El Chaltén Hiking and Landscape Photography Guide (with Maps and GPX)

From Fitz Roy to Cerro Torre and the Hidden Waterfall, El Chaltén is a little bit of a paradise for each Hiking and Landscape Photography. Home to a few of the most lovely mountains on this planet and landscapes to match, it’s a “Mecca” for hikers. And formally, it’s Argentina’s National Trekking Capital.

Located in Southern Patagonia on the Argentinian facet, Los Glaciares National Park might be some of the visited mountaineering and panorama pictures places in Patagonia, and Southern America in General. Actually, I might go so far as saying on this planet.

El Chaltén does really feel a little bit of a mountaineering and panorama pictures paradise for a couple of cause. It’s a city with a personality, the place the Fitz Roy dominates the panorama from just about anyplace on the town. On clear days, when driving there, you could have the sensation as in case you are getting into some type of Mythological realm, with the view of the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy within the distance.

Once there, you may stroll to all the primary trails proper out of the doorstep. You then spend a day on trails or exit within the early AM to look at dawn, in a type of pilgrimage to the mountains. Then you come again to city to deal with your self to some good meals, drinks, or no matter is your selection, and repeat. That’s arduous to beat for those who benefit from the outdoor and the beautiful views – and naturally, panorama pictures.

 

Table of Contents

 

When to go to El Chaltén

It’s technically doable to go to El Chaltén year-round, however the most effective time to go to is between November and March. That’s excessive season, and it’s additionally essentially the most crowded.

Shoulder season is October and April. Less crowded and, in Autumn, lovely fall colours. In winter, there are fewer crowds, and it is best to anticipate snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. So realistically, for mountaineering, the most effective season is November to April.

If you’re doing this for panorama pictures too, I’d extremely advocate visiting within the autumn. To be exact, early to mid-April. Why? Again, the autumn colours there are actually one thing it is best to see with your personal eyes. Absolutely lovely colours.

Furthermore, as I learn on-line whereas doing my analysis, between late March and early April, the climate seems to be extra steady. Of course, it will fluctuate, however after I visited for seven days, I had seven days of good climate. Nice remains to be relative, because it was freezing at night time, it snowed the day earlier than I arrived, and typically it was very windy. But apart from that, it was sunny all day, on daily basis, with the occasional clouds.

In off-season and in winter, additionally, you will must deliver extra gear or hire it on website (micro spikes or crampons, or snowshoes, for instance). This is vital for security, in addition to

My private suggestion, once more, is to go in early/mid-April. Fewer crowds, and the autumn colours are completely out of this world lovely.

How a lot time to allocate to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares

While how a lot time closely will depend on your “to-do” record of hikes, I might advocate no less than 5 days in El Chaltén. This is to maximise your probabilities of doing no less than the primary three hikes: Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. It’s three hikes for 5 days, two days added as a “bad weather” buffer. Then, if the climate turns nicer than anticipated, you may go for extra. It’s finest to see that as a bonus, somewhat than relying on it.

That was my technique too. I allotted six full nights and 7 days to Argentina, arriving in El Chaltén the morning of the primary day from El Calafate, and departing again to Chile on the seventh day. I needed to maximise my probabilities of with the ability to full these three hikes on the very least.

Plus, I had a listing of some extra to do in case of fine climate. This labored nicely for my time window, as I used to be fortunate sufficient to get a full week of sunny climate.

To sum it up, a full week must be sufficient to cowl the key mountaineering sights in El Chaltén at a relaxed tempo. And some extra if the climate collaborates, however that’s something however granted in Patagonia.

Where to Fly

If you’re simply planning to go to El Chaltén, the closest airport is in El Calafate. It’s essentially the most optimum selection for those who simply need to go to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares.

In most instances, that requires a stopover in Buenos Aires. If you determine to go that route, take note of the arrival/departing airports in Buenos Aires. Sometimes flights depart from two completely different airports.

The different predominant possibility is flying to Chile, ideally Puerto Natales, which is viable particularly in case you are planning to mix the journey with a go to to Torres del Paine.

