Where is El Chalten Located?

El Chalten for Mount Fitzroy

To get to El Chalten you will need to get to El Calafate first. The transfer from El Calafate to El Chalten takes about 3 hrs. We can include this return transfer in any itinerary we arrange for you.

A Very Small Touristic Village

El Chalten is a very small touristic village located beyond the northern end of Lake Viedma and within the Los Glaciares National Park 200km north from El Calafate. Originally the indigenous Tehuelche people named the high-jagged peak, now called Mount Fitzroy, as El Chalten, which means “smoky mountain”. Considering that for most of the year Mount Fitzroy is shrouded in mist the “smoky mountain” name is appropriate. However, the peak was re-named Mount Fitzroy after Captain Robert Fitzroy of Charles Darwin’s ship “The Beagle” (Charles Darwin being an important and historic scientific naturalist who came to the southern shores of Patagonia), but the name El Chalten was adopted by the settlers as the name of the village.

A Brief History About El Chalten

Historically El Chalten had been considered to be within Chile until Argentine nationals began to live here.  Today the village is considered to be within Argentina, but it is adjacent to the still disputed border boundary between Chile and Argentina. Both countries, until now, have not agreed on where the official border should be in this zone and the Lago del Desierto (a long narrow lake north of El Chalten) is an area whose political future is yet to be finally determined. It is also very close to the southern-most village of mainland Chile – Villa O’Higgins, at the end of the Careterra Austral road.

What is El Chalten Main Attraction?

The main attraction – Mount Fitzroy,  resembles the “Torres” in Torres del Paine National Park, reaching a height of 3,400m with vertical sides that create an impressive and dramatic mountain spectacle. El Chalten is primarily a base for serious hikers who wish to hike the trails in the area or climb the challenging peaks.

Considering that El Chalten sits within the national park people mainly sleep in the village and each day will walk one of the hiking trails then return to their same comfy hotel at night, avoiding the need to camp.

El Chalten Visitor Information at National Park Entrance

The park rangers located at the entrance to the village provide camping and national park information for visitors. Recently the tourist trade has spawned a few restaurants and basic shops in town, and some of the accommodations provide internet and phone access. There are a few hikers’ hostels, a handful of boutique-style, small hotels and one top-end hotel in town. Other than that, the village is fairly far removed from the normal flow of news and communication, even during high season (November-February), and is nearly deserted during off-season (the Southern Hemisphere winter).

El Chalten Arrivals and Transfers

In order to get to El Chalten you will first need to get to El Calafate. From El Calafate to El Chalten is a 3hr drive. Typically the way to get to El Calafate is to fly in from either Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, and you can come in from Bariloche too. It is also possible to come in by road from Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales and even Punta Arenas. The travel time from Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales to El Calafate is 6hrs, including the two border crossings and if coming all the way from Punta Arenas is will be 9hrs total time approx to El Calafate plus the 3hrs to then get to El Chalten.

El Chalten Places of Interest

The main reason for El Chalten´s “fame” is the trekking routes and challenging climbing it offers.

Suggested Clothes to Bring for Patagonia 

Note: There is a full illustration below.

You should try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily. The reason for this is to be able to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.

Ideally Pack Clothes Such as:

Top Part of Your Body

An under vest (long sleeved if possible) made, ideally, from synthetic fibres so it dries quickly. Moreover, if very cold weather (ie early spring, winter months or autumn) then thermal underwear made from synthetic fibres. Most importantly, we suggest synthetic fibres because when you are walking several hours you will build up a sweat and your under garments will get wet, this then gets cold when you stop and will make you cold unless the wet material dries quickly. For example, cotton does not dry quickly, whereas synthetic material will dry more quickly.

Over Your Under Vest

A breathable top. For example a fleece, or polar top.

Over Your Fleece / Polar Top

Idealy a waterproof, windbreaker over jacket.

For Your Legs

Trekking pants, resistant to rain and wind. However, these should be made from a breathable material otherwise you will sweat. Moreover, jeans are NOT good as they can get wet and not dry.

Over Your Trekking Pants

Waterproof shell pants to go over your trekking pants in the event of heavy rain.

For Your Feet

Wool or MUCH BETTER – synthetic socks. Most importantly, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and none-slip sole. However, if new make sure you break them in prior to using them on a trek.

Over Your Hands

Gloves. For example, close to glaciers it can be very cold.

For Your Head

A warm hat (not a jockey cap), sunglasses and sun-protection cream. Also, bring a headband to keep your ears warm when not using the hat.

For Your Personal Use

Ideally a small back pack for food, water and clothes.

For Your Safety

A battery-operated torch for when power is out or if you are arriving to a refugio in the dark. Most importantly, take with you during the trek extra water and snacks. Above all, prepare for all weather conditions and dress for the outdoors. Do NOT go off the trail because if you have the slightest incident such as twisting an ankle, you may not be found.

Average Temperatures in TDP during the year
Summer (Dec – Jan – Feb) Max + 23.5°c / Min + 0.8°c.

