El Chaltén

El Chaltén, known as Argentina’s trekking capital, is a small mountain village in Los Glaciares National Park. Surrounded by iconic peaks like Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, it offers breathtaking trails, glaciers, and rivers in the heart of Patagonia.

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El Chalten, The National Capital Of Trekking

El Chaltén, Patagonia is a small mountain village known for world class hikes, dramatic peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, also the raw Patagonian beauty. Learn what makes it a top destination for trekkers and travelers.

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El Chalten History

  • El Chaltén is a remote mountain village in southern Patagonia, Argentina, near Mount Fitz Roy.

  • The first European settlers arrived around 1906, including Fred Otten, the Ramstrom and Halvorsen families, Rojo (Spain), Madsen (Denmark), Martín Bjerg, Alberto Wittwer, Jean Henriksen, José Pérez Rubio, Wittwe, and Mac Leod.

  • Officially founded in 1985 to reinforce Argentina’s border presence near Chile.

  • Since then, El Chaltén has become famous for trekking and climbing in the Andes.

  • The region attracts hikers and climbers from around the world for its access to trails like Laguna de los Tres and peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

  • Today, it is known as the trekking capital of Argentina and a hub for adventure tourism in Patagonia.

Explore El Chaltén

Discover Argentina’s trekking capital, nestled in Patagonia’s stunning Los Glaciares National Park.

cerro fitzroy with no clouds

Where is El Chalten located?

  • Nestled in Los Glaciares National Park
  • At the foot of Cerro Fitz Roy and close to Cerro Torre
  • About 215 km (134 mi) north of El Calafate (the nearest airport town)
  • Accessible via Route 23 off the iconic Ruta 40
southern ice cap porter job

Size of El Chalten

  • Population: Around 1,600–2,000 residents
  • Area: The developed village area covers roughly 50 hectares (0.5 km²)
  • Elevation: About 420 meters (1,312 feet) above sea level
  • Nearby Landmarks: It’s located within Los Glaciares National Park
special moment photography in el chalten

Primary features of El Chalten

  • Cerro Fitzroy
  • Los Glaciares National Park
  • Trekking in the national park
  • Laguna de los Tres (to Fitz Roy base)
  • Laguna Torre (viewpoint for Cerro Torre)
  • World class climbing
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Ranch for Sale in Patagonia

Patagonia’s premier ranch for sale: 64,000 acres, 12 km of Lake Viedma frontage, views of Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre—ideal for retreat, cattle, or eco-tourism.

Location

80 km Proximity to El Chaltén, 150 km from El Calafate (closest airport) Lake Viedma, and Key roads.

Primary features

Lakefront, Mountains, Access roads,

Ideal for

Ranching, Tourism, Conservation, Private estate, etc.

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El Chalten Hikes

Explore the best hikes in El Chaltén, Argentina — from iconic trails like Laguna de los Tres to hidden gems with epic Fitz Roy views. Plan your Patagonia trekking adventure today.

Paso Cuadrado el chalten

Paso del Cuadrado

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Cerro Gorro on the southern ice cap, photo by Kiff Alcocer

Huemul Circuit

The Huemul Circuit is one of the most challenging yet spectacular multi-day treks in Patagonia. This remote and rugged trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region, including panoramic vistas of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field
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Loma del Pliegue tubmado in Los Glaciares National Park

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Hike

The Loma del Pliegue Tumbado hike is a must-do for those looking to experience some of the most breathtaking views in the entire region of El Chaltén. This challenging yet rewarding trek takes you through a variety of landscapes
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Laguna de los tres viewpoint with a friendly fox.

Laguna De Los Tres

The Laguna de los Tres hike is a must-do trek for anyone visiting El Chaltén. This trail offers spectacular views of the Fitz Roy Massif and culminates at the stunning Laguna de los Tres,
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Laguna torre hike, Cerro Torre in the background with the lake full of icebergs

Laguna Torre

Adventure to Patagonia’s Majestic Glacial Lake Description: The Laguna Torre hike is one of El Chaltén’s most stunning and accessible trails, taking you through beautiful valleys, forests,
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Mirador Torre, viewpoint. best view of cerro solo.

Mirador Torre

The Mirador Torre hike is a relatively easy trek that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Cerro Torre range, one of Patagonia’s most dramatic and iconic mountain formations. Located within Los Glaciares National Park
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Laguna Capri Near el Chalten sunrise

Laguna Capri

The Laguna Capri hike offers a perfect combination of beauty and ease, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned hikers looking for a shorter trek. Located on the way to Mount Fitz Roy,
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Huemul Glaciar, located outside of the Los Glaciares National Park.

Laguna Huemul Hike

The Laguna Huemul hike is a short, peaceful trek that offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of Patagonia. Located near Lago del Desierto, this easy hike takes you through lush forests and mountain trails to the serene Laguna Huemul, a
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Vespignani glaciar outside of Los Glaciares National Park.

Vespignani Glacier

The Vespignani Glacier is a stunning and relatively undiscovered glacier located at the northern end of Lago del Desierto, just outside of El Chaltén. Accessible by boat and featuring short, moderate hiking trails,
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lago del desierto fitzroy veis

Lago del Desierto

Lago del Desierto is a stunning, glacier-fed lake located about 37 kilometers (23 miles) north of El Chaltén, near the Argentine Chilean border. Surrounded by lush lenga forests and snow-capped mountains,
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piedra del fraile hike through the forest outside of Los Glaciares National Park

Piedra del Fraile

The Piedra del Fraile hike is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path trek located within the Los Glaciares National Park. Known for its tranquil setting and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers,
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Chorrillo del Salto hike

Chorrillo del Salto

The Chorrillo del Salto hike is one of the most accessible and family-friendly trails in El Chaltén. This short hike takes you to a stunning waterfall nestled in the foothills of the Andes, just a few kilometers from town.
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the view of Cerro Fitzroy from Mirador de los condores

Mirador de los Condores

The Mirador de los Cóndores and Mirador de las Águilas hikes are two short and accessible trails located just outside of El Chaltén. These scenic viewpoints offer incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains,
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