EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING IN EL CHALTEN, PATAGONIA
My week in El Chalten is the best trekking experience I have ever had.
Hand on heart.
It's hard to put into words. El Chalten had everything Patagonia could offer. From cascading waterfalls, sparkling sapphire lagunas, towering snow-coned mountains, thundering glaciers, tranquil forests and not to mention a lovely quaint little town full of friendly locals welcoming visitors to one of the most beautiful national parks.
I have a lot write up about my time in Patagonia and hopefully, by the time I have finished, El Chalten will be on the top of your bucket list.
Hiking in El Chalten
As a solo traveller, El Chalten and Patagonia, in general, felt incredibly safe and easy to travel. Hitchhiking is common across the region and I even gave it a go on an occasion or two. I met a few people on a tour, however, tours really aren't necessary for hiking in El Chalten. You're very likely to meet people along the way and if you don't most of the treks are easily accessible even for the novice hiker.
What I loved most about El Chalten is that there's a hike for everyone, of all abilities. This meant that there are families with children as well as experienced hikers creating a wonderful vibe and mix of people you'll meet along the way.
The best part?
After blowing $1000 US on hiking the W Circuit in Torres del Paine, El Chalten came as a breath of fresh air (much to the relief of my budget!), as it's 100% free to enter and trek in the national park, Los Glaciares. A hikers haven, my only expenses during the time were my dorm bed and food. The popular trails are well-marked and all the trails begin pretty much on the doorstep of your hostel, on one end of town or the other.
As a small town of approximately 1000 people, it's easy to make the mistake of thinking a day or two will suffice. There are so many hikes that even after a week, there's more to do.
Here's a hiking guide for El Chalten and why you absolutely must not go for just a day or two!
Laguna Torre | Los Glaciares
Taking a moment to admire
Chorillo del Salto
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3km
Time: 1 hour (one way)
A pleasant hike to a waterfall, this is a great hike for a day where you feel like going easy or just having a picnic somewhere nice on a sunny day.
In the winter the waterfall freezes as the temperature will drop well below the negatives.
El Chalten
I'm flying...
El Chalten
Los Condores + Las Aguilas
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2-3km
Time: 1-1.5 hours (one way)
These hikes can be done together. Unfortunately, I didn't spot any condors in the air but there are some nice lookout points. As you hike up to the viewpoints, the views over El Chalten and the mountains are lovely.
Handy tip: You can combine Chorillo del Salto, Los Condores + Las Aguilas in one afternoon.
Looking out over El Chalten
Laguna Torre
Difficulty: Low-Medium
Distance: 11km (to Maestri viewpoint)
Time: 3-4 hours (one way)
An absolutely stunning glacier. To get up close, take the path to the right for Mirador Maestri. It's around another 45 minutes to the viewpoint and totally worth it! However, when it's too windy it can be tricky to hike to this viewpoint, definitely check the weather and wind speeds before you go.
If you choose to continue to Mirador Maestri, the trail becomes a little more tricky to spot. We ended up taking completely the wrong path, but the views were equally, if not more spectacular.
Laguna Torre | Los Glaciares
Getting up close to Laguna Torre
Laguna de los Tres (FITZ ROY)
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 12.5km (one way)
Time: 4 hours (one way)
For the most part, this trail starts as a gentle uphill and then is relatively flat until the final hour where you'll be climbing up over rocks and boulders.
You'll pass Laguna Capri as you weave in and around the forest and rivers. If you're lucky to get a sunny, clear day, this is without a question the hike to do. Fitz Roy is known for having its peak in the clouds.
At the top, the view is stunning over Laguna de Los Tres with Fitz Roy in the background. For an extra 5 minutes, head up the hill on your left, for a spectacular view of Laguna Sucia and its dazzling sapphire water.
This hike was so spectacular, I wrote an entire blog post for it right here.
That was one heck of a climb. Yay!!
That blue!
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 10km (one way)
Time: 4 hours (one way)
For some reason, this hike gets skipped a lot. If you're in the area, do it!! The views over the mountains are breathtaking.
The first viewpoint is amazing. For an even more spectacular panoramic view, climb the hill on the left. There's a 'marked' trail if you look closely, zig-zagging its way to the top of Pliegue Tumbado. It's windy as hell and quite slippery on the way up but so worth it!!
Check the weather before you go because this hike is really windy on a regular day let alone when there's a storm looming.
Almost getting blown away on Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Glacier Piedras Blancas
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 10km (one way)
Time: 3-4 hours (one way)
If you're feeling up for it on the way back from Fitz Roy, Glacier Piedras Blancas is a nice one to add onto the end. It's relatively flat to get to with a wonderful mirador of the glacier.
Glacier Piedras Blancas
Piedras Blancas
Laguna Toro
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 16km (one way)
Time: 7 hours (one way)
This is a challenging hike and involves an overnight stay camping. I didn't do this hike myself but I met a Swiss guy who managed to complete it in a day. The views over the Southern Ice Field are amazing.
You need to register at the visitor's centre if you're thinking about hiking this one. The trail is not well marked and it's important to get as much information as possible before you leave.
Lago del Desierto
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 37km (you'll need a transfer to and from the lake)
Time: 6 hours
If you have the time, this lake is a wonderful day out. You'll get a different perspective of Fitz Roy and can also take a boat ride on the lake. You can also trek up the Huemel Glacier.
El Chalten
Huemel Circuit
Difficulty: Very hard + technical
Distance: 70km
Time: 4-5 days
Did I think about doing this trek?
Yep.
Did I end up doing it?
Hell no.
This trek is not for someone who started hiking 3 months before. The views over the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are stunning. However, you'll need to be fully equipped and carry all your gear for the duration of the trek. In other words, the more experience you have the better.
Maybe one day. Just not today :)
Are there any more hikes in El Chalten
Absolutely!! Including glacier trekking! Patagonia is an endless adventure that you can keep coming back to time and time again.
When you arrive in El Chalten by bus you'll be welcomed at the visitor's centre and given a map and explanation of the region. The visitor's centre is really useful for any information so don't hesitate to go down there and ask.
Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
Other things to do in El Chalten
I love El Chalten. It's my favourite town in the whole of South America (El Hoyo second!).
I would have stayed longer than a week. But as Christmas was looming and prices were going to go up for the summer, I decided to spend a few days in El Hoyo and Bariloche before heading to Buenos Aires for New Years.
For dinner, I'd highly recommend El Muro for a fine piece of Patagonian lamb. Their asado is delicious too!
Get some mate of course! And if you get stuck indoors on a stormy day, head to the Chocolateria for a warm cup of cocoa.
Mate time!
How to get to El Chalten
From Bariloche, fly to El Calafate and then get a bus to El Chalten. You can equally take a bus for 24 hours with El Chalten Travel.
There are regular buses between El Calafate and El Chalten.
Where to stay in El Chalten
In peak season, El Chalten can get booked up in advance, especially as Argentina and Chile have their summer holidays in January. So it's definitely worth making reservations ahead of time.
I stayed at Rancho Grande for $10 US a night in a 4-bed dorm room. Even as one of the bigger hostels, it got booked out in advance. If you're looking for somewhere clean with a decent kitchen, I'd recommend it!
For somewhere more cosy, apartment-style, Las Agachonas is a great stay.
Complejo Nahuel Pan: For a more comfortable stay with spacious rooms, these little bungalows are located off the main street in a quiet area but with access to all the amenities.
Planning a trip or fancy a freebie? These are some websites and services I love:
Booking.com: For the best hotel deals! 🏝
World Nomads: Travel insurance on the go 🌎
Airbnb: For the best apartment deals!🏡
Affiliate links above!
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