I made a decision to fly to Chile too, as I mixed the journey with a number of extra days in Torres del Paine and a day in El Calafate. Also, as a result of in my case, each the flight and the automobile rental turned out to be cheaper in Chile.

So, in case you are planning to go to Torres del Paine too, you might also need to search for flights to Puerto Natales. Otherwise, in case you are planning to only keep in El Chaltén. If you’re planning to incorporate Chile, it’s possible you’ll need to try my Torres del Paine Hiking and Photo Guide too.

Driving Time

• From El Calafate to El Chaltén, it’s virtually 3 hours on Route 40. The highway is totally paved and crosses a barren however scenic stretch of land. Pay consideration to Guanacos that usually graze on the facet of the highway, and could also be scared by oncoming site visitors.
• From Puerto Natales to El Chaltén, it’s about 6 hours, with out accounting for the border-crossing time. Make positive to keep away from Route 7, even when Google sends you there. It’s a highway in dangerous situation, and it’ll take for much longer to cross. Take highway 40 as a substitute, passing by the small conglomerate of Esperanza. There is one gasoline station there, however don’t rely on it. From time to time, it might run out of gas.

Important: in case you are planning to land in Chile and hire a automobile, be sure to request your rental company the International Border Crossing Permit from the rental company prematurely. That kind lets you deliver the rental automobile throughout the border. Without it, you may’t.

Car Rental vs Bus Transfers

A automobile rental isn’t important, particularly in case you are planning to only go to El Calafate/Perito Moreno and spend many of the days in El Chaltén. It’s sensible, however not important.

However, you’ll hire a automobile for the flexibleness and freedom that include it. For occasion, can mix each Torres del Paine and El Chaltén in a single journey, with a cease in El Calafate at your personal tempo. If you do, be sure to request a allow to drive the automobile overseas, whether or not you hire it in Argentina or in Chile.

However, in case you are solely visiting El Chaltén, you are able to do all the things by strolling. Restaurants, Groceries, microbreweries, and, after all, trailheads are all inside 15- 20-minute walks from all over the place on the town.

I did hire a automobile for my journey, however I solely used it to hike to Mirador Piedras Blancas from Río Eléctrico, and to go to the Los Huemules reserve and hike to Puesto Cagliero. However, you too can manage a pickup and drop-off at these two places with personal switch firms in El Chaltén.

Essentially, after I stayed in El Chaltén, the automobile sat within the driveway of my rental tiny home for the entire week, minus the 2 exceptions talked about above.

Driving

If you hire a automobile, you may go along with any common 2WD automobile. Between El Calafate and El Chaltén, the highway is totally paved. However, in case you are driving from Puerto Natales or Torres del Paine, there’s a tough stretch of dust/gravel highway across the border crossings, and it’s fairly bumpy. As lengthy as you regulate your pace accordingly, it’s high-quality. Drive slowly, particularly to keep away from any potential flat. For reference, I drove a Volkswagen T-Cross. Totally high-quality. But Bumpy.

Then there’s a number of Pampa to drive via. Quite a bit. It is tiring at instances to drive via lengthy, straight stretches of pampa, so finest to sort out it when well-rested.

The different predominant factor to concentrate on is Guanacos. You’ll see loads of them alongside the highway, and decelerate once you see them. They can act unpredictably, be stunned by oncoming vehicles, and begin to run across the highway. Keep an eye fixed out for them. Crossing paths with different animals similar to hares, foxes, or Darwin’s rheas.

Transfer by bus

If you are taking the Bus route, you may journey to El Chaltén from each El Calafate and Puerto Natales. However, from Puerto Natales, that you must buy two separate tickets: Puerto Natales and El Calafate, and El Calafate to El Chaltén. Basically, you’ll want to alter. You can guide your tickets right here

Once you arrive in El Chaltén, the bus station is within the southern a part of city, near all the things.

And, even for those who land in Chile to mix it with Torres del Paine, personal firms like Bus Sur do service each El Calafate and El Chaltén.

Important: once more, in case you are planning to cross the border into Chile, be sure to request your rental company the International Border Crossing Permit from the rental company prematurely.

