Santa Cruz Province / Argentina / February 2026 / Late Summer
El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital—a small Patagonian village set beneath the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, with some of the most spectacular day hikes on Earth.
Set in the far north of Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province, El Chaltén is a small, windswept village beneath the dramatic granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Known as Argentina’s trekking capital, it offers some of the finest day hikes in the world, with trails leading directly from the village to glacial lakes, sweeping valleys, and iconic viewpoints. Despite its accessibility, the landscape feels raw and untamed, shaped by ice, wind, and sudden weather shifts, and on clear days the jagged skyline delivers some of Patagonia’s most unforgettable scenery.
Mount Fitz Roy rising above Laguna Capri, one of the classic views from the trails around El Chaltén.
Walking back to El Chaltén in the late evening, with the mountains catching the last of the light.
Hiking to Laguna de los Tres
Puente Río Blanco, the famous wooden footbridge marking the approach to the final steep climb to Laguna de los Tres.
The trail winds through native Patagonian forest on the way towards Laguna de los Tres.
Looking down the Río de las Vueltas valley from the first climb out of El Chaltén towards Laguna de los Tres.
The Fitz Roy massif from Mirador Fitz Roy, one of the great viewpoints on the trail from El Chaltén.
Around El Chaltén
Fitz Roy disappearing into the cloud — fifteen minutes earlier the peaks had been almost completely hidden.
One last glimpse of Fitz Roy in the early morning light, on our way to the bus station and out of El Chaltén.
