El Chalten Full Day
From El Calafate
The El Chalten full day excursion operates from El Calafate and is set up for those who wish to see the village and its surroundings, or to do a short trek. The transfer time each way is 3hrs, therefore 6hrs of the day will be taken up by being in a bus. However, if it’s a clear day the view of the peaks is incredible. This photo here is an example.
The Mountain Peaks of El Chalten
El Chalten Village Entrance
La Leona Cafe Stop-Off on the Way to El Chalten
El Chalten Vertical Mountain Peaks
El Chalten Full Day
From El Calafate
Note: We offer this activity to be built into your main itinerary and not as a standalone
An Introduction to El Chalten Full Day Excursion
El Chalten is a sought-after destination for serious hikers who either choose El Chalten over Torres del Paine or combine them both. Indeed, it is a village located within the Los Glaciares National Park that enjoys one of the most spectacular backdrops in the World, great trekking paths, and for climbers, very challenging rock climbing. On a clear day the Andean peaks look stunning (see main banner photo above). For those who do not have the time to stay over in El Chalten, but want to visit, we have a full-day excursion operated from El Calafate.
This day trip will include the 3hr each way bus transport and a few hours in the village. However, if you seek some trekking there are a number of short treks that can be completed within the time you will be there. Information on these treks is further below.
El Chalten Itinerary
Our El Chalten Full Day itinerary starts with a pickup from your accommodation in El Calafate at 07:00 hrs. There is only one main road between El Calafate and El Chalten and this is marked as Route 40, which passes by the border of the Argentino Lake. At around the half-way mark the bus will stop Hotel La Leona, where there will have time for a quick snack. After that, the transfer will continue on to El Chaltén. At around 17:00hrs the return trip will start, with arrival back to El Calafate at around 20:00hrs.
Request here: request@experiencechile.org
El Chalten Short Treks
Los Cóndores and Las Águilas Viewpoints (Half Day)
Named after the Condor and Eagle, these two treks are the shortest walks from El Chaltén village. One takes you to a viewpoint on the top of a small hill, Cóndores, overlooking the town of El Chaltén. The other will allow you to see the Patagonian steppe and lake Viedma.
Trekking Time: 4hrs return.
Grade of Difficulty: Easy.
Experience Required: Minimum fitness. No trekking experience required.
Start & End: South Sector of El Chalten
(at the end of 23 Route, next to the ranger station & the visitor station)
Distance: 4km return
Los Condores Viewpoint:
Depart from the El Chaltén welcome sign and walk over the bridge near the entrance to the village. This road bridge crosses over the Fitz Roy River. Once on the other side continue on to the National Park offices. From here you will pick up the trailhead and walk up a gentle incline for some forty minutes, whereupon you will arrive at a viewpoint. This place is strategically located for the possibility of spotting condors on their frequent flight between the valleys of the Vueltas River and the Fitz Roy River. This viewpoint is recommended for those who love photography.
It is the ideal spot for people who arrive at midday and want a short walk to understand the geography of the area.
Las Águilas Viewpoint:
Las Águilas viewpoint, this is not far away from the Condores viewpoint, with just 30 minutes between one and the other. Past the Condores viewing platform it is a gentle stroll along the path from where you can admire the vast space of the Patagonian steppe and immensity of Lake Viedma.
Both these treks coincide perfectly with a quick look in the National Park Visitors’ Centre.
Request here: request@experiencechile.org
Laguna Capri (Half Day)
Laguna Capri it’s a crystal-clear lagoon. This is an easy trek, perfect for those short of time or not wanting to trek all day. This hike will allow you to enjoy the mountains, glaciers, glacial valleys, Patagonian forests and lagoons.
After 20 minutes ascending from El Chalten into the park, you will arrive to the Rio de Las Vueltas viewpoint. The path winds its way up the valley side, affording a lovely view of this glacially formed valley. You will also trek through part of the Patagonian Forest – of lenga and ñire trees.
Trekking Time: 4 hours.
Grade of Difficulty: Moderate.
Experience Required: You should be in good shape. No trekking experience required.
Request here: request@experiencechile.org
El Chorrilo del Salto Trek
This is a waterfall of about 20 metres in height, located approximately 4km from the centre of El Chalten village. It is a beautiful place surrounded by a leafy forest. Access is by walking, car or bike and easy to get to.
Start & End: Northern Sector of El Chalten
(at the end of San Martin Avenue; beginning of 41 Route)
Grade of Difficulty: Easy
Trek Time: 1.5hrs return
Distance: 8km return
Experience required: No trekking experience required.
Altitude Gain: 400m
Request here: request@experiencechile.org
What ExperienceChile.Org says about
El Chalten Full Day
El Chalten has become a major hiking destination for those who enjoy walking in amazing places. In order to hike the main trails at El Chalten you really need three nights here, however, if you just want to see the village and, hopefully, see the magnificent vertically sided Andean peaks, then this full day trip from El Calafate is a good option. Yes, it is a long day, but if you want to see as much of spectacular Patagonia as you can, and do not have more time, then El Chalten Full Day is a great option.
Note that we have been creating Torres del Paine W Trek itineraries and other Patagonian itineraries since 1996. We are based in Chile, English owned, and a leading receptive travel operator, covering in particular – Patagonia.
Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org
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