight of any visit to Patagonia.
Cost: Access to the trail is generally included in the park entrance fee. From October 2024, a park entrance fee of approximately USD $42 (for non-nationals) for a 2-day promotional pass is required to access certain trail sectors. Camping within the park now also requires reservations and payment.
Transport: The trailhead is located at the north end of Avenida San Martín in El Chaltén, making it easily accessible on foot from anywhere within the village.
2. Hike to Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
Another prominent day hike, this trail winds along the Río Fitz Roy valley, culminating in views of Laguna Torre, Cerro Torre, and Glacier Torre. It is a slightly less strenuous alternative to the Fitz Roy trek, offering equally impressive glacier-fed lake scenery and towering peaks.
Cost: Access to the trail is generally included in the park entrance fee. From October 2024, a park entrance fee of approximately USD $42 (for non-nationals) for a 2-day promotional pass is required to access certain trail sectors. Camping within the park now also requires reservations and payment.
Transport: The trailhead starts directly from the town of El Chaltén, allowing for easy walking access.
3. Hike to Mirador de los Cóndores and Las Águilas
Ideal for a shorter excursion, this hike leads to a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of El Chaltén village, the Río de las Vueltas valley, and the surrounding peaks, including Mount Fitz Roy on clear days. It is also an excellent spot for observing Andean condors soaring overhead.
Cost: Access to the trail is generally included in the park entrance fee. From October 2024, a park entrance fee of approximately USD $42 (for non-nationals) for a 2-day promotional pass is required to access certain trail sectors.
Transport: The trailhead departs from the ranger station just outside El Chaltén, accessible via a short walk from the town center.
4. Kayaking on Río de las Vueltas
For a different perspective of the Patagonian landscape, kayaking offers a unique experience on the calm, shallow waters of the Río de las Vueltas. Paddlers glide through winding meanders surrounded by Andean-Patagonian forests, with striking views of Mount Fitz Roy in the distance. Tours often include transfers and can conclude at a local estancia.
Cost: Guided tours typically cost between USD $175 and $250, including equipment and transfers. Options for self-guided kayaking are not widely advertised for this specific river section; joining a guided tour is the common and recommended approach for safety and logistical support.
Transport: Most kayaking tours include shared roundtrip transfers from an operational base in El Chaltén to the launch point, which is typically about 21 km from the town.
5. Horseback Riding at Estancia Bonanza
Exploring the Patagonian wilderness on horseback provides a distinctive way to connect with the natural environment. Rides typically venture through native forests and across mountain streams, reaching scenic spots within the vast ranch land. This activity offers a leisurely pace compared to intense treks, allowing for appreciation of the remote corners of the region.
Cost: Horseback riding excursions generally cost around USD $95 per person for a guided two-hour ride. Some packages may offer optional lunch or dinner for an additional fee.
Transport: Tours often include shared roundtrip transfers from El Chaltén to Estancia Bonanza, which is located approximately 30 minutes outside of town.
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