El Chaltén, Argentina: The Ultimate Guide

The 'trekking capital of Argentina' is a must-visit for outdoor lovers.

Mt. Fitz Roy and the town of El Chaltén in view. photo: Speak Spanish BA

Situated in the foothills of 11,168 feet (3,405 meters) tall Mount Fitz Roy and on the edge of Río de las Vueltas, El Chaltén is the ‘trekking capital of Argentina.’ It’s the second most popular Los Glaciares National Park area, attracting a slightly more adventurous crowd than El Calafate. The main draw is the trekking trails that traverse the valleys of the nearby mountains. The name El Chaltén comes from the Telhuelche Indian language and means ‘volcano’. They believed Mount Fitz Roy was a volcano because of the constant clouds covering its peak. 

Founded as recently as 1985, the original purpose of El Chaltén was to thwart territorial claims from Chile. This was a successful mission, and since then, the village has grown to cater to its popularity as a trekking destination. You’ll find a burgeoning selection of accommodation and dining options, plenty of information about trekking and climbing, and other outdoor activities like bird spotting, kayaking, and mountain biking. 

El Chaltén’s peak time is from November to February when hotel prices increase, and competition for beds is high. In the height of summer, you’ll need warm clothing; however, when the sun shines, you’ll be hard-pressed to imagine a more beautiful setting. The village all but shuts down during the Southern Hemisphere winter. Some hotels may remain open, but the prevailing ice makes the trails difficult to access. Call in advance to check the current situation for visits in the off-season.