El Chaltén

Information

It is a tourist town located in the west of the province of Santa Cruz, in Argentine Patagonia. It is 215 km from El Calafate and 37 km from Lago del Desierto. It is isolated from major urban centres, for example, Río Gallegos (the provincial capital) is 450 km away.

The town offers a variety of services such as supermarkets, restaurants and, at the time of my visit, there was an ATM (it is recommended to check whether it is still in operation). There is accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from high-end hotels to more affordable options and hostels with shared rooms. Internet service is available, although it can be spotty.

Its tourist information office is located inside the bus terminal, where buses arrive and depart mainly from El Calafate, as well as to other destinations such as Lago del Desierto. The road between El Calafate and El Chaltén is paved, while the road to Lago del Desierto is gravel (it's a good idea to check current road conditions).

El Chaltén is the perfect starting point for exploring the northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park. It lies in a transition zone between steppe and forest. It is bordered to the east by the de las Vueltas River, and to the south by the Fitz Roy River. Its entrance offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fitz Roy in the background, a panorama worthy of being captured on camera.

Rightly known as the "Capital of Trekking", El Chaltén offers numerous trails that begin right in town. To explore them, you must first stop at the visitor centre, located about 400 metres before entering town from El Calafate. In many cases registration is required. There are hikes suitable for all levels: from easy paths to routes demanding considerable physical effort. The ideal time to visit is between October and April, since many activities are suspended during the winter due to weather and safety concerns.

In short, El Chaltén is an unmissable destination for those who enjoy grabbing their backpacks and trekking gear to explore stunning natural landscapes throughout the day. Forests, streams, lakes and hills await around every turn. On arrival, it's common to find both Argentine and international travellers sharing the same spirit of adventure. Furthermore, its relative proximity to El Calafate makes it an excellent place to combine a longer stay with visits to other iconic destinations, such as the Perito Moreno glacier. And for those looking to venture even deeper into untamed landscapes, Lago del Desierto offers glaciers, lakes and camping options.