Top 10 Best Things to Do in El Chalten, Argentina [El Chalten Travel Guide 2024]
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in El Chalten, Argentina's trekking capital, nestled within Los Glaciares National Park. This guide highlights the must-do hikes, from the iconic Laguna de los Tres and Cerro Torre to lesser-known trails offering breathtaking Andean vistas. Beyond hiking, discover thrilling activities like white-water rafting and explore unique natural wonders such as petrified forests and glacial lakes.
Laguna de los Tres
A popular hike and one of the main reasons El Chalten exists as a tourist town, offering views of Mount Fitzroy.
Cerro Torre
Another highly popular trek from El Chalten, offering views of the dramatic Cerro Torre mountain and beautiful surrounding scenery.
Lake & Glacier Huemul
A hidden gem hike outside El Chalten leading through mossy forests to a pristine lagoon with a hanging glacier.
De Las Vueltas River Canyon
An opportunity for white-water rafting on glacial tributaries, providing an adrenaline rush while exploring the mountain scenery.
Salto El Chorrillo
A natural waterfall accessible by a short, easy hike from town, perfect for a less strenuous outdoor activity.
Bosque Petrificado La Leona
A petrified forest located a bit further from town, featuring dinosaur fossils, ancient rock formations, and petrified trees in a unique landscape.
Sendero Loma Del Pliegue Tumbado
An alternative to the more popular hikes, this trail offers fabulous views of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre from a southern perspective.
Lago Del Desierto
A beautiful and less-visited lake near El Chalten, serving as a starting point for the Huemul glacier hike and offering boat trips.
Miradores Los Cóndores
An easy hike offering great views, perfect for a half-day adventure or a warm-up before tackling more strenuous trails.
Glacial Lake
Offers a closer look at the Viedma glacier and ice chunks floating on the water, often accessible by boat tour.
Mount Fitzroy
A spectacular mountain and a primary attraction that draws visitors to El Chalten for trekking and admiring its scenic views.
Steep and dramatic Cerro Torre mountain
A challenging and dramatic mountain that is a popular trekking destination from El Chalten, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
Cadela range of mountains
A mountain range that forms a significant part of the stunning Patagonian landscape around El Chalten, visible from many hiking trails.
Laguna Tori
A lake located along the trek to Cerro Torre, offering beautiful scenery and serving as a point of interest on the hiking route.
deagostini base camp
A base camp located near Laguna Tori, providing a camping option for those undertaking the trek to Cerro Torre.
Lake in Glacier Huemul
A pristine lagoon situated at the end of a hike through a mossy forest, with a hanging glacier above it.
El Rio Deas Valus
A river in El Chalten where visitors can experience white-water rafting, offering an adrenaline-filled adventure amidst gorgeous mountain scenery.
Lake Desert
A beautiful lake near El Chalten, accessible by a scenic route, serving as a starting point for hikes and offering boat trips.
Salto Elio
A natural waterfall and popular hiking destination just a few minutes from El Chalten, accessible via a short round-trip hike.
Petrified Forest
An area featuring ancient petrified trees, dinosaur fossils, and unique rock formations, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.
Route of 40
A famous highway in Argentina that runs through Patagonia, connecting various points of interest including the Petrified Forest La Leona.
Sendero Loma Del Plegue Tumbado
A beautiful hike offering fabulous views of Fitzroy, Cerro Torre, and Laguna Tori from a unique southern vantage point.
Lago Vimo
A lake near the Miradores Los Cóndores viewpoints, offering a view of the Viedma glacier.
Lago Viedma
A large glacial lake famous for its turquoise waters and proximity to the Viedma glacier, offering boat tours for closer views.