Before you go

Your trip to El Chaltén.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

El Chaltén – Santa Cruz Destination El Calafate and El Chaltén

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola (FTE) El Calafate · 215 km
Terminal de Ómnibus de El Chaltén 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

The road from El Calafate is about 220 km. Check services and avoid relying on an overland connection very close to your landing.

How many days

Three or four days allow time for two long hikes on separate days and a short visit. With only one day, choose Chorrillo del Salto or Mirador de los Cóndores, rather than trying to combine all the trails.

When to go

From November to March days are usually longer and services are concentrated in the hiking season. Between May and September snow and ice can alter the trails. Clouds and wind also occur between December and February; adjust your outing to the conditions.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Several routes start close to town and can be organized without a car. A vehicle helps with more remote access points, but does not shorten the walking portion of the trails. Use accommodation and transport compatible with the outing you choose.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in El Chaltén

Morning
Chorrillo del Salto
Walk through the forest to the waterfall, or drive to the parking area and complete the final section on foot.
Afternoon
Break in town
Return for a meal and adjust the rest of the day according to the weather and how you feel.
Late afternoon
Mirador de los Cóndores
Make the short climb from the area near the visitor center, leaving enough daylight to return.
Evening
Organize the next hike
Check the terrain, prepare water and food, and choose a trail suitable for the group.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Does El Chaltén have an airport with regular flights?

The air arrival used in this itinerary is El Calafate. The final leg to El Chaltén is by road.

Do I need to hike a whole day to see the area?

No. Chorrillo del Salto and Mirador de los Cóndores are shorter options, though they still require appropriate footwear and clothing.

Can you do Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres in the same day?

They are long hikes. For a tourist stay, separate the routes into different days and allow time to rest between them.

Do the mountains appear cloud-free during the summer season?

You should not base your itinerary on that expectation. Between November and March there is more daylight, but clouds and wind remain possible.

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