Deep in the heart of Patagonia lies the small and remote town of El Chaltén. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, El Chaltén hikes offer an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts.

This small tourist town with less than 3000 permanent inhabitants has evolved from a geopolitical decision to a thriving tourism hub, welcoming around 100,000 visitors annually. It has since been declared Argentina's "National Capital of Trekking" and is one of the world's best and most desired hiking destinations.

This guide will help you prepare for your El Chaltén hiking Adventure that will leave you with everlasting memories for years to come.

Our Own Adventure

We recently visited El Chaltén after being bitten by the hiking bug after an incredible experience hiking the famous Inca Trail in Peru. Before this, I had never been a serious hiker. A few hours exploring a trail to a viewpoint and back is generally enough for me. But El Chaltén changed something in me.

It's no secret that we love nature and adore the outdoors. But being amongst the snowcapped mountains, vast valleys, and rugged landscapes of Los Glaciers National Park was like turning it to eleven.

There's something quite special about El Chaltén: it possesses a unique aura that captivates the soul. You feel it as soon as you take your first steps in town. The cool, fresh air drifts down from the surrounding peaks, fills you with solace, and beckons you into the mountains. The constant desire for acceptance and individuality we experience in today's society begins to fade away, replaced with a sense of belonging and unity.

There are no statuses or likes, no endless feeds of distractions, and every follower becomes a wanderer begging to get lost in the wilderness. Photos are taken in your mind, comments are left in your thoughts, and materialistic needs are replaced with ease and content.

Being among the mountains and feeling their imposing scale makes you realise how small you are but how grand you can feel. It is where worries melt away, anxieties dissipate, and your soul can find its true refuge.

The Difference Between Trails and Hikes in El Chaltén

While it may seem obvious to more experienced hikers, for the uninitiated, understanding the difference between a trail and a hike is essential for planning your hikes in El Chaltén and will help avoid unnecessary confusion.

El Chaltén has two main trails: the Fitz Roy Trail and the Torre Trail. These are among the best hiking trails in Patagonia. There are other trails, of course, but these are the most common.

Each of these trails gives the opportunity to go on various hikes.

For example, following the Fitz Roy Trail, you can do the Rio de las Vueltas Viewpoint hike, Laguna Capri hike, and Laguna de los Tres hike, which are technically all different hikes, but they all follow the same trail.

Knowing this will help you understand the terminology when reading about hiking in El Chaltén. It will also help you understand how hikes can be combined, turning multiple short hikes in El Chaltén into unforgettable, full-day hikes.

In the following sections of this guide, I will individually discuss the best El Chaltén hikes and my recommendations for combining them.

Overview of Trails And Hikes in El Chaltén

Here is a brief overview of each trail and the most popular El Chaltén hikes. We’ll discuss each in depth throughout this guide.

Fitz Roy Trail

The trail starts with a long, steady incline with sweeping views of the valley and ends with the infamous Patagonia peaks. It is the most popular trail in El Chaltén.

Torre Trail

This is a long trail that ends at the Grande Glacier. It is mostly flat except for small sections and the final ascent to Maestri Viewpoint, which overlooks the glacier.

Chorrillo del Salto

Short and easy trail that leads to a waterfall.

Mirador de los Cóndores Trail

Short and easy trail that overlooks the town, famous for sightings of the Andean Condors flying overhead.

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

A long, uphill trail, not for the fainthearted, offers spectacular panoramic views from the mountain's peak.

Important Things To Know

Here are a few points that are important to know about the hiking trails in El Chaltén:

• All of the hikes in this guide are "out-and-back” hikes. These hikes start at a designated trailhead and follow a path to a particular location before turning around and returning to the same starting point. While some trails can be combined over multiple days to create a circuit, this article does not cover them.
• While the trails are open all year round, muddy conditions caused by rainfall and thawing snow can make them difficult and sometimes impassable. For more in-depth information on the best times for hiking in El Chaltén, see our El Chaltén Travel Guide.
• Mirador is the Spanish word for lookout.
• No dogs are allowed on the trails.

