El Chalten
Day 13 / 2/24/2026
An early morning bus journey brought us north through the vast Patagonian landscape to El Chaltén, Argentina’s hiking capital. After a short rest, we headed out on our first walk of the trip — an afternoon hike to the Mirador del Torre viewpoint, where dramatic peaks and glaciers rose above the valley beneath crystal-clear skies.
El Chaltén is Argentina's hiking capital and the gateway to the spectacular Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massifs. Set deep within Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park, the village is surrounded by world-class walking trails, glaciers and dramatic granite peaks. Unlike many popular tourist destinations, El Chaltén has retained an authentic mountain-town character, where life revolves around hiking, climbing and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Many of the area's best-known trails begin on the edge of the village, allowing visitors to walk directly from the town into the surrounding forests, valleys and mountains. From shorter routes to nearby viewpoints to demanding full-day hikes beneath Fitz Roy, El Chaltén offers an exceptional base for exploring this remote corner of Patagonia.
Park Permits
We bought a flexible three-day pass in advance, which covered entry to Perito Moreno Glacier as well as access to the main trailheads around El Chaltén. Our passes were checked at the Laguna de los Tres trailhead, although they did not appear to be checked elsewhere in El Chalten. We planned to pay for an additional day if necessary, but the three-day pass proved sufficient.
Photo Diary