El Chaltén is a hidden jewel in the heart of Patagonia and is widely regarded as Argentina's hiking capital. Although it's a very small town, with roughly 3000 inhabitants, there are more types of accommodation than you would expect. In this article, we'll look at everything from the best El Chaltén hotels to luxury glamping tents under the stars so you can decide where to stay for your El Chaltén adventure.
El Chaltén is technically classed as a tourist village, born out of demand from people visiting the area and exploring its natural beauty.
Over time, the area has evolved into what it is today, hosting tens of thousands of visitors annually. It now offers various accommodations and restaurants while maintaining its small mountain village charm.
With the number of visitors each year surpassing the number of people who live there permanently, it's no surprise that there are many accommodation options to choose from, ranging greatly in comfort, location, and price!
Where you ultimately choose to stay in El Chaltén will probably come down to price. Even though there are many places to choose from, there are also many visitors, and prices are not very cheap.
That being said, some of the best places to stay in El Chaltén include luxury hotels, budget hostels, family apartments, log cabins, mountain lodges, and even glamping.
So whether you're looking for a simple bed or something a little different deep in the mountains, El Chaltén has something to offer.
This article started as personal research for our visit to El Chaltén and has now become a comprehensive guide to El Chaltén hotels and accommodation. We compiled this article to give you the clearest picture of the different accommodation types and the best places to stay within each. After days weeks of research, we found pretty much every hotel, hostel, cabin, etc., and did a deep dive into each to help you find where to stay in El Chaltén.
This is essentially the only accommodation list you will ever need!
Full disclaimer: While we have spent time in El Chaltén and know the area very well, we have not personally stayed in all of these places. Our results are based on personal experience, guest reviews, website reviews, customer feedback, price, and accommodation amenities.
Which Area Should I Stay in El Chaltén?
Unlike most destinations in Argentina, when visiting El Chaltén, choosing which area to stay in is pretty straightforward. You can either stay in the village or a remote hotel or cabin further out.
The village is tiny; you can walk from one side to the other in less than 15 minutes, which means whatever El Chaltén accommodation you choose will be close to everything. Put simply, every accommodation within the village's boundaries has a location score of 10/10.
Something A Little Different
While a hotel or Airbnb is usually the first option for most people, don't be afraid to choose something a little different. Some of the best El Chaltén accommodation options include , , and . While these aren't in the town centre, they are mostly full-serviced lodgings set in stunning natural surroundings.
Everything is handled on-site, with food prepared for you daily, organised activities and easy access to the trails.
Budget Friendly and Solo Travellers
Simple hostel living with great service
A hostel can be a great option if you're travelling alone or looking for budget places to stay in El Chaltén. Basic living, comfy bed and of course the social aspect where you can meet other like-minded people. Let’s be honest: most of your adventuring will be done outside anyway, and your luggage doesn’t need a fancy room to sit in.
Patagonia Travellers Hostel // Located in the centre of town, Patagonia Travellers Hostel has easy access to everything. The staff are always on hand to help plan your day's hikes or catch up on your day's adventures. Half of the hostel is dedicated to dormitories, and the other half is private rooms. The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast each morning and dinner in the evening. For the price, it's hard to beat.
- Price: $$$$
- Book Patagonia Travellers Hostel on Booking.com
Lo de Guille // Touted as one of the best hostels in the area, Lo de Guille has private and mixed dormitories with super comfy beds. But the standout thing here is the staff. With near-perfect scores on over 500 reviews, they are said to be exceptionally friendly and always happy to help plan your day's activities throughout your stay. There is a good breakfast, an on-site coffee house, and outdoor dining with a barbecue for all you grillers.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Lo de Guille on Booking.com
El Chaltén Luxury Hotels
5-star living and exceptional service
If you want the ultimate comfort and hassle-free experience, consider staying in one of the best hotels in El Chaltén. There are some incredible choices in the area, but these are hands down the best El Chaltén hotels. Each has 5-star quality service and all the facilities you'll need for an unforgettable holiday.
Chaltén Suites Hotel // Situated in the heart of the village, Chaltén Suites Hotel is one of the most central hotels in El Chaltén. Offering 5-star quality service, Chaltén Suites Hotel is known for its exceptional attention to detail. The staff are constantly praised in all their reviews and stand out as exceptional to deal with. Large, comfortable rooms with private balconies and views of the mountains are available.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Chaltén Suites Hotel on Booking.com
Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña // El Chaltén hotels offer a range of incredible options, but few come close to Destino Sur Hotel. With an onsite gym, spa and wellness centre and an indoor swimming pool, a stay at Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña has everything you would want for a perfect hotel stay. Every room has mountain views and is decorated with wood furnishings for that alpine feel. A full buffet breakfast is available each day.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña on Booking.com
Los Cerros del Chaltén Boutique Hotel // If you are looking for the best El Chalten hotel, then you're probably looking for Los Cerros del Chaltén Boutique Hotel. Start your stay with a welcome drink and be invited into this stunning boutique hotel in the heart of El Chaltén. The hotel's breathtaking views over the valley are the perfect introduction to your stay. Spacious modern rooms with spa baths, exceptional staff, and traditional Patagonian dishes served daily in the restaurant. There’s a reason this is one of the highest-rated guest-reviewed hotels in the area.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Los Cerros del Chaltén Boutique Hotel on Booking.com
Family Cabins
Best affordable solution for groups and families
It can be difficult to find affordable accommodation for families and groups while travelling. However, staying in a cabin close to the main village and trailheads can provide the convenience of being near everything while also allowing you to stay together without exceeding your budget.
Eolia Cabins // Only 50 metres from the main avenue, these charming cabins boast a spacious garden with views over the Rio de las Vueltas valley and the majestic Cordon del Bosque. The warm and inviting cabins comfortably accommodate 2 to 3 people, perfect for couples or small groups. Convenient amenities include private parking and a well-equipped kitchen with an oven, gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, electric kettle, and ample dishes and utensils for self-catering.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Eolia Cabins on Booking.com
El Relincho // Three cozy cabins comfortably accommodate up to five guests. Each cabin features a double bed in one room, two single beds in another, storage furniture, and a sofa bed in the dining room. Each has a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom with shower and bathtub, and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for El Relincho on Booking.com
Homely Places to Stay in El Chaltén
Best apartments for small groups and families
An apartment will give you that home-away-from-home feeling. It provides enough space for the whole family and equips you with everything you need to keep those routines in place. These are some of the best and most affordable options you can find in El Chaltén.
Andino Apartments // A set of 6 new, modern, and spacious apartments with views of the mountains. Each apartment is fully equipped for up to 4 guests, including breakfast each morning and daily housekeeping. It is just outside the town centre and has immediate access to the national park.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Andino Apartments on Booking.com
Aguila Mora Apartments // Located just outside the town centre but still only 300 metres away, this set of two apartments, which will suit up to three guests, gives you the benefits of a quiet neighbourhood but still close to the action. Decorated in warm hues and with all the amenities, including WIFI, central heating, pressurised hot water, and a complete kitchen, this is the perfect home away from home.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Aguila Mora Apartments on Booking.com
Picturesque Glamping
Best for outdoor luxury living
Knowing where to stay in El Chaltén is one thing, but if you're looking for the best place to stay, this has to be it for me. Outdoors living but with the comfort and luxury of a hotel. Glamping will give you the best of both.
Patagonia Eco Domes // Surrounded by 3 hectares of private gardens, this tented camp offers private access to the Laguna de los Tres trail and a daily breakfast with stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy. Patagonia Eco Domes is 16 km outside El Chaltén and ideal for solitude seekers who want disconnected tranquillity and hotel-style comfort.
- Price: ????
- See prices and availability for Patagonia Eco Domes on Booking.com
Chaltén Camp // If you want to be disconnected but not that disconnected, Chaltén Camp offers luxury glamping domes on a full-board basis only 3km outside of El Chaltén village. After a day of adventuring through the mountains, return to the 80-square-meter communal dome and share stories around the open firepit while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains in front of a canvas of stars.
- Price: ????
- See prices and availability for Chaltén Camp on Booking.com
Remote Mountain Lodges
Best for those who want to disconnect
Imagine a hotel nestled in the heart of a stunning mountain range, surrounded by nature. Staying in a mountain lodge will give you an exclusive and “all-inclusive” option that is far from everything and everyone.
Estancia Bonanza // Nestled in the middle of a local ranch that watches over 8,000 hectares of forests, glaciers, lagoons, streams, rivers, and mountains. These exclusive country houses and eco-cabins offer a rural and home values experience. Enjoy regional cuisine at La Pulpería Restaurant, with vegetables direct from the garden and food prepared over wood fires.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Estancia Bonanza on Booking.com
Aguas Arriba Lodge // El Chaltén accommodation doesn't get much better than this. Majestically perched on the edge of the serene Lago del Desierto, this exclusive lodge has unhindered views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. This remote part of Patagonia is only 5 km from the border with Chile and has many barely explored trails, rivers, glaciers, forests, and lakes nearby. Solitude, relaxation, and spiritual healing are all but guaranteed here.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Aguas Arriba Lodge on Booking.com
Isolated Mountain Refuges
Best for nature and isolation
Laguna Cóndor Mountain Refuge // 20 km from El Chaltén, on the west bank of the Las Vueltas River, nestled in a dreamlike landscape, is Laguna Cóndor Mountain Refuge. The refuge offers exceptional services, accommodation in cabins with private bathrooms, a hot tub, mountain bikes and self-guided activities within the property. The complete wooden construction gives you a warm and cosy feeling whilst keeping you utterly connected to the surrounding nature.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Laguna Cóndor Mountain Refuge on Booking.com
Puesto Cagliero // Perched high in front of the Cagliero Glacier, Puesto Cagliero's refuge offers comfort and shelter in a unique and remote location with unmatched views. This small six-room refuge is only accessible through a three-hour trek on foot. Whether you are using it as a stop to explore the surrounding mountains or want to feel as disconnected as possible, you will feel like you are part of the surrounding mountains.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Puesto Cagliero on Booking.com
Group Mountain Houses
Best for complete solitude
For the ultimate solitude, you’ll want to be as far away from any other living soul as possible—high in the mountains, deep in the forest, disconnected from everything. Staying in a mountain house with your own group will allow you to get as close to nature as possible, bar sleeping in a cave with a bear!
Aizeder Eco Container // Aizeder Eco Container is situated in the heart of De las Vueltas River Valley, surrounded by native forest and boasting a magnificent view of Fitz Roy Mount. The eco-container can sleep up to four people and has a gas stove, oven, mini fridge, kettle, coffee maker, and gas heating. Enjoy pure solitude without Wi-Fi, cell signal, TV, or any noise other than that of nature.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Aizeder Eco Container on Booking.com
Casa Huemules Mountain House // Enjoy this 3-bedroom cottage in the picturesque private natural reserve Los Huemules. It has room for up to six guests, each with a private bathroom and all the amenities needed for an extended and comfortable stay. In a short walk, you can access hiking trails, lagoons, valleys, waterfalls and magnificent views of majestic hills and glaciers.
- Price: $$$$
- See prices and availability for Casa Huemules Mountain House on Airbnb.com
No matter where you stay, you will find the perfect retreat amidst the region's breathtaking beauty. The best places to stay in El Chaltén ultimately depend on personal preference and budget.
From cozy hostels catering to budget-conscious travellers to eco-lodges and charming cabins, there's something to suit everyone.
El Chaltén accommodation offers a comfortable stay and is committed to sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to responsibly immerse themselves in the pristine natural surroundings. We hope you find your perfect place and have an unforgettable experience in the heart of Patagonia.
How to Get to El Chaltén
The nearest airport to El Chaltén is El Calafate International Airport, which is some 200km away. From El Calafate, you can take a bus, take a private taxi transfer, or rent a car and drive yourself. For more information on getting from El Calafate International Airport to El Chaltén, see our El Chaltén Travel Guide.
Find Flights to El Calafate
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Finding accommodation is only half the battle when planning your trip to El Chaltén. We have compiled an exhaustive El Chaltén Travel Guide that includes everything you need to know before and during your trip.