Best Hotels In El Chaltén

Chaltén Suites Hotel

El Chalten

Patagonia Eco Domes

El Chalten

Aguas Arriba Lodge

El Chalten

Estancia Bonanza

El Chalten

Find available hotels

Where To Find The Trailheads

Before embarking on any El Chaltén hikes, you must find the trailheads. While the village is small, finding the trailheads can be challenging, especially if you are new to the area. Asking a local can sometimes help, but even then, they may send you the wrong way. This is precisely what happened to us on our first hike.

All the hikes in this guide start from one of three trailheads. They are all easily walkable from town and easy to find. Clicking on the Trailhead Coordinates will open Google Maps with the exact location of that trailhead.

Laguna del los Tres & Chorrillo del Salto Trailhead

Towards the north of the village, at the end of Avenida San Martín, is a large car park. At the back of this car park are two trailheads right next to one another. The Laguna del los Tres Trail is on the left, while the Chorrillo del Salto Trail is on the right.

Trailhead Coordinates: 49°19'13.5"S 72°53'41.7"W

Laguna Torre Trailhead

The trailhead starts at the end of Calle de Los Charitos in the westernmost part of the town.

From Avenida San Martín in the town centre, walk up Las Loicas, opposite the Monte Rojo Restaurant. Take the second left up Calle de Los Huemules and follow this road up and around until you reach the trailhead where the road meets Calle de Los Charitos.

If you are coming from the southern part of town, you can join Calle de Los Huemules by taking the large metal staircase at the end of José Antonio Rojo and turning left at the top. Again, continue until you reach the trailhead.

The trail starts with a steep hill climb before continuing for a short while until you reach the Laguna Torre information board.

Trailhead Coordinates: 49°19'52.2"S 72°53'43.5"W

Los Cóndores Trailhead

The trailhead is next to the Los Glaciers National Park Visitor Center, which is to the south of town, back over the town's access bridge. To get there, walk over the road bridge that crosses the Fitz Roy River. After around 500 metres, turn right towards the visitor's centre. The trailhead is on the right.

Trailhead Coordinates: 49°20'14.1"S 72°52'53.2"

Ok, enough is enough. Let’s get into the best hikes in El Chaltén—heck, these are some of the best hikes in Argentina!

Short Hikes in El Chaltén

Mirador de Los Cóndores

Mirador de Los Cóndores is a hiking trail named after the Andean Condors, which are frequently spotted soaring high above the mountain. The trail is easy and gently slopes up to the viewpoint, from which you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy and hopefully spot large Andean Condors flying overhead.

Book tours and activities in El Chaltén through our travel partners

This is one of the most ideal short hikes in El Chaltén for families and novice hikers. It's also a great first hike when visiting El Chaltén, as the trailhead is conveniently located next to the Los Glaciers National Park Visitor Center. Due to its short distance and stunning surroundings, this hike is perfect for catching the sunrise or sunset.

Trailhead: Los Cóndores Trailhead

Mirador de Las Aguilas

About 10 minutes before reaching the Los Cóndores Viewpoint, you will encounter a signposted fork on the path. To the left leads you to Mirador de Los Cóndores, while turning right will send you on a 2km looped trail that passes by Mirador de Las Aguilas.

You can see views of the Viedma Lake to the south, Cerro Huemul to the west, and Cerro Piramide to the east.

Because of their close proximities, Mirador de Las Aguilas and Mirador de Los Cóndores are popularly done together.

Trailhead: Los Cóndores Trailhead

Chorrillo del Salto

One of the most leisurely short hikes in El Chaltén is the Chorrillo del Salto hike, which leads through lush forest and open grasslands before reaching the 20-metre-high Chorrillo del Salto waterfall.

Apart from the short ascent and descent at the beginning of the trail, the route to Chorrillo del Salto is relatively flat and takes around 45 minutes.

Because of how short and easy this trail is, it is very common amongst people who are only in El Chaltén for a short period of time and can be very busy, especially at the falls themselves, with people relaxing, taking photos and dipping their feet in.

We recommend coming here in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the inevitable crowds.

It is also possible to drive to Chorrillo del Salto. Only one road leads out of El Chaltén to the north, which passes directly by a small car park about a 10-minute walk from the falls.

