Travel guide to El Chaltén, tips and recommendations!

There is no Patagonian destination that does not captivate its visitors. Every corner of this region is fascinating and El Chaltén could not be the exception. It is a villa of Los Glaciares National Park converted into the “Argentine Capital of Trekking”, after being a path to natural monuments where this sport plays a special role. Follow this guide trip to El Chaltén and you find out why!

Not only will you be encouraged to explore this destination, but you will have information at hand that will do you a lot of good when planning your trip to this place. For this reason, it is appropriate to start by talking about your location, to which it owes most of its charm. See how to get to El Chaltén. 

El Chaltén is located in the province of Santa Cruz, being a gateway to the trails that surround the tops of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. In the latter, there is a path that leads to the majestic viewpoint Laguna de los Tres. Meanwhile, to the northwest of the village, is the Capri Lagoon that gives splendid views of the mountains.  

Already with this brief introduction, you can imagine why it is the preferred destination for sports lovers in direct contact with nature, such as trekking. However, there are many other activities and attractions to be done. Be sure to read this travel guide to El Chaltén.

WHAT ACTIVITIES TO DO IN EL CHALTÉN?

As we mentioned, this village located at the foot of Cerro Fitz Roy has been declared “National Trekking Capital”. This means that, some of the must-see activities in the area are hiking and climbing. Don’t be scared! There’s a lot of circuits, short and long routes with different degrees of difficulty. All tourists and visitors can live the experience.

There are many trails –not to say most of them– that are free. However, it is advisable to hire the tour that will give you the accompaniment of a guide. This professional will present you the correct way based on their expertise, preventing time to arise on the tour. In addition, it will provide you with any information you ask of the site you are touring and the landscapes that are observed from your route.

For those looking for half-day options, there is Chorrillo del Salto. This easy and short-lived option enters a majestic ñires forest until you are taken to a waterfall more than 20 meters high. Another option is the Margarita Viewpoint, where you will get a beautiful road from the Torre and Fitz Roy hills and, alongside these, so many other wonders of Patagonian nature!

In the meantime, Los Condores offers us a 2-hour tour of a well-signposted route that ends at the viewpoint where these birds, known for their elegance and imposing presence during their glide throughout the valley, are observed. The sunset from there can be a real spectacle.

The Laguna Capri circuit couldn’t be missed. It is a walk along a path of beautiful landscapes that ends in a viewpoint over a lagoon framed in a native forest, giving us panoramic views of the Fitz Roy. This route includes a natural viewpoint of De Las Vueltas river valley and a path with a somewhat steep climb.

For those who are willing to travel longer journeys, there is Laguna Torres. A fascinating walk that culminates in a magical place. It is a natural viewpoint between glaciers and mountains that are illuminated by the sun only in the morning hours. To get here you cross a gorge on Fitz Roy Hill and cross the Base Camp DeAgostini. 

For its part, Laguna de los Tres is one of the most sought after hikes, since this route is the one that most closes to the wall of the Fitz Roy. On the way there are natural viewpoints and camps, also crossing the Blanco River. The views are majestic.

After the aforementioned ones, we cannot forget Loma del Pliegue Lying, the only walk of El Chaltén that takes place over a valley and, in this way, gives us the most impressive views that you can get from this area. The journey is magical as well: there are lush, flat vegetation, stones and remains of marine fossils, a little bit of all! See the best excursions in El Chaltén and get to know more details about each activity and its operation.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN EL CHALTÉN?

As is characteristic of Patagonia Argentina, the winds are “a fixed one” in El Chaltén, it should be noted that the average temperatures –minimum and maximum– fluctuate all year round, beyond the differences between one station and another.

For example, in recent years, the lowest record of the maximum has been 1.83ºC and the largest of 23.40ºC, while the minimum ranges from -8.37ºC to 10.37ºC.

If we talk about times, you should know that summer (December 21 to March 20) is windy almost every day and the weather is very changing. In what sense? There are sudden changes in temperature in the same day. In short, even when sunny, be surprised by dense cloudiness, heavy rains and snowfall. Don’t worry, days with clear skies are still common.

As for the high season in El Chaltén, we must say that the months of greatest tourist influx are from October to April, months with a mild climate. January and February are the hottest, however, at night it can go down to 5ºC and sometimes up to less. That is why it is recommended to wear clothing for all kinds of occasions. Just follow every tip from this tour guide to El Chaltén and that’s it!

WHAT CLOTHES TO WEAR FOR A STAY AT EL CHALTÉN?

Given the above regarding the weather, the recommendation is to be prepared for all types of temperatures. That is, always wear warm and waterproof clothes: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and, of course, the perfect footwear for trekking. 

Whatever the time, it is ideal to dress with several layers of clothing (called onion style), and carry a backpack so you can put on or remove clothes based on the weather. Of course you must pay special attention to the type of activities you are going to do when assembling your suitcase.

To give you a more specific reference, we invite you to read our article on what clothes to wear for El Chaltén. We offer you more accurate data for each season of the year, being appropriate that you also consult summer holidays and winter holidays, where we emphasize the walks and excursions that this destination offers you according to the season.

WHERE TO STAY ON A HOLIDAY TO EL CHALTÉN?

Because it is a village –a small village– this town in the province of Santa Cruz does not have a great infrastructure or hotel offer. The accommodations offered by El Chaltén are located –practically– within the same area.

However, it has good alternatives that you can get to know more about in the best hotels in El Chaltén. Furthermore, you can consider staying in cities around the Patagonia Argentina and combine this destination with many other popular and unmissable attractions of the region.

For this, you can count on the help of our travel specialists who, besides providing you with the advice you need in the planning of your adventure, put at your disposal travel itineraries that include excursions only for this destination and also combined. Best of it all? Through complete packages that simplify your task, save you money and guarantee minute-by-minute enjoyment.

Our travel packages include everything from air tickets (round-trip flights) to destination transfers, excursions and rides, accommodation and food. Take advantage of this travel guide to El Chaltén and consider this option.

WHAT IS GASTRONOMY LIKE IN EL CHALTÉN?

Speaking of food, you should know that the gastronomy in the “Argentine Capital of Trekking” is as exquisite and delicious as that of the rest of Patagonia. You can taste typical dishes of the region such as lamb, typical desserts and other alternatives such as international dishes or fast food such as pizzas. There are for all tastes! But, to get to know more about the traditional cuisine of this destination, take a look at what to eat at El Chaltén.

Take advantage of this travel guide to El Chaltén and make the most of this splendid tourist villa whose name means “smoky mountain” (in tehuelche). It is the perfect place to explore Los Glaciares National Park and its surroundings. Whatsapp us!

 

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