El Chalten

Travel Guide

A snow-covered mountainous landscape with a prominent peak and a valley.
A winding road through a barren landscape with distant mountains and a clear sky.
A glacier-capped mountain range with a body of water in the foreground.
A road leading towards snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A mountainous landscape with snow-covered peaks and a glacier.

Framed by snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers and deep-blue lakes, this village is Argentina’s trekking capital and a gateway to Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares.

Rustic El Chaltén is a paradise of stunning natural landscapes perched on the edge of Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares. Established in 1985 to prevent territorial claims from Chile, today the village is famous for being the trekking capital of Argentina. El Chaltén is the place to walk on giant ice fields, gaze in awe at Andean peaks, hike mountain trails and explore placid glacial lakes.

A great way to discover El Chaltén’s attractions is on foot. You’ll find treks ranging from 2 hours to 7 days, suitable for varied levels of fitness. Trail maps are available from the village’s Centro de Informes (Information Center) and Oficina de Turismo (Tourist Office).

Walk to the Mirador de los Cóndores lookout for panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two striking Andean peaks. Follow a short trail to Cascada Chorrillo del Salto, a 65-foot (20-meter) tall waterfall. Hike through scenic backcountry to blue-tinted lakes such as Laguna Capri and Laguna Torre. Traverse an enchanting forest on your way to Huemul Glacier.

Avid hikers can join multi-day hikes to the 11,168-foot (3,405-meter) tall Mount Fitz Roy and 10,174-foot (3,102-meter) tall) Cerro Torre. Alternatively, join mountaineering excursions to towering ice-encrusted mountain crests.

Visit Viedma Glacier via a boat cruise on the tranquil lake water of Lago Viedma or kayak on the Río de las Vueltas. Other activities in El Chaltén include horseback riding, mountain biking and wildlife spotting. Keep watch for condors, eagles, llamas and the elusive puma.

Reach El Chaltén by catching a bus from El Calafate, which is 3-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Stay overnight at camping grounds, budget hostels and alpine-style lodges. Due to adverse weather conditions, the majority of the village’s tourism services shut down in winter. Beyond El Chaltén, you can visit the southern section of Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares and witness enormous chunks of ice breaking free from Perito Moreno Glacier and crashing into Lago Argentino.

Chalten Suites Hotel

Chalten Suites Hotel

3 out of 5
Av San Martin 27 El Chalten Santa Cruz
$221 nightly
The price is $221 total per night from Dec 3 to Dec 4
$221 total
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Chalten Suites Hotel
Posada y Cabañas El Barranco

Posada y Cabañas El Barranco

3 out of 5
Calle 2 #45, corner of Lionel Terray El Chalten Santa Cruz
$154 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
$154 total
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this hotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Laguna Capri and Capilla de los Escaladores are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (120 reviews)
"this was a great choice, the cabin was the perfect size for us and had everything we needed from the coffee maker AND the coffee, to the spacious upstairs. andrea who was at the desk gave us a whole rundown on the town and the trails, googling the weather forecast for us to help us plan what day ..."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2026

Posada y Cabañas El Barranco
Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña

Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña

3.5 out of 5
Lionel Terray 370 El Chalten Santa Cruz
Fully refundable
$289 nightly
The price is $289 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$289 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Book a stay at this spa hotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Laguna Capri and Capilla de los Escaladores ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (256 reviews)
"Beds not comfortable otherwise stay great"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña
See all 105 properties in El Chalten
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Panorama Aparts Chalten

Panorama Aparts Chalten

3.5 out of 5
Saint Exupery 89 El Chalten Santa Cruz
Stay at this aparthotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Capilla de los Escaladores and El Chaltén ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Really impressive accommodation which would would stay at again without any hesitation."

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Panorama Aparts Chalten
Andino Aparts - El Chalten

Andino Aparts - El Chalten

2.5 out of 5
Llao Llao 45 El Chalten Santa Cruz
Stay at this aparthotel in El Chalten. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (145 reviews)
"Our experience with Andino Aparts was amazing! The place was located well (right at the base of the cerro torre hike), and the veiws were great (although no view of Fitz Roy from our room). The breakfast was brought to our room each evening and that made it super easy to eat at on our own time, no ..."

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2026

Andino Aparts - El Chalten
MerKaba Aparts

MerKaba Aparts

3 out of 5
237 Lionel Terray El Chalten Santa Cruz
Stay at this apartment in El Chalten. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and a garden. Popular attractions Laguna Capri and Capilla de los Escaladores are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"good location. nice room."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2026

MerKaba Aparts
See all properties in El Chalten
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular El Chalten attractions

A signpost with directions to El Chaltén, Poincenot, Río Blanco, and Lag.

Laguna Capri

9.6/10 (92 reviews)
You can find out about the history of El Chalten when you stop by Laguna Capri. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.
See properties

Things to do

From El Calafate: El Chalten Full Day

From El Calafate: Full-Day Trip to El Chaltén

$112
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
From El Calafate: Full-Day Trip to El Chaltén
Chalten Kayak, Río de las Vueltas

Chalten Kayak, Río de las Vueltas

$135
per adult
Chalten Kayak, Río de las Vueltas
Chalten Kayak at the Rio de las Vueltas

Chalten Kayak at the Rio de las Vueltas

$135
per adult
Chalten Kayak at the Rio de las Vueltas
El Chaltén: Sailing to the Viedma Glacier

El Chalten: Sailing to Viedma Glacier

$140
per adult
El Chalten: Sailing to Viedma Glacier
3hrs de Escala y Caminata en Via Ferrata del Cañadón

3hrs de Escala y Caminata en Via Ferrata del Cañadón

$135
per adult
3hrs de Escala y Caminata en Via Ferrata del Cañadón
Full day excursion to El Chaltén with lunch from El Calafate

Full day excursion to El Chaltén with lunch from El Calafate

$135
per adult
Full day excursion to El Chaltén with lunch from El Calafate
See all activities in El Chalten

Frequently asked questions

Is El Chalten worth visiting?
El Chalten is worth visiting for its beautiful natural attractions, such as the picturesque Laguna Capri and the refreshing Salto El Chorrillo Waterfall. Travelers can also savor a variety of delicious dining experiences, with options ranging from authentic Latin American to classic Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit El Chalten?
The best time to visit El Chalten is from December through March, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of May through August are a good option, offering a different, more serene experience.
What is a good itinerary length for El Chalten?
A good itinerary length for El Chalten is two to three days to explore key highlights like Laguna Capri, Salto El Chorrillo Waterfall, and Capilla de los Escaladores. For an extended stay, four to five days allows travelers to enjoy activities such as a Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza or Via Ferrata, and to fully experience the area. See El Chalten Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around El Chalten?
El Chalten offers outdoor adventures, scenic nature, and unique local experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to El Chalten?
To plan a trip to El Chalten, search for hotels, flights, and rental cars on Expedia. Book activities like the Grilled Lamb Experience or a Via Ferrata climbing and walking experience in advance. When planning, pair outdoor activities like visiting Laguna Capri with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in El Chalten?
In El Chalten you can find South American cuisine, featuring dishes like hearty asado (grilled meats), empanadas, and dulce de leche desserts. Travelers can also find Italian, Asian, and other European culinary options, along with cozy coffee shops offering various beverages.
Can I book a refundable hotel in El Chalten?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in El Chalten by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to El Chalten with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your El Chalten trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in El Chalten?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in El Chalten can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my El Chalten trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your El Chalten trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my El Chalten trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your El Chalten trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to El Chalten?
If it's your first trip to El Chalten, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my El Chalten hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your El Chalten hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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A glacier with mountains in the background.

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