Trailhead: Chorrillo del Salto Trailhead

Rio de las Vueltas Viewpoint

This short hike offers panoramic views over the Las Vueltas River and the El Chaltén mountains. Starting from the Laguna del los Tres Trailhead, there is a 500m steady uphill walk to the viewpoint.

From this viewpoint, surrounded by the mountains in El Chaltén, you can see the immensity of the Las Vueltas River as it winds through the valley.

While this can be a very short hike, maybe one saved for a rest day or to catch the last rays of light at sunset, I recommend making it a stop on the same trail as Laguna Capri or Laguna de los Tres.

Trailhead: Laguna del los Tres Trailhead

Half Day El Chaltén Hikes

Laguna Capri

This hike offers unhindered views of Mount Fitz Roy over the tranquil waters of Laguna Capri.

This two-hour (one-way) hike takes you through lush forest and offers various lookouts to stop at as you make the 350m (1150ft) ascent to the lake. As you walk through the forest, keep your ears peeled for the knocking of the Magellanic Woodpecker. This is one of the largest of its kind worldwide and quite common in the area.

Towards the end of the hike (around 3.4 km), you’ll find a fork in the path. Turn right, and after about 10 minutes, you’ll reach Laguna Capri. As long as there are no low clouds, you’ll have unhindered views of Mount Fitz Roy over the tranquil waters of Laguna Capri.

If you’re lucky to come here on a calm day with the sun low in the sky, you may even see Mount Fitz Roy perfectly reflected in the lagoon like a large mirror.

When we were here, we were lucky enough to see the Magellanic Woodpecker and two large eagles hanging out on the water's edge.

After spending time at Laguna Capri, you can either return the way you came or continue on the trail until you reach another fork. The path to the left will take you to Laguna de los Tres, and turning right will loop back to the original fork. This will add around 1km to your total hike, but you can enjoy magnificent views of the valley on the other side of the ridge and further views of Mount Fitz Roy.

While this is a great half-day hike, it follows the same trail as Laguna de los Tres and can be visited alongside this longer full-day hike.

Trailhead: Laguna del los Tres Trailhead (the trail on the left)

Torre Viewpoint

Starting from the Laguna Torre trailhead, this half-day hike goes through the valley of the Fitz Roy River from an elevated position. After a steady incline, you’ll reach the Margarita viewpoint, enjoying panoramic views of Mount Solo, the Adela range, Mount Torre and Mount Chaltén. Below, you can see the Fitz Roy River as it winds through the valley, along with the Margarita waterfall on the opposite side of the ravine.

Continuing on the path for another hour through the native forest, you’ll reach Mount Torre viewpoint, one of El Chaltén's most spectacular lookouts.

The views of the Adela range, Mount Torre and the granite peaks in the distance are incomparable and will keep you transfixed for ages.

This viewpoint can also be part of an extended day hike to Laguna Torre.

Trailhead: Laguna Torre Trailhead

Affordable Stays In El Chaltén

Patagonia Travellers Hostel

El Chaltén

Aguila Mora Apartments

El Chaltén

Lo de Guille

El Chaltén

Eolia Cabins

El Chaltén

Find available hotels

Full Day El Chaltén Hikes

Laguna Torre

Laguna Torre is the second most popular hike and, undoubtedly, my favourite. It is a scenic hike through different terrain, changing the landscape as you progress, making it one of the best hikes in El Chaltén.

On the way, you will pass various lookouts, including the Margarita Viewpoint (see Torre Viewpoint above) and the Torre Viewpoint.

Walking along the Fitz Roy River Valley, you will see Cerro Torre and its granite peaks right in front of you the entire way. Looming overhead and getting grander and grander the closer you get.

The hike ends with the Laguna Torre, a glacier lake at the base of Cerro Torre. Large icebergs are commonly found floating in the lake, grouping along the lake's shore after breaking away from the face of the glacier.

Laguna Torre is one of the most popular hikes in El Chaltén and can get very busy. Therefore, it is recommended that you start early. I left at around 7:30 am and only saw a handful of people on the way to Laguna Torre, and I passed a lot more on my return journey.

