El Chalten, located 220 km north of El Calafate, is officially Argentina's national trekking capital. This small village of just 1,500 permanent residents sits at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405 m) and Cerro Torre (3,128 m), two of the most iconic and photographed mountains in the Patagonian Andes. Founded in 1985, it is Argentina's youngest town and one of the world's most important trekking destinations.
Laguna de los Tres: the epic Fitz Roy trek
The most famous trail is the hike to Laguna de los Tres, which culminates in a turquoise glacial lagoon at the base of Fitz Roy's north wall. The trek is 25 km return (10 hours) with 750 metres of accumulated elevation gain. Difficulty is high due to the final section, a steep 400-metre climb over 1 km, but the view at the top is one of the most spectacular on the planet. It has graced National Geographic covers and is the logo for the Patagonia clothing brand.
Laguna Torre: Cerro Torre and its glacier
The other star trail is the hike to Laguna Torre, at the base of Cerro Torre, a 3,128 m granite needle that mountaineers consider one of the world's most difficult summits. The trek is 18 km return (6-7 hours), moderate difficulty with constant views of Cerro Torre and its hanging glacier. Ice blocks from the glacier float in the lagoon.
More free trails
All trails in El Chalten are free and do not require a guide. Beyond the two main ones: Mirador del Fitz Roy (2 hours one way, frontal view), Chorrillo del Salto (1 hour, easy waterfall), Laguna Capri (3 hours, lake with Fitz Roy view) and Mirador de los Condores (30 minutes, ideal for sunset).
Day trip from El Calafate or stay in El Chalten
A full-day excursion from El Calafate costs from USD 110, but ideally stay 2-3 nights to do the main trails at a relaxed pace. Hostels from USD 20, cabins from USD 80, hotels from USD 120. The main street has restaurants, breweries and supermarkets.