Where to remain and Accommodation varieties in El Chaltén

There isn’t any scarcity of selection in El Chaltén, from Hotels to Tiny Houses, small residences with all of the comforts of a home. That is what I selected for my keep, because of the freedom they supply by way of with the ability to put together my very own meals and have breakfast at any time. And the sensation of strolling, simply strolling out of your rental residence straight into the park, is nice. They are fairly good too, with all of the comforts of a home. I selected the Guer Aike Tiny Houses, which additionally offered Starlink Internet.

But once more, guesthouses and lodges or residences are in no scarcity in El Chaltén. Alternatively, there are additionally a number of extra choices by the Río Eléctrico space, on the northern facet of the park. They are a bit of extra remoted from city, however you’re nearer to nature and to the Trailheads on the Northern facet of the Park.

Camping

In phrases of campsites, you may camp with a tent contained in the park, in designated areas. The predominant campsites (Campamentos) round the primary trails are: Laguna Capri, Poincenot, and De Agostini. Booking is required, although. Advanced reserving is required; you may book them online here. Also word, guides nonetheless report it as free, however all of the campsites in Los Glaciares at the moment are paid.

There can also be a campsite in El Chaltén, however that’s just for Campervans or cell properties. It’s proper by the facet of the highway with direct views of the Fitz Roy, throughout the highway from the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and Mirador de los Condores path. So it’s fairly a scenic location, and it will get combined opinions by way of amenities. But it’s free on the time of writing.

Hiking in Los Glaciares: Park Fees & Tickets

To hike in El Chaltén and enter the Los Glaciares National Park, you would wish to buy a go. I’d extremely advocate doing this on-line and printing it out earlier than you head there. You may also buy them on website, however solely when the sales space on the trailhead is staffed.

Tickets will be purchased on the official APN website. You can both buy day passes or flexi passes for a number of days (3 or 7), which, on the time of writing, can be utilized consecutively and on consecutive days. I went for the 7-day flex go, which is about 100 bucks – once more on the time of writing.

On website, you should purchase the go on the Mirador los Cóndores, Laguna de los Tres, and Río Eléctrico entrances. The opening instances are 8:00 AM to six:00 PM in the course of the summer time season (September via April 30), and from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the course of the winter season (May via August 31). Bring Cash, as not all of the cubicles have an web connection.

Also, whereas the cubicles on the trailheads are solely staffed in the course of the day, the park itself has no opening/closing instances.

Lastly, the Flex ticket covers each El Chaltén and Perito Moreno.

Hiking Gear and what to deliver on Hikes

This nook of Patagonia is known for its variable and typically brutal climate. And sure, it’s true, the climate will be as brutal and as ever-changing as they are saying. I’m saying this as somebody who’s been travelling to the Arctic and subarctic European Regions for nicely over a decade, however the winds and climate modifications in Patagonia are on an entire completely different degree.

If you’re going to do any prolonged mountaineering, you need to deliver a very good windproof and waterproof outer layer and have a 3-4 layer system.

Ideally, for every hike, you’ll want to have the basic 4-layer system:

• A merino base layer, a fleece layer, an insulated jacket (down or artificial), and the shell jacket, your waterproof/windproof layer.
• Hiking poles are advisable, however not mandatory for those who don’t use them already. However, they’d assist quite a bit on the final climb of the Laguna de los Tres hike.
• Bring a bladder or water containers to carry sufficient water for the entire hike. There are not any resupply factors inside the park.
• Enough meals and snacks to maintain you fed. As for water, you may’t purchase any meals inside the park, not like in Torres del Paine on the Refugios.
• In shoulder season, deliver microspikes. Or crampons, when you’ve got them, or you may hire them on website. A sudden storm can deliver snow, which could additionally soften and refreeze in a single day, and make some sections of the paths inconceivable to stroll on.

Camera Gear

To sum it up, deliver all of the lenses you could have. Well, not essentially “all” when you’ve got a big arsenal, however do cowl as a lot focal size as doable. I introduced lenses to cowl virtually totally from 14 to 400 mm (full body), and I had a use for all of them a number of instances. Specifically, my Nikkor Z 14-24, the 24-70, and the 100-400.

