El Chaltén hiking trails: our top 6 tips

El Chaltén hiking trails: our top 6 tips

We've selected six of the best El Chaltén hiking trails that offer the most beautiful views of the Andes around Argentina's trekking capital

The hiking trails of El Chaltén in Patagonia should be on every serious hiker's bucket list. The trekking capital of Argentina offers access to a network of well-maintained hiking routes with some of the most breathtaking Alpine viewpoints on the continent.

The routes are sometimes vast and chaotic (underestimate the ever-present winds at your peril), but the rewards are great. The imposing towers of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre steal the show, but the magnificent Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has much to offer hikers of all levels.

Best hikes around El Chaltén

Most trails are well signposted, but before you head out it's worth stopping by the visitor center, just a short walk from the town center. Here you can pick up a map, check trail conditions, sign up for climbing or fishing permits, and learn more about the other activities in the area.

A map of the hiking trails around El Chaltén

With options to suit every taste, here are six excellent El Chaltén hiking routes to choose from. If you're really brave (or foolhardy), you can choose to complete them all.

1. Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints

Distance: 6 km (3.5 miles)Duration: 1.5-2 hours

This is the shortest El Chaltén trail with the most easily accessible miradors (viewpoints). The hike offers excellent 360° views of the Adela, Torre and Fitz Roy massifs as well as the larger Río de las Vueltas valley.

mochilaosabaticoThe view from Los Condores

It's not the most dramatic as you don't get particularly close to any of the landmarks, but if you're short on time and want to see as much as possible, it's ideal. The well-signposted route begins at the visitor center.

2. Laguna Capri

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) Duration: 3-4 hours

This is an excellent and often overlooked El Chaltén hike that offers sweeping views of Laguna Capri, a sparkling blue-water lagoon, and its lakeside forest. You can also enjoy great views of the 3,405 m (11,200 ft) high Fitz Roy and the surrounding peaks.

Dmitri PicchuginFitz Roy seen from Laguna Capri

The trail begins at the northern end of town and soon reaches a viewpoint with views north along the scenic Río de las Vueltas. The path then turns west where you will find an excellent mirador with views of the Fitz Roy massif.

3. Torre Lagoon

Distance: 24 km (15 miles) Duration: 6-7 hours

This is the classic hiking trail of El Chaltén and also the most popular. If you can only do one hike here, do it. There are two trailheads at El Chaltén, both beginning with a one-hour climb to Mirador Torre, the first view west toward the icy peak of Cerro Torre at 3,128 m (10,262 ft).

GuaxinimIcebergs on Laguna Torre

The path continues along the Río Fitz Roy to the glacial lake Laguna Torre. If it's not too windy, you can continue along the north shore of the lake to reach the Mirador Maestri with unparalleled views of the tower.

4. Laguna de los Tres

Distance: 24 km (15 miles) Duration: 8-10 hours

This hike in El Chaltén offers the best views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding glaciers, but is also the most difficult of the day hikes. Many choose to stay overnight at one of the two campsites (Poincenot and Río Blanco) along the way, but it can be done in a day.

If you do this, get up early and get a head start. The trailhead begins with a climb from the end of Avenida San Martín and ends with the next view of the towering Fitz Roy granite face, its satellite peaks, and the sparkling glacial lake Laguna de los Tres.

Read our essential guide to the Fitz Roy day hike for more information.

5. Laguna de Los Tres and Piedra Del Fraile

Distance: 58 km (36 miles) Duration: 3-5 days

This is an excellent trekking option for adventurous hikers, combining several sections of the various trails around El Chaltén. Follow the route towards Laguna de los Tres as described above, either staying overnight at the Poincenot campsite and getting up early for breathtaking views of Fitz Roy, or continuing to the Piedra del Fraile campsite and refuge.

mochilaosabaticoThe landscape of Piedra del Fraile

Either way, the next day is challenging up to the Piedra Negra climbing camp. From here, hikers can admire the impressive north face of Fitz Roy. Piedra del Fraile can also be completed as a relatively easy day hike of 13 km (8 miles) from the Eléctrico Bridge on Provincial Road 41.

6. Paso del Vientos / Huemul circuit

Distance: 65 km (40 miles) Duration: 4-5 days

This is the most difficult of the El Chaltén trails and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers. Although only a few kilometers longer than the Piedra del Fraile route, the terrain is far more demanding and the risk of getting lost is much higher. Many hikers opt for an organized trek that includes an optional walk onto the Hielos Sur ice cap.

Jan JermannA sweeping glacier view along the Huemul Circuit

The trail begins at the visitor center towards Rio Túnel. You can spend the night at the Laguna Toro campsite. The second day is spent with a steady climb to the white expanse of Hielos Sur, where a sheltered campsite is available next to Laguna Ferrari.

On the third day, you hike moderately, following cairns roughly northwest across the moraine, before retracing your steps back to Laguna Ferrari. Day four heads south over cairns, near the Chilean border, before arriving at a basic campsite and refuge. The final day is a 25 km ride back to El Chaltén.

the essential

What: Explore the outstanding hiking trails of El Chaltén in Argentine Patagonia.

Where: El Chaltén is a small but expanding town, well prepared for the annual influx of hikers, trekkers and climbers. There are a number of restaurants, cafes, hostels, lodges, bakeries and mini markets spread across the city.

Dsaprin/ShutterstockEl Chalten

On our first visit, we stayed at the simple but comfortable El Alamo, where breakfast and WiFi are included. On our second visit we didn't stay in El Chaltén as there was absolutely no availability. Instead, we stayed at Hosteria Los Canelos in El Calafate, a three-hour drive away.

Pro tip: book in advance! The following hotels are well rated on Booking.com.

High-EndChalten Suites HotelLos Cerros del Chaltén Boutique HotelChalten Camp – Glamping with a view (outside the city)

Middle classKau Si AikeApart Guillaumet

BudgetRancho GrandeNewen Bed & Breakfast

When: The best time to hike in El Chaltén is between November and March, when the weather is most reliable. Regardless, the Patagonian climate is unpredictable at the best of times and the weather can change dramatically throughout the year without warning. Pack the right outdoor clothing and shoes and be prepared for any eventuality.

Atlas & BootsOn our second visit we had lovely weather at Fitz Roy

How: El Chaltén is 215 km (130 miles) north of El Calafate. There is a daily bus connection in both directions all year round between El Calafate and El Chaltén. A third service also runs in high season (November to March).

Most travelers to El Chaltén come from El Calafate. The bus ride takes about three hours. You can book the public bus or a private transfer.

You can fly to El Calafate from Buenos Aires or Ushaia. Book via skyscanner.net for the best prices.

Beautifully written and full of wonderful descriptions and fascinating stories, In Patagonia is an account of Bruce Chatwin's travels to a remote land in search of a strange beast and his encounters with the people whose fascinating stories stop him on the road.

Mission statement: Dreamstime

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