As magnificent as Cerro Torre is during the day, the absolute best views are seen at sunrise when the first light of day bathes the granite peaks in a soft orange hue. To be there this early, staying overnight at the De Agostini campground, only 1km from the lagoon, is recommended.

Trailhead: Laguna Torre Trailhead

Maestri Viewpoint

While views of the large, aptly named Glacier Grande are impressive from the shores of Laguna Torre, they are incomparable to those seen from the Maestri viewpoint.

The walk to Maestri Viewpoint starts where the Laguna Torre hike ends. Taking one of the best hikes in El Chaltén and making it even better.

From the water's edge, a small, relatively rocky trail leads along a ridge to the right. Following this for around 2 km will bring you to an elevated position above the Laguna Torre. Without the mountain to the left obstructing your view, you’ll have a much grander view of the glacier feeding into the lagoon.

Details in the glacier, such as the bright blue hue and the spires that seem to grow from its base, become visible to you. These details are only seen from above, making the extra effort ever more satisfying.

Trailhead: Laguna Torre Trailhead

Laguna de Los Tres (Mount Fitz Roy)

Laguna de Los Tres is one of the most popular trails in Patagonia and easily among the best day hikes in El Chaltén.

This challenging full-day hike starts with a 3km uphill walk before levelling out and traversing through the Valley of the Rio Blanco. This stunning valley offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, distant glaciers, and the iconic Mt Fitz Roy, making it one of the hike's highlights.

The end of this trail is the most demanding section. You’ll have to climb a steep incline over loose rocks before you reach your goal and the iconic peaks of Patagonia.

To complete this section, you’ll need a moderate fitness level and have your vertigo in check. As you reach this point, there are many warning signs; do not ignore them. While most people can complete this with some effort, it is not to be snubbed. The climb will take around an hour to complete, so take your time and drink plenty of water along the way.

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are an absolute must, and I highly recommend using walking poles.

After marvelling at the sight before you, you have one little extra walk before heading down. Following the path that leads around the left side of the lagoon will bring you to the Laguna Sucia Viewpoint, a desolate but vivid turquoise lagoon with hanging glaciers.

Trailhead: Laguna del los Tres Trailhead (the trail on the left)

Pro Tip: For an unforgettable experience, spend the night at Poincenot Campground and climb to the lagoon before sunrise. Then, see the first light of day hit Mt. Fitz Roy, bathing the granite peaks in an orange glow and witnessing one of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll ever see.

Laguna Sucia

Laguna Sucia is one of the lesser-known El Chaltén hikes, and this is obvious from the lack of information available online and the lack of people I came across while on the hike.

It mostly follows the Laguna de los Tres trail, but instead of ascending Mount Fitz Roy, it follows the Rio Blanco (White River) and takes you to the base of Laguna Sucia.

After passing the Poincenot campground and crossing the Rio Blanco, you will walk up a small section of stairs. At the top of the stairs, there is a small trail to the left. Turning down here will lead you down a small trail alongside the river. Follow the path, keeping the river to your left all the way to Laguna Sucia. You will pass through an untouched fairyland of woodland that looks like something straight out of a Disney movie, which will eventually lead you to a rocky area along the banks of the river. Continue with the river to your left.

About halfway to the lagoon, you’ll encounter a small section where you must use your hands to climb a steep ascent. Be careful here, as you will actually be climbing rather than walking, but it’s very short. As you climb, keep to the right and turn left at the top.

After a slight descent, you will cross a river. Bring a spare pair of socks, as it is difficult to cross without getting wet (but it is possible). You will then continue for around 45 minutes walking and climbing over large boulders until you reach the lagoon.

In my opinion, this was one of the best hikes in El Chaltén and one of the highlights of my trip to Patagonia, but it is not for everyone. The technical aspect of clambering over large boulders, the river crossing, the lack of people, and the extreme winds through the valley along the river made the experience incredibly fun, but not everyone will enjoy it.

It is a tough trail, and it is not advisable to go alone. I encountered only four people in the Laguna Sucia section (which took about three hours).

