Argentina
El Chalten
El Chalten - The Undisputed Trekking Capital of Argentina
El Chaltén is often called the “Trekking Capital of Argentina.” Located within Los Glaciares National Park, this small Andean village sits beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre - two of the most iconic mountains in all of Patagonia. Santa Cruz Province, Argentina - South Patagonia.
Last Update
Oct 29, 2025
El Chaltén is often called the “Trekking Capital of Argentina.” Located within Los Glaciares National Park, this small Andean village sits beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre - two of the most iconic mountains in all of Patagonia. Despite it's popularity from growing into a lively hub for trekkers, photographers, and climbers. El Chaltén still retains the feel of an adventurous frontier town: gravel streets, wooden lodges, and a sky full of wind and stars.
Explore the most stunning peaks of Patagonia
1. Hike among Patagonia’s most dramatic peaks The network of well-marked trails starting directly from town makes El Chaltén a dream for hikers. You can reach Laguna de los Tres (for the classic Fitz Roy view) or Laguna Torre (beneath the spire of Cerro Torre) entirely on foot, no vehicle or guide required.
2. Experience the essence of wild Patagonia Unlike many parks that require long transfers, here you step from your cabin straight into pristine wilderness. The landscapes shift quickly from lenga forests to open pampa and granite towers, with condors circling overhead.
3. Photograph sunrise alpenglow on Fitz Roy Few places in the world offer such consistent photographic magic. From the edge of town or the mirador trails, sunrise paints Fitz Roy in fiery oranges and reds — a phenomenon photographers call el fuego del amanecer.
4. Join Argentina’s climbing culture El Chaltén is a global climbing center. Each summer, elite climbers from Europe and the U.S. camp beneath the spires of Fitz Roy, while beginners can take local rock-climbing courses or guided glacier treks on Viedma Glacier.
Adventure Activities in El Chalten
El Chaltén is an adventure sports paradise beyond just hiking. Here are the top activities for adrenaline seekers and outdoor enthusiasts:
Rock Climbing
El Chaltén offers world-class climbing on granite spires and crags. Local guides offer:
Sport climbing courses on bolted routes near town (beginner-friendly)
Multi-pitch traditional climbing on Fitz Roy's satellite peaks (advanced)
Introductory rock climbing lessons at Piedra del Fraile crag
Guided ascents of technical routes with gear provided
Best operators: Patagonia Aventura, Fitz Roy Expediciones
Ice Trekking on Viedma Glacier
Walk on Patagonia's largest accessible glacier:
Full-day excursion from Bahía Túnel (3 hours drive from El Chaltén)
Boat crossing Lago Viedma to glacier access point
3-4 hours on ice exploring crevasses, seracs, and ice caves
Crampons and equipment provided
Moderate fitness required; age restrictions apply
Book with Patagonia Aventura or Solo Patagonia
Mountain Biking
El Chaltén's trails and dirt roads are perfect for mountain biking:
Laguna Torre trail (38 km round trip, mostly flat through forest)
Road to Lago del Desierto (74 km round trip, gravel road with stunning views)
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado descent (epic downhill after shuttle to top)
Bike rentals available in town (full suspension recommended)
Guided mountain bike tours offered by Patagonia Bikes
Trail Running
For ultra-fit adventurers, El Chaltén's trails offer incredible trail running:
Laguna Capri (easy warm-up run, 8 km round trip)
Laguna Torre speed attempt (strong runners do round trip in 3-4 hours)
Fitz Roy sunrise run (hardcore: start before dawn, summit for sunrise, back by breakfast)
Annual Ultra Paine Trail Run in nearby Chile
Bring your own trail running shoes; minimal gear needed
Horseback Riding
Experience Patagonia like a gaucho:
Half-day rides through valleys and forests
Full-day excursions to remote viewpoints
Multi-day pack trips into backcountry (with camping)
Rides suitable for beginners to experienced
Operators: Estancia Los Huemules, Lago del Desierto Horseback Tours
Kayaking
Paddle pristine Patagonian waters:
Lago del Desierto kayaking (calm glacial lake, half-day tours)
Río de las Vueltas paddling (gentle river, scenic)
Multi-day expeditions for experienced kayakers
Equipment and guides provided
Tours run October-April
Via Ferrata
Fixed-cable climbing routes for non-climbers:
Cerro Torre sector offers via ferrata routes with spectacular views
Combination of hiking, scrambling, and steel cable ascents
Equipment and guides included
Half-day to full-day options
Adrenaline rush without technical climbing skills needed
Backcountry Camping & Trekking
Beyond day hikes, serious trekkers can explore:
Multi-day trek to Paso del Viento (remote pass with ice field views)
Huemul Circuit (4-day technical trek requiring river crossings and glacier travel)
Piedra del Fraile basecamp trek (overnight at climbers' camp beneath Fitz Roy)
Requires self-sufficiency, navigation skills, and proper gear
Free permits from ranger station
Winter Sports (June-August)
When summer hiking ends, winter activities begin:
Snowshoeing on winter trails around town
Cross-country skiing in valleys
Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls (for experts)
Winter mountaineering courses
Town is very quiet but magical with snow-covered peaks
Plan Your Trip