Generally talking, the 24-70mm was my default lens on the digital camera. The 100-400 was the opposite lens I used essentially the most. The trails, with such grand views, you actually have the choice to isolate most of the particulars within the panorama, or the primary peaks themselves. and the occasional wildlife, after all.

The 14-24 mm acquired used on a number of events, however for me it was vital to have it at Laguna de los Tres, for instance, and on a number of different events.

On the facet of the vary, my 100-400mm acquired extra use than the wide-angle. With such sweeping landscapes, you may actually seize the small print or isolate the gorgeous mountains within the Park. Not to say the occasional wildlife. By any means, I’m not a wildlife photographer, however on some event will current itself, extra doubtless than not. And, extra doubtless than not, you’d want you had a protracted lens when the event presents itself.

Other equipment

A sturdy tripod is vital, or no less than one with a backside hook you may cling some weight on. The winds will be brutal, so if you’re going to use a tripod in any respect, you’d have to be ready for them.

And a CPL filter – a round polarizer to chop the glare and improve colours. Especially within the autumn, this can be a must-have.

Other Things to Consider

• With the fundamentals lined, listed here are a number of extra issues to contemplate and a few tricks to contemplate when planning your hike
• Internet/Mobile: While El Chaltén “town” has good protection, there isn’t any cell sign as quickly as you enterprise a number of hundred meters on the paths. So, for those who depend on cell navigation for the path, be sure to obtain all of the maps earlier than leaving city. If that you must get a plan, the Airalo e-SIM with the South America plan in all probability presents the most effective charges. I used that one too.
• Card funds vs. Cash: Cards are accepted just about all over the place. I by no means wanted to pay money anyplace, both for groceries, eating places, bakeries, or outlets. However, for those who guide a non-public lodging similar to a guesthouse or tiny home, do make clear the cost methodology upfront. Some will ask for money funds both in Argentinian Pesos or USD.
• Gas Stations: Another factor to notice, there’s only one gas station on the city’s entrance; the opposite closest one is in El Calafate. So, for those who rented a automobile, refill earlier than leaving, and probably do {that a} day or two prematurely, to be sure to can refill, in case the gasoline station runs out of gas.
• Electric Plug: Argentina has its personal plug, which is completely different from Chile’s, too. So, both deliver a common one, or in case you are out of the blue in want of an adapter, you should purchase one in El Chaltén here. Guess how I do know..

 

 

Best Hikes and Photo Locations in El Chaltén with Maps

So right here is the complete record and map with the most effective hikes and panorama pictures places you could find in El Chaltén. I divided them into sections with a fast overview of every. You can click on on the associated submit to dig into the small print of every one in every of these hikes. Each submit offers an in depth overview of every hike with free GPX information, in addition to panorama pictures ideas.

You may also obtain the GPX information from the linked actions on the map under. The map additionally incorporates extra mixed trails, similar to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Sucia.

 

“The Epic Three” classics Hikes in El Chaltén

These three hikes are thought of to be the “essential” hikes in El Chaltén, and arguably essentially the most scenic and photography-friendly ones. Although not technical, they’re all fairly lengthy and demanding hikes, undoubtedly not walks within the park. But with the trouble comes nice rewards, too. It’s these sorts of hikes I want I might do for the primary time once more.

• Laguna de los Tres/Fitz Roy

This is essentially the most well-known and hottest path in El Chaltén, particularly for dawn. Watching the sunshine of the solar step by step tinting the huge Fitz Roy peaks is a lifetime bucket record expertise. Absolutely spectacular at any time of the day, although. The hike is sort of lengthy, and solely the final kilometer of the climb as much as the Laguna is especially arduous going. If you’re doing it for dawn, it is best to goal to depart 4/4.5 hours earlier than dawn no less than.

Laguna de los Tres Hike full details & GPX file.

