El Chaltén
Experience Total Bliss With A Mountain Escape


The impressive glaciers, icy fjords, turquoise lakes, thick forests, and jagged mountaintops all make up Patagonia’s
impressive and diverse terrain. Tucked away in this landscape, you will find magical little villages like El Chaltén,
Argentina’s capital of trekking.
Located in Los Glaciares National Park, this small town is known for having many easy access points to some of the most
famous hiking trails in Patagonia. Day trips and week-long treks all pass through this village, but there is plenty to
discover within the community. Unparalleled mountain scenery surrounded you on all sides and provides a peaceful
place to rest amidst all the exciting outdoor adventures.
Although El Chaltén is a relatively new town, the food scene is a lively one, with all types of restaurants eager to serve hungry travelers wandering through Patagonia. Here, you can find regional cuisine celebrating local Argentinian flavors and Andean cooking staples like grilled meats and plenty of wine. But, you’ll also be able to explore some international options like pizza, pasta, plenty of pubs, and even a restaurant dedicated to waffles of all types.
The culture you’ll find in El Chaltén is energetic and full of quintessential Patagonian offerings. Since this is a town full of nature-loving travelers and locals, you’ll get to experience a less common side of Argentina. Try some traditional Patagonian lamb, enjoy an artisanal craft beer at the El Chaltén breweries, and enjoy a few days off the grid mingling with the small-town residents who enjoy easy living.
Since the nickname given to El Chaltén is “Trekking Capital of Argentina,” you’re most likely visiting because you are interested in a hiking adventure. Some of the unique adventures here include hiking through La Leona Petrified Forest in search of ancient fossils, trekking the Cagliero Glacier, and ascending to the top of Cerro Fitz Roy for the most spectacular views of El Chaltén and the world beyond.
For a more peaceful excursion in the wondrous Patagonian region, take a day trip to the Huemul Glacier near the Lago del Desierto. The turquoise waters are sensational up close, and the picturesque hike is a great opportunity to get a look at the surrounding area. Another short adventure with amazing views is the hike to Salto El Chorrillo, a thunderous waterfall close to El Chaltén’s town center.
An escape into this remote village allows travelers to unplug and disconnect from the outside world. El Chaltén has plenty of quiet, scenic destinations close by for travelers who find healing in nature, but if you’re looking for some wellness in the town you can find several holistic spas and massage centers that are great for bringing relief to those weary muscles after long hours on the hiking trails.
But, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Although your luxury trip to Argentina will be hand crafted by a
team of Kuoda experts, we recommend taking inspiration from a few model itineraries! Decide how you want to
experience the passion of Argentina, and prepare for your own private luxury vacation, curated with Kuoda!
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Travelers who wish to embark on various hiking excursions should plan to visit in the summer months from December
to February. This will give you more hours of sunshine, warmer weather, and an ideal climate for you to enjoy as much
of Patagonia as possible.
Conquer Fitz Roy There are many hikes to enjoy in El Chaltén, but climbing to the top of Fitz Roy is one of the best. Travelers come from near and far to conquer this behemoth of a mountain. El Chaltén is nestled at the foothills of Fitz Roy, so when you reach the top you’ll be able to look back at the tiny town below and see how far you’ve come. Views of giant glaciers and rugged terrain surround you on every side during this climb, making every step worth it.
Brave the Rapids of Las Vueltas River If you wake up on a particularly cloudy day in El Chaltén, save the hiking for another day and opt for a river-rating excursion instead. You won’t miss out on any of the incredible hiking views, and you’ll still enjoy a thrilling outdoor excursion. Las Vueltas River has some fairly peaceful rapids that travelers of all experience levels can enjoy. Once you finish, head into town for some hot tea and warm treats at one of the local tea shops!
Hike to Laguna Torre One of the most popular hikes in El Chaltén is the Laguna Torre trail, a route that provides an easy alternative to some of the other hikes with equally stunning views. You’ll get to see the crystal blue lagoon, the impressive Glacier Grande, and the imposing Cerro Torre. The trail is a fairly flat one, so there are fewer steep inclines to worry about with this hike. You can also opt for a short trip to the Torre Viewpoint if you want a simple activity during the day.
Indulge in a Local Craft Beer The best way to refuel and indulge after a long day of adventures is by visiting one of the charming local pubs in El Chaltén. This town has some of the best craft beers you’ll ever taste, brewed with extremely fresh water by some amazing microbreweries native to the town. You can enjoy a few different pubs, so make it a bar-hopping experience and taste your way through the town’s best brews.
Explore an Ancient Petrified Forest La Leona Petrified Forest is one of the most unusual and amazing destinations just an hour outside of El Chaltén. This prehistoric forest is covered in fossilized wood, dinosaur bones, and ancient eroded landscapes. Spend a day hiking in this strange landscape that will transport you back in time. Learn about how the petrified forest developed over thousands of years of volcanic ash dissolving into the wood and earth.
El Parador Dig into a delicious meal of Argentinian food prepared at El Parador. Here, you’ll want to order several of their expertly cooked pies, traditional empanadas, and rich braised lamb. These are just some of the favorite dishes according to locals. Every meal should be complete with a glass of wine and one of their impeccable chocolate desserts, like a rich lava cake served with fresh ice cream.
Chalteños Travelers love Chalteños for its unique pastries and exceptional coffee. This charming cafe is an amazing place to stop if you want to fuel up before any of your outdoor adventures. You cannot visit this spot without trying their alfajores, a dulce de leche sandwich cookie that locals and travelers note are especially delicious.
La Vineria One of the things every traveler who visits El Chaltén needs to do is spend an afternoon at one of the local pubs, and La Vineria is a perfect option. This wine bar is quite rustic, with comfortable outdoor seating and a great selection of drinks. After a long hike, La Vineria is a dreamy place to rest your feet, sip on a craft beer or expertly curated glass of wine, and enjoy happy hour in the most beautiful mountain town.
La Tapera Dine with the locals at La Tapera, where Argentinian cuisine is served hot to fuel you up after long days of adventuring. The menu is full of delicious options, from rich and savory pork to grilled steak, to vegetarian pasta dishes and mouthwatering stews. Every dish will leave you feeling satisfied, as you bundle up in the cozy log cabin and relax after the long hikes.
Cerveceria Artesanal Chaltén Visit one of the classic breweries of El Chaltén that’s been serving up delicious drinks and dishes since 1999. Cerveceria Artesanal Chaltén specializes in lager beers made following the authentic German style of production. You can also find plenty of warm soups, traditional empanadas, pizzas, cakes, and other dishes on their menu to pair with your brew. This is a friendly, welcoming spot to mingle with locals and unwind after long days in the outdoors.
Explora El Chaltén Experience the magic of El Chaltén in style when you stay at the Explora Lodge of El Chaltén. With views of the valley and glaciers beyond, this lodge is a magnificent space that offers travelers a place to rest and recover after long expeditions. The rooms are designed to take advantage of the territory. There is a peaceful silence and privacy that comes with being immersed in their luxury accommodations.
Aguas Arriba Lodge Enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fitz Roy while indulging in the private, warm accommodations available at Aguas Arriba Lodge. Discover the spirit of Patagonia when you stay in this rustic eco-lodge cabin. Perched on the shores of a lake, you can hear the trickling waters from your room as you drift to sleep each night. You can also enjoy the open-air decks or cozy libraries if you want a place to connect with friends.
Estancia Cristina Since 1914, Estancia Cristina has invited travelers visiting Patagonia to immerse themselves in a cultural experience. Guests at the estancia are given their own private rooms that can be enjoyed by solo travelers or couples. Alternatively, groups and families can book connecting rooms for a more communal experience. And the estancia comes with exciting activities to teach travelers about the history and culture of Argentina in a fun way!
Patagonia Eco Domes One of the most unique hotel experiences in Patagonia can be found near El Chaltén. The Patagonia Eco Domes offer a luxury eco-lodging experience for travelers who love unique accommodations. This is the place to go if you want to truly disconnect. Isolated in the Patagonia wild, there is no internet or service available here. Instead, you’ll get unlimited access to the raw beauty of this region, as well as an unforgettable hotel experience.
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