220 km from El Calafate is a destination that seems designed for nature lovers: El Chaltén, known as the national trekking capital of Argentina. A small town surrounded by mountains, turquoise lagoons and glaciers, where every trail invites you to discover Patagonia in its purest state.

🚐 How to get to El Chaltén from El Calafate

The trip is an experience in itself. It takes about 3 hours on a paved road, crossing the Patagonian steppe until, suddenly, the majestic Cerro Fitz Roy appears on the horizon. That first sight is unforgettable: a natural postcard that anticipates what is to come.

👣 Not to be missed trails in El Chaltén

In El Chaltén there is no need to travel by car: most of the trails start directly from the village. Some of the most popular ones are:

Laguna de los Tres :

The star trek in El Chaltén. It is an 8 hour round trip hike, with a demanding final ascent, but absolutely rewarded with the view of Fitz Roy reflected in the lagoon.

Capri Lagoon :

A shorter trail (approx. 2 hours) ideal for those looking for a moderate effort without missing the magic of Fitz Roy at sunset.

Tower Lagoon :

Another of the classic hikes, lasting about 7 hours. The tour ends in front of the glacier and the imposing silhouette of Cerro Torre, one of the most photographed landscapes in Patagonia.

💡 Tips for travelling to El Chaltén

Best time of year: October to April, when the trails are more accessible.

What to bring: layered clothing (thermal, fleece and waterproof jacket), trekking shoes, hat, gloves and sunscreen.

Water: mountain streams are drinkable, bring your bottle to refill.

Recommended time: stay at least two nights to walk several trails without rushing.

Services: the village has accommodation, campsites, restaurants and craft breweries with a very traveller-friendly atmosphere.

✨ The spirit of El Chalten

Beyond the landscapes, El Chaltén has a soul of its own. It is a place where life is lived at a different pace: walks during the day, mountain chats in the afternoon and quiet nights under a sky full of stars.

Travelling to El Chaltén is not only trekking, it is connecting with the immensity, discovering the strength of the Patagonian wind and feeling that, for a moment, nature marks the rhythm of each step.

Those who visit this corner of Patagonia always return with the certainty of having lived more than just a trip: an experience that stays in the heart.