Beyond its famous peaks and trails, El Chaltén is located within Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina. The park is home to vast glaciers, unique wildlife such as guanacos and condors, and some of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas.
Adventurers come not only to hike but also to experience the raw beauty of Patagonia—its windswept plains, sparkling glaciers, and ever-changing skies.
“Check out all our trips to Austral Patagonia that visit El Chalten
A Brief History of El Chaltén
El Chaltén, whose name derives from the native Tehuelche language means “Smoking Mountain” and was founded relatively recently, in 1985. Its creation was driven in part by Argentina’s need to establish a stronger presence in the region due to ongoing territorial disputes with neighboring Chile over Patagonia. The village was strategically founded at the base of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy, close to the border with Chile, helping to solidify Argentine claims in the area.
Before the town’s establishment, the land was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Tehuelches. These native groups revered the area’s mountains and glaciers, which they considered sacred. For centuries, the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre remained largely untouched by modern exploration. However, in the 20th century, El Chaltén and its surroundings began to attract adventurers, climbers, and naturalists, drawn by the beauty and challenge of its landscape.
Today, while it has grown to accommodate the influx of tourists, El Chaltén retains its small-town charm, with a population of just around 1,600. Its reputation as a hiking and climbing mecca continues to thrive, cementing its place as one of Patagonia’s most beloved destinations.
This charming town offers a range of stunning trails with unique views that you can not miss during your visit and these are some of them:
- Chorrillo del Salto: A short hike, ideal for your arrival day at El Chalten as It’s about 3 km that takes around 1-2 hour where you will be able to see a picturesque waterfall.
- Mount Torre: One of the nicest trails in El Chalten where you can admire the beauty of the lagoon with the impressive mount Torre behind. The hike is approximately 18 km round trip and typically takes 6-8 hours.
- Mount Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres: Undoubtedly this is the famous trek to do in El Chalten and you not leave the town unless you do it first. With its breathtaking view of Mount Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks is about 20 km and takes roughly 7-9 hours.
- Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: This hike offers panoramic views of both the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massifs. It’s about 20 km round trip and takes around 6-8 hours.
What´s new?
The National Parks Administration enabled the collection of an access fee for trail sectors in El Chalten from October 2024.
With three entry and exit control points in the Northern Zone of Los Glaciares National Park: Los Condores Gate, Fitz Roy Base Gate and Rio Electrico Gate. The sale of admission tickets is carried out through the National Parks Administration website on the following link and the collects will be destinated to cover some that the park needs due to the increment in the amount of visitor year after year.
Contact our expert team for your Taylor made experience in El Chalten
English 
Spanish