A significantly simpler hike in comparison with Laguna de los Tres. This is the most effective hike to absorb the views of some of the distinctive mountains on this planet, the Cerro Torre. A stone spike reaching for the sky, or a “scream of Stone” as dubbed in Werner Herzog’s film with carrying the identical identify. It nonetheless is sort of a protracted hike at virtually 20km, however the elevation acquire just isn’t as necessary as for the opposite two trails, and it’s simpler going.

Laguna Torre Hike full particulars & GPX file

If you ask me, the second-best views are after Laguna de los Tres. And the second-best view of Cerro Torre after Laguna Torre. An extended hike, however with an evenly distributed elevation acquire via the path. The Panoramic views from Mirador Loma del Pliegue Tumbado are jaw-dropping. The entire Laguna Torre valley, its meandering river, and each Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy towering above all of it.

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Hike full particulars & GPX

The lesser-known and extra technical ones

The subsequent two mountaineering trails are each much less frequented and tougher to completely different levels. They nonetheless supply incredible views of main landmarks, however they do require expertise navigating tougher and uncovered terrain.

An attractive lagoon that may be visited both as a day hike or as a facet detour to the Laguna de Los Tres Hike. An attractive lagoon proper under Mount Fitz Roy, with crystal clear water. The detour provides a complete of 4.55 km / 2.8 miles to Laguna de los Tres. There can also be a little bit of a scramble up a steep, muddy path within the forest, and navigation on doubtlessly unstable boulders across the morainic deposit subsequent to the Lagoon. A spot the place you’ll meet many fewer folks in comparison with the paths above.

Laguna Sucia Hike full particulars & GPX file

This is essentially the most technical hike on this record. An unmarked and partly seen path, with the final stretch over an uncovered ridge. sadly I haven’t been capable of full it but. On my try, I needed to flip round one kilometer earlier than the ultimate viewpoint, resulting from ice on the path. However, it’s a extra demanding and fewer crowded hike in comparison with all of the others. If you’re searching for a tougher hike, that is the one to go for. I can’t vouch but for the ultimate uncovered part, however I’ll be trying once more in a few years.

Loma de las Pizarras Hike full particulars & GPX file

Easier trails

Here is a mixture of different trails. Easier, shorter ones that also supply nice views, or, in some instances, are good for a wet day and low-hanging clouds.

• The Hidden Waterfall, la Cascada Escondida

Located on a brief detour off the primary Laguna de los Tres path, the hidden waterfall just isn’t solely a really scenic panorama pictures spot, however an important various for dawn to Laguna de los Tres, or you may simply mix it with it too.

The Hidden Waterfall Hike full particulars & GPX file

• Mirador Glaciar Piedra Blancas

Also situated on the Laguna de los Tras path, however from the Río Eléctrico trailhead, the Mirador Piedras Blancas makes for a simple day hike to a viewpoint in entrance of the Piedras Blancas hanging Glacier. Quite a spectacular view.

Mirador Glaciar Piedras Blancas Hike full particulars & GPX file

This is a waterfall that may be accessed by way of a brief out-and-back hike from El Chaltén. Same trailhead as Laguna de los Tres. It’s a 20-meter (~65–66 ft) tall waterfall, and the out-and-back hike from the trailhead is about 6 km (3.7 miles), principally flat. Good for a wet day.

GPX File

This is a brief stroll with minimal elevation acquire that results in a vantage level proper above El Chaltén. It works nicely for each a Sunrise or Sunset hike, and presents views of each Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. From there, you too can proceed to a different Mirador increased up, de las Águilas.

GPX File

Other Hikes to contemplate

If you continue to have an urge for food and time for extra hikes, listed here are a number of extra, like Puesto Cagliero or the Huemules Glacier. And, for those who go to El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Walkways, and maybe Cerro Buenos Aires.

I used to be solely capable of do Puesto Cagliero and the Perito Moreno Walkways, however I’ve the others on my record for the following time. You at all times want a very good excuse to return to locations you loved.

And that was it! I’ll replace this submit with extra hikes in a few years, after I plan to go to El Chaltén once more. It’s a spot that leaves a mark, no less than it did for me. So I’m actually trying ahead to visiting once more.

Additional Resources