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El Chaltén
Tucked away deep within the boundaries of the Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén is proudly known as Argentina's National Capital of Trekking. This small, frontier-style village was established relatively recently in 1985 and has since become an absolute mecca for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers. The town sits directly at the base of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, allowing visitors to start world-class trails right from their hotel doors. Highly popular routes like the hike to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre reward trekkers with unobstructed, dramatic views of jagged granite spires and milky glacial lakes. After a demanding day out on the trails, the local microbreweries and hearty Patagonian steakhouses provide a warm, communal atmosphere where global adventurers gather. The village is reached by a remarkably scenic 3-hour bus ride north from El Calafate. The brief Patagonian summer between December and March is the safest and most popular time to visit, as many services, restaurants, and hostels close down entirely during the harsh, snowy winter.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: Museo Estancia Fitz Roy Mad Madsen · Mirador Río de las Vueltas · La Lenga
- Nearby: El Calafate (77 km)
- Population: ~800 (2016)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | -2 | -4 | -5 | -4 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 156 | 125 | 154 | 160 | 154 | 156 | 130 | 134 | 116 | 130 | 143 | 153 |
Geography
Facts
- Designated as Argentina's trekking capital
- Founded recently in the year 1985
- Serves as the base camp for Mount Fitz Roy
- Located inside Los Glaciares National Park
- Sits alongside the Rio de las Vueltas
- No mobile phone reception in many areas
- Famous for the steep Laguna de los Tres trail
- Year-round population is under 3,000
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town El Chaltén (10)
Frequently asked questions
El Chaltén: where is it located?
El Chaltén: what is there to see?
El Chaltén: when is the best time to visit?
El Chaltén: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
