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El Chaltén, Patagonia – The Trekking Capital of Argentina

Plan your trip to Argentina’s most iconic mountain village with local tips, trail guides, and photography insight.

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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.

fitzroy astrophotography full moon
Rio-de-las-vueltas-fall-colors
DSC07918
Cerro Fitzroy at Laguna de los tres
cerro fitzroy reflecting off pond at night
cerro fitzroy with no clouds
Puerta-natales-photoshoot-near-lake

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.

 
 
 
 

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

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

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

 

 

el chalten is Ideal for

World class Trekking

Mountaineering

Nature photography

Eco Tourism

Wildlife watching

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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.

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Sunrise at paso cuadrado with Will Stanhope

Paso del Cuadrado

The Paso del Cuadrado trek is a thrilling and challenging hike for seasoned adventurers looking to experience Patagonia's remote wilderness. Located in the Los Glaciares National Park near Piedra del Fraile
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Sunrise at paso cuadrado with Will Stanhope
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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Cerro Gorro on the southern ice cap, photo by Kiff Alcocer
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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Loma del Pliegue tubmado in Los Glaciares National Park
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 de los tres viewpoint with a friendly fox.
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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Laguna torre hike, Cerro Torre in the background with the lake full of icebergs
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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Mirador Torre, viewpoint. best view of cerro solo.
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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Laguna Capri Near el Chalten sunrise
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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Huemul Glaciar, located outside of the Los Glaciares National Park.
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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Vespignani glaciar outside of Los Glaciares National Park.
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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lago del desierto fitzroy veis
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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piedra del fraile hike through the forest outside of Los Glaciares National Park
trail entrance for Chorillo del salto in Los Glaciares National Park

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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trail entrance for Chorillo del salto in Los Glaciares National Park
the view of Cerro Fitzroy from Mirador de los condores

Mirador de los Cóndores & Mirador de las Águilas

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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the view of Cerro Fitzroy from Mirador de los condores

Laguna De Los Tres hike

Breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes mountain range from multiple vantage points throughout the property.

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Laguna Torre

Over 12 km of private lake front on the crystal-clear waters of the Lago Viedma , perfect for fishing, recreation and tourism.

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Laguna Capri

The land is riddled with Ancient rock carvings.

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fitzroy astrophotography full moon
Rio-de-las-vueltas-fall-colors
DSC07918
Cerro Fitzroy at Laguna de los tres
cerro fitzroy reflecting off pond at night
cerro fitzroy with no clouds
Puerta-natales-photoshoot-near-lake

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Feel free to ask any questions! I live in El Chalten and have many answers about all there is in El Chalten and more.

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