Planning an El Chaltén hiking trip in early October, I knew I was here for the mountains—but I didn’t expect the hiking trails to feel so integrated into daily life. I’d landed in El Calafate from Buenos Aires and taken the bus north, expecting jagged peaks and epic hikes—sure. But what surprised me was how you could just wander out your front door and be on a trail within minutes. This wasn’t a place where you needed to drive 30 minutes to reach a trailhead. Here, you could walk out of your Airbnb and be on the trail within five minutes. Welcome to Argentina’s trekking capital.
While I didn’t have much time off work and also wanted to squeeze in a few climbing days, I still managed to tackle three hikes—each one offering something completely different.
Best Hikes in El Chaltén: What to Know Before You Go
Before diving into the trails, here are a few quick logistics:
- Season: The official hiking season in El Chaltén runs from November to April. I visited in early October, and while most trails were already doable, there was definitely still snow at higher elevations.
- Trail Access: Many of the best day hikes start directly from town. A car can be nice to have for accessing a few further-out spots, but it’s definitely not necessary. We didn’t have one and had no issues.
- Gear: Bring layers and wind protection. Patagonia’s weather is notoriously unpredictable—even if it looks clear in the morning.
- Navigation: I used AllTrails for each route and will link to the specific hikes below.
1. Cerro Torre Hike
- Distance: ~19 km return
- Elevation Gain: ~514 m
- Time: I personally did it in under 4 hours, including breaks
- Difficulty: Moderate
- My AllTrails route here
I actually did this hike twice—once alone and once with my partner. The first day was pure magic: blue skies, no wind, and a perfectly crisp view of the towers across Laguna Torre. The second time? The weather turned. The wind was so aggressive we had to hide behind a rock to eat a snack, and the torres never even came into view.
Still, it’s one of the easiest long hikes in El Chaltén, with rolling terrain and panoramic views of the valley. On the way back, you even get a full view of the town tucked below the peaks.
Must-do? Only if the weather is clear. The trail is pleasant regardless, but this one truly shines when the towers are visible.
2. Laguna de los Tres Hike (Fitz Roy Hike)
- Distance: ~22 km (via Río Eléctrico, including Laguna Capri stop)
- Elevation Gain: ~978 m
- Time: We did it in under 8 hours, including a long stop at Laguna Capri, lunch, and plenty of photo breaks
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- My AllTrails route here
This is the Fitz Roy hike, and arguably the most famous trail in Patagonia. We arranged a very early morning drop-off at the Río Eléctrico trailhead (around 6:30 AM) thanks to our Airbnb host. We chose this route to avoid doing a simple out-and-back from town. The road was bumpy and slow-going, but so worth it.
What I loved most about this route was how often the landscape shifted: riverbeds, tundra-like stretches, dense forest, and finally a steep snow-covered climb. We were lucky with clear skies and while we didn’t have it completely to ourselves, it definitely wasn’t busy.
At the top, Laguna de los Tres was still completely frozen, and the wind was so violent we had to crouch behind a boulder to eat our sandwich. On the way back, we stopped at Laguna Capri, dipped our feet into the icy water, and just lay there on the sand for a while.
Must-do? Yes. This is the iconic El Chaltén hiking experience.
3. Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Hike
- Distance: ~20 km return
- Elevation Gain: ~1,140 m
- Time: We did it in under 7 hours, including a relaxed lunch at the top
- Difficulty: Hard (especially with snow)
- My AllTrails route here
We almost didn’t do this one—mainly because we nearly couldn’t find crampons. The night before, we went from rental shop to rental shop until finally waiting an hour at the last one for a pair to be returned.
We started straight from our Airbnb and saw only a few hikers on the trail. Most stopped at the lookout just before the snowfield. The last hill? A steep white cone with no visible path. We looked at each other and said, “F*ck it, there’s only one way up.”
The crampons worked, though my partner’s pair was a bit sketchy and old-school. With poles and a little grit, we made it. At the top: a completely different angle of Fitz Roy, and not a soul in sight. We picnicked, took photos, and then slid down the snowy hill on our butts—took five minutes instead of forty. The people below looked horrified. We had such a laugh.
Must-do? Only if you have time and want a wilder, more offbeat adventure. But what a reward.
Which El Chaltén Hikes Should You Prioritize?
If you only have a few days in El Chaltén, here’s how I’d rank them:
- Laguna de los Tres — classic, iconic, satisfying.
- Cerro Torre — gentle and scenic, great for most hikers.
- Loma del Pliegue Tumbado — Wildly fun and unique.
And if you have more time? You can easily add trails like Laguna Capri, Mirador de los Condores, climbing, or even horseback riding into your days.
How to Get to El Chaltén
The easiest way to reach El Chaltén is to fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE) from Buenos Aires or other major cities. From there:
- Bus: The most common and budget-friendly option. It cost us just under $30 USD per person and took less than 2 hours. We were able to catch it directly from the airport—though it was super late when it finally arrived (classic). Still, the ride was scenic and simple. We booked our tickets easily through BusBud.
- Rental Car: Great if you want flexibility or plan to explore beyond El Chaltén.
- Private Transfer: More expensive, but possible to arrange with some hotels or tour operators.
I personally took the bus, and it was smooth and simple.
When to Hike in El Chaltén
The main hiking season runs October through April, with peak crowds in December to February.
- October/November: Shoulder season. Trails are open, but some snow at higher elevations. Fewer crowds.
- December–February: Warmest and busiest. Clear trails and longer days.
- March/April: Cooler, but still accessible. Fall foliage starts to appear.
If you want a quieter experience and don’t mind a little snow, October is a fantastic time to visit.
What to Pack for Day Hikes in El Chaltén
Patagonia weather changes by the hour, so pack smart:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Windproof jacket (a must!)
- Base layers and warm fleece
- Gloves and beanie
- Hiking poles
- Crampons (shoulder season only)
- Snacks + water + a sandwich for your boulder picnic
- Offline map app like AllTrails
And if you’re visiting in early spring or late fall, be ready for snow and wind at altitude.
Quick Overview: Top Day Hikes in El Chaltén
| Hike | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Highlights |
| Laguna de los Tres | ~20 km | 7–8 hrs | Moderate+ | Fitz Roy viewpoint |
| Cerro Torre | ~19 km | 5–6 hrs | Moderate | Glacier lake + Torres |
| Loma del Pliegue Tumbado | ~22 km | 7–9 hrs | Hard | Panoramic views, fewer hikers |
Where to Stay in El Chaltén
We stayed in this lovely apartment, which gave us privacy and space to cook. But there are also hostels and boutique hotels throughout town.
Final Thoughts
El Chaltén isn’t just a place to hike. It’s a place to slow down, eat your sandwich behind a wind-blocking rock, and fall in love with the wild. Even if the torres stay hidden or your crampons barely hold on, the memories stick. I know mine did.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Chaltén Hiking
Do you need a guide to hike in El Chaltén?
No — the main trails like Laguna de los Tres, Cerro Torre, and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado are well-marked and free to access. Most travelers hike them independently.
How many days should I stay in El Chaltén?
Three to five days is ideal. That gives you enough time to do 2–3 hikes with rest days, weather buffers, or climbing sessions in between.
Do you need permits to hike in El Chaltén?
No permits are required for day hikes. Just bring your gear, water, and common sense.
Is hiking in El Chaltén hard?
It depends on the trail. Laguna de los Tres is moderately challenging due to its elevation gain, while Cerro Torre is gentler. Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is the steepest of the three.
What’s the best month to hike in El Chaltén?
Most people visit between November and March. I went in early October and still managed to hike most trails — though there was snow higher up.