Where is El Chalten Located?

El Chalten for Mount Fitzroy

To get to El Chalten you will need to get to El Calafate first. The transfer from El Calafate to El Chalten takes about 3 hrs. We can include this return transfer in any itinerary we arrange for you.

A Very Small Touristic Village

El Chalten is a very small touristic village located beyond the northern end of Lake Viedma and within the Los Glaciares National Park 200km north from El Calafate. Originally the indigenous Tehuelche people named the high-jagged peak, now called Mount Fitzroy, as El Chalten, which means “smoky mountain”. Considering that for most of the year Mount Fitzroy is shrouded in mist the “smoky mountain” name is appropriate. However, the peak was re-named Mount Fitzroy after Captain Robert Fitzroy of Charles Darwin’s ship “The Beagle” (Charles Darwin being an important and historic scientific naturalist who came to the southern shores of Patagonia), but the name El Chalten was adopted by the settlers as the name of the village.

A Brief History About El Chalten

Historically El Chalten had been considered to be within Chile until Argentine nationals began to live here.  Today the village is considered to be within Argentina, but it is adjacent to the still disputed border boundary between Chile and Argentina. Both countries, until now, have not agreed on where the official border should be in this zone and the Lago del Desierto (a long narrow lake north of El Chalten) is an area whose political future is yet to be finally determined. It is also very close to the southern-most village of mainland Chile – Villa O’Higgins, at the end of the Careterra Austral road.

What is El Chalten Main Attraction?

The main attraction – Mount Fitzroy,  resembles the “Torres” in Torres del Paine National Park, reaching a height of 3,400m with vertical sides that create an impressive and dramatic mountain spectacle. El Chalten is primarily a base for serious hikers who wish to hike the trails in the area or climb the challenging peaks.

Considering that El Chalten sits within the national park people mainly sleep in the village and each day will walk one of the hiking trails then return to their same comfy hotel at night, avoiding the need to camp.

El Chalten Visitor Information at National Park Entrance

The park rangers located at the entrance to the village provide camping and national park information for visitors. Recently the tourist trade has spawned a few restaurants and basic shops in town, and some of the accommodations provide internet and phone access. There are a few hikers’ hostels, a handful of boutique-style, small hotels and one top-end hotel in town. Other than that, the village is fairly far removed from the normal flow of news and communication, even during high season (November-February), and is nearly deserted during off-season (the Southern Hemisphere winter).

 

El Chalten Arrivals and Transfers

In order to get to El Chalten you will first need to get to El Calafate. From El Calafate to El Chalten is a 3hr drive. Typically the way to get to El Calafate is to fly in from either Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, and you can come in from Bariloche too. It is also possible to come in by road from Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales and even Punta Arenas. The travel time from Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales to El Calafate is 6hrs, including the two border crossings and if coming all the way from Punta Arenas is will be 9hrs total time approx to El Calafate plus the 3hrs to then get to El Chalten.

El Chalten Places of Interest

The main reason for El Chalten´s “fame” is the trekking routes and challenging climbing it offers.

Suggested Clothes to Bring for Patagonia 

Note: There is a full illustration below.

You should try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily. The reason for this is to be able to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.

Ideally Pack Clothes Such as:

Top Part of Your Body

An under vest (long sleeved if possible) made, ideally, from synthetic fibres so it dries quickly. Moreover, if very cold weather (ie early spring, winter months or autumn) then thermal underwear made from synthetic fibres. Most importantly, we suggest synthetic fibres because when you are walking several hours you will build up a sweat and your under garments will get wet, this then gets cold when you stop and will make you cold unless the wet material dries quickly. For example, cotton does not dry quickly, whereas synthetic material will dry more quickly.

Over Your Under Vest

A breathable top. For example a fleece, or polar top.

Over Your Fleece / Polar Top

Idealy a waterproof, windbreaker over jacket.

For Your Legs

Trekking pants, resistant to rain and wind. However, these should be made from a breathable material otherwise you will sweat. Moreover, jeans are NOT good as they can get wet and not dry.

Over Your Trekking Pants

Waterproof shell pants to go over your trekking pants in the event of heavy rain.

For Your Feet

Wool or MUCH BETTER – synthetic socks. Most importantly, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and none-slip sole. However, if new make sure you break them in prior to using them on a trek.

Over Your Hands

Gloves. For example, close to glaciers it can be very cold.

For Your Head

A warm hat (not a jockey cap), sunglasses and sun-protection cream. Also, bring a headband to keep your ears warm when not using the hat.

For Your Personal Use

Ideally a small back pack for food, water and clothes.

For Your Safety

A battery-operated torch for when power is out or if you are arriving to a refugio in the dark. Most importantly, take with you during the trek extra water and snacks. Above all, prepare for all weather conditions and dress for the outdoors. Do NOT go off the trail because if you have the slightest incident such as twisting an ankle, you may not be found.

Average Temperatures in TDP during the year
Summer (Dec – Jan – Feb) Max + 23.5°c / Min + 0.8°c.