Treks and walks in and around El Chalten El Chalten & Fitz Roy Holidays & Tailor-made Tours

From your base, the Los Cerros Boutique Hotel, explore the trails and walks in this beautiful Patagonian paradise.

El Chaltén is a hiker’s paradise, located in the heart of Patagonia. It boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the world, with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers stretching as far as the eye can see. El Chaltén’s trails are renowned for their accessibility, with a variety of difficulty levels to suit all hikers, from beginners to advanced. What truly sets El Chaltén’s trails apart are their unique features. From the iconic Mount Fitz Roy to the stunning Laguna de los Tres, each trail offers a unique and unforgettable experience. And with so many trails to choose from, hikers of all abilities can explore El Chaltén’s natural beauty at their own pace.

El Chaltén is a dream destination for nature and outdoor sports lovers in Argentine Patagonia. This place is recognised worldwide as one of the “Meccas of Trekking” as it has an abundance of trails to hike and explore. El Chaltén is nestled in the majestic Los Glaciares National Park, home to some of the most impressive landscapes in the world, including Mount Fitz Roy, an iconic mountain that is every mountaineer’s dream.

Mount Fitz Roy is one of the main attractions of the region, and is known for its imposing and majestic beauty. The hike to Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most popular in the region, offering stunning panoramic views of the surroundings. The trek to Laguna de Los Tres is a classic hike in the region and a unique experience that you cannot miss.

Below are some of the most popular walks and treks.

Chorrillo Del Salto

A walk of approximately 4 kilometers with little elevation, along Route 41, which runs along the side of Cerro Rosado, alternating forest and gravel paths. It ends at a waterfall carved into the mountain, which gives it its name.

The Fallen Fold Hill

The trail leading to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado begins at the National Parks office. Covering the distance of 10 kilometres, one way, almost entirely uphill, requires a high level of physical fitness. Upon reaching the top of this 1,490-metre-high mountain (difference in altitude with respect to El Chaltén: 1,000 metres), we find a natural viewing point that allows us to appreciate an endless number of peaks on the outskirts of the town and the Andes Mountains, as well as valleys, lakes and lagoons.

Lagoon of the Three

The most emblematic trail in the Glaciers National Park: Laguna de los Tres. The distance to cover is 10 kilometres along paths surrounded by forests of lengas and ñires, through which the silhouettes of the mountains can be seen at all times. The high difficulty of this route reaches its peak in the challenging last stretch, with an exhausting climb of 500 metres. The reward is high, as it is a perfect setting to appreciate the three peaks that give the lagoon its name: the Saint Exupery needle, Poincenot and the imposing Fitz Roy hill (3,405 metres high).

Capri Lagoon

At the end of San Martín Avenue, the trail to Laguna de los Tres begins. At the fourth kilometre of the trail, you will find Laguna Capri, with views of Loma de las Pizarras and Cerro Fitz Roy.

Cerro Torre Viewpoint

This viewpoint is located halfway to Laguna Torre. There are two trailheads that start from El Chaltén and join together 5 minutes from the start. You will walk along the Fitz Roy River Valley to Mirador Cerro Torre, crossing ancient forests of lengas and ñires. You will also be surprised by the most imposing mountain, coveted by climbers. One of the closest points to contemplate an impressive landscape. The times and distances indicated below are one-way only.

Viewpoint of the condors and the eagles

Secondly, there are the Cóndores and Águilas viewpoints. The trail begins next to the National Parks (APN) office and quickly ascends to reach above the town and offer a panoramic view of both the mountains and the confluence of the Fitz Roy and De Las Vueltas rivers. Before reaching the top, there is a fork that indicates the trail to follow to reach the Águilas viewpoint, from which you can see Lake Viedma in its entirety.

Desert Lake

37 kilometers north of El Chaltén is Lago del Desierto. Once there, the Exploradores company offers various options for sailing on the lake. It is an ideal excursion for those who do not want to do highly demanding physical activities. It is a truly captivating walk due to the views of the Fitz Roy massif and the Vespignani glacier, among others. The place also has an alternative for hiking, taking a one-hour path to reach the Huemul lagoon (access to this trail has a fee). It is ideal to combine both walks.

Los Huemules Nature Reserve

The Los Huemules Nature Reserve is located 20 kilometres from El Chaltén. It is a space for excursions in small groups and for contemplating nature. There is a fee for entry to the reserve. It has trails of varying difficulty to reach the Lagunas Azul and Verde, and the Cagliero refuge, with views of the glacier of the same name.

Where to stay in El Chalten

The Los Cerros Boutique Hotel offers a charming and stylish base with an excellent restaurant, bar, lounge, spa, jacuzzi and micro-cinema.