The trail is not as obvious and clearly marked as all the others in this list and is not advertised well, probably because they don’t want hoards of people down there. Also, you MUST register to go on this trail. You will find QR codes and links in your hostel or hotel for this; just speak with your host or visit the visitors centre the day before.

Trailhead: Laguna del los Tres Trailhead (the trail on the left)

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Viewpoint

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is a trail for more experienced hikers. The entire trail is a progressive gradient that climbs to nearly 1500 metres in elevation, making it the only trail in El Chaltén that rises above the valley rather than going through it.

The payoff at the end, though, feels like a real achievement, giving you 360-degree views of the El Chaltén area and a completely different perspective than all the other trails.

Starting from the Los Cóndores Trailhead next to the visitors centre, at the first junction, take a right and follow the path towards Laguna Toro. The route passes through tranquil forests, open pastures and rocky ascents.

The trail isn’t as clearly marked as some of the others, so it is recommended that you use a navigation app such as AllTrails to ensure that you do not veer astray.

The last 2km are the steepest, covered in loose rocks, making it the most challenging section. Upon reaching the top, you will enjoy unmatched views of Mount Fitz Roy and the Cerro Torres Ranges.

Due to the high elevation and exposed mountain, you should take warm clothes and a waterproof windbreaker.

Trailhead: Los Cóndores Trailhead

El Chaltén Hiking Map

Below is an essential El Chaltén hiking map that will help you better understand the area. The map marks most of the hikes (excluding Laguna Sucia) and how they follow their respective trails.

View the El Chaltén hiking map fullscreen.

Map Credit: Parque Nacional Los Glaciares Zona Norte

What to Pack For Hikes in El Chaltén?

Packing correctly for Patagonia hikes is paramount. The last thing you want to do is find yourself several hours into a full-day hike and realise you haven’t got what you need.

Here are our must-have items when hitting the trails.

Sturdy Hiking Boots With Good Grip

A good pair of boots, with ankle support and a good grip, is essential for all El Chaltén Hikes. Not only will you be wearing them for long periods of the day, but you will be walking long distances and climbing over uneven terrain. Some sections of the trails can also be wet depending on the weather or the time of year.

Also, make sure they are worn in before you leave for Patagonia. Brand-new boots that have never been worn will result in nasty blisters, and you make your hiking experience miserable.

Recommended: Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Recommended: Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Hiking Poles

Some people love and hate them, but they have their place. Most hiking trails in El Chaltén aren’t that strenuous, and most people can get away without poles, with one exception: Laguna del los Tres. The Laguna del los Tres hike was the only hike I wish I had taken my poles. The last 1.5 km of the trail is up a very steep, uneven incline. When I go again, I will be taking hiking poles.

Recommended: MSR DynaLock Carbon Trekking Poles

A Large Water Bottle

All streams in the national park flow from the glaciers. These free-flowing waterways provide some of the cleanest and purest water, 100% drinkable without treatment. Thus, you will have access to clean, drinkable water and will not need to carry 4 litres of water in your daypack for an 8-hour hike. Even so, a good-sized reusable water bottle is still essential, as water can be scarce and far between.

Recommended: Hydro Flask 32 Oz Lightweight

If you feel uncomfortable drinking untreated water, you can buy plenty of good filtration water bottles and still use the water from the streams.

Recommend: GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle

Snacks

Snacks are crucial for enjoying the El Chalten hikes comfortably. You’ll need to replenish your energy somehow on longer hikes, and when you’re 6 hours into an 8 hour hike, that small sugar rush will pick you right up for the final stretch.

There are no mini-marts on the trails, so stock up on small snacks such as protein bars, granola bars, chocolate, and chewy sweets.

Camera

Patagonia trekking routes offer some of the most spectacular landscapes. While a camera phone may be enough for most people, I would have never forgiven myself if I hadn’t taken my actual camera. The extra weight may be annoying at the time, but you won’t remember it when you’re back home looking through those epic photos.

Recommend: Sony A7C ii

Find Flights to El Calafate

Read Next

If you are planning a trip to El Chaltén, check out our El Chaltén Travel Guide or see our list of the Best Accommodations in El Chaltén.