El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital. During our trip, we explored this small town to discover its best hikes. Based on our experience, we share five must-see trails with spectacular views, including those of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Before starting, it’s important to know that El Chaltén is located in Los Glaciares National Park, in Patagonia. Until recently, access to the trails was free, but starting in October 2024, you must pay an entrance fee (see prices). All trails are marked, allowing you to explore them on your own.
Let’s start with the best hikes in El Chaltén:
1. Laguna de los Tres: The Most Iconic Trek
Distance: 20 km (round trip)
Difficulty: High – Maximum altitude: 1,200 meters above sea level
Duration: 8-10 hours
We begin this list of routes in El Chaltén with Laguna de los Tres, which will take you to the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. This trail begins at the end of San Martín Avenue. For the first hour of the hike, the incline is somewhat steep, but you can rest at a natural lookout point overlooking the De las Vueltas River.
Afterward, the trail becomes much gentler and, at one point, splits into two: the path on the left leads to Capri Lagoon and the one on the right to Fitz Roy Viewpoint. Both are incredible, so you can do one on the way there and the other on the way back. We decided to go by the lagoon and return via the lookout point.
Then, you’ll continue walking through a beautiful Patagonian ñire forest, always with the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains in front of you, and, in the distance, the Piedras Blancas Glacier. This part of the trail is truly spectacular, and we send you all the good vibes for an incredible day.
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About 4 hours after leaving El Chaltén, you will arrive at Poincenot Camp. You’ll then have to cross the Blanco River, and from there, the trail becomes much more challenging: a kilometer-long climb with a 450-meter elevation gain awaits you to Laguna de los Tres, which will require about an hour of additional effort.
The last stretch is quite rocky and may be completely covered in snow. Walk carefully and be prepared for the closest panoramic view of Fitz Roy and the Laguna de los Tres glacier. Following the lagoon, you’ll reach Laguna Sucia. From there, you’ll begin the return trip to El Chaltén.
Tip: Since all trekking routes in El Chaltén start in the town, it’s best to stay there. We recommend you consider: Hosteria Alma Patagonia, Andino Aparts, Rancho Apart Hostel, Cóndor De Los Andes and Apart Guillaumet.
2. Cerro Torre: Best Hikes in El Chaltén
Distance: 18 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Medium – Maximum altitude: 650 meters above sea level
Duration: 6-7 hours
The Cerro Torre trek is one of the most iconic routes in El Chaltén, Patagonia. This trail will take you to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Laguna Torre, with a breathtaking view of its glacier and the imposing granite spires of the massif, among which Mount Fitz Roy stands out.
The trail to Cerro Torre begins west of the town of El Chaltén, and, as at all trailheads, you will find a sign with a sketch of the route, estimated times, distances, and recommendations to keep in mind before continuing.
The hike is gentle and much less demanding than the trek to Laguna de los Tres. It will immerse you in a Patagonian forest, with several natural viewpoints such as Cascada Margarita Viewpoint and Cerro Torre Viewpoint, as well as many open spaces from which you can see Mount Solo, Mount Cordón Adela, and Mount Fitz Roy.
After about 4 hours of hiking, you will reach Laguna Torre, where, with luck, you will be able to see the peak of Cerro Torre next to its glacier. It’s common to find floating ice floes in the lagoon, and if you still have energy, you can continue a few more minutes to the Maestri Viewpoint before starting the return to El Chaltén.
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3. Mirador del Cóndor: The Best View of the Town
Distance: 2 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Low – Maximum altitude: 570 meters above sea level
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
We continue this list of trails in El Chaltén with Mirador del Cóndor, one of the shortest and most accessible routes, but which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Fitz Roy, the De las Vueltas River Valley, and even Lake Viedma.
The hike to Mirador del Cóndor from the town takes about 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for those new to El Chaltén looking for an acclimatization hike , as well as for those looking to add a little extra time after completing a longer trek.
We, for example, arrived in El Chaltén at 5:00 p.m. and took advantage of the opportunity to do this hike at sunset. We were able to see many condors soaring over the Andes Mountains , while the last rays of the sun illuminated Mount Fitz Roy, giving us one of the most unforgettable views of El Chaltén.
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4. Laguna Capri: Hikes in El Chaltén with Views of Fitz Roy
Distance: 8 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Medium – Maximum altitude: 750 meters above sea level
Duration: 2-3 hours
If you only have one day or a little time in El Chaltén and are looking for a relatively short hike with stunning panoramic views, the trail to Laguna Capri is ideal. The trail begins at the end of San Martín Avenue, the same starting point for the trek to Laguna de los Tres.
For the first hour of the hike, the slope is steep, but remember that you can stop at the viewpoint of the De las Vueltas River valley. Then, you’ll reach a fork and take the path to the left to reach Laguna Capri, which you’ll reach after approximately one kilometer.
At Laguna Capri, a beautiful panorama of crystal-clear waters awaits you, with Mount Fitz Roy reflected on the surface if the wind is calm. By the way, it’s common in El Chaltén to check the weather on the Windguru website. You can also ask at your hotel, as they usually provide this information.
To return to El Chaltén, you can follow the same trail, which is much more manageable because it’s mostly downhill. However, if you have some time, we recommend detouring to the Fitz Roy Viewpoint, taking the path to the right at the fork. This is an excellent option if the day is clear.
Recommended: Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
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5. Chorrillo Falls: A Magical Walk in El Chaltén
Distance: 6 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Low – Maximum altitude: 440 meters above sea level
Duration: 1-2 hours
Chorrillo del Salto is one of the easiest trekking routes in El Chaltén, in Argentine Patagonia. But don’t think that just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s not worth it; Quite the opposite; it’s a peaceful trail, full of magic and spectacular scenery, culminating in a beautiful 20-meter-high waterfall.
We recommend taking this route on a day when you want to rest, or when the weather isn’t favorable for trying to reach Laguna de los Tres, which is usually the main objective of most travelers arriving in El Chaltén, or if you’re looking for an excursion focused on observing flora and fauna.
Although Chorrillo del Salto can be reached both on foot and by vehicle, we’ll focus on the hike. The starting point is the same as the routes to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Capri, but this time you’ll need to take the trail on the right-hand side. Don’t worry, everything is well signposted.
The trail from El Chaltén is mostly flat. It typically takes less than an hour to reach the waterfall, but you can take the journey at your leisure. If you pay attention, you might be lucky enough to spot birds like the Magellanic woodpecker, and even huemuls or pumas. You never know what surprises the road may hold!
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Now that you know our top hikes in El Chaltén
Now that you know our top hikes in El Chaltén, we want to share some key tips so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.
It’s essential to check the weather forecast before going trekking. You can use specialized sites like Windguru. The best time to visit El Chaltén is from October to April, when the trails are accessible and the weather conditions are favorable.
It’s also important to bring the right equipment. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to temperature changes and protect yourself from the cold and rain. It’s also essential to wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, ideal for long walks, and bring water and snacks.
If you’re wondering what else to do in El Chaltén, in addition to these hiking trails, you can explore Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, the Huemul Glacier, enjoy the local cuisine, or go rock climbing or kayaking.
If this guide has been helpful, we invite you to explore others that might interest you:
Perito Moreno Glacier: How to Get There and Best Tours
Iguazu Falls: How to Visit the Argentine Side and Brazilian
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
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