Imposing landscapes, ancient glaciers, great lakes and snow-capped peaks; travel different mountain trails of various difficulties; cross native forests of ñires and lengas.

To the southwest of the province of Santa Cruz, 90 kilometers from the mythical Route 40, after traveling the entire length of Lake Viedma on an asphalt road, you arrive at El Chaltén.

Touring the Patagonian Steppe in its fullness until reaching the Andes Mountains, arriving at the destination marvels the sight and the soul. It is located in a privileged place on the edge of the northern area of ​​Los Glaciares National Park, therefore nature is its environment. Over the years it became a mountain tourist village, with a large influx of visitors from different parts of the world interested in knowing the majestic Cerro Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the many granite spiers that surround both.

Our town was founded on October 12, 1985 for geopolitical reasons, in order to reinforce sovereignty in the area, populated since the turn of the 20th century. El Chaltén was declared the National Capital of Trekking on July 28, 1994, due to the great variety of trails suitable for developing this activity, thanks to the geographical characteristics of this area. It is important to note that there are different degrees of difficulty, from low to highly physically demanding. Among the most frequented are those that lead to: Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Capri and Laguna Torre, which are signposted and have been adapted by the National Park, to facilitate access to the most important panoramic points without interfering with the natural environment. The town offers a wide variety of services aimed at optimizing the typical mountain activities of this destination, such as experienced guides, organized excursions, camping equipment, clothing and others necessary to develop them in a comfortable and safe way, always preserving the balance of the environment. and making this a unique destination.

For those seeking tranquility and good taste, El Chaltén also offers a large number of accommodation options and gastronomic establishments that enhance the stay with warm hints of stories and memories of climbers and ranch pioneers that make up our Patagonian identity.

We recommend a stay of 3 to 4 days, in this way you can visit different attractions of the destination and its surroundings. In addition to the walks through the paths of the National Park and neighboring mountains, you can hire other organized excursions from the town, various adventure tourism activities that take place in and around the National Park.

What to do in El Chaltén?

El Chaltén is the Argentine Capital of Trekking. In this impressive natural setting you have multiple and varied options for walking, climbing, excursions or walks. Strong emotions begin long before arriving, when in the distance you can see the mountains and glaciers that make this corner of Patagonia unique.

Self-guided activities

Most of them are free and do not require previous experience in the mountains, although in the most demanding routes you can hire a guide for your peace of mind and get to know each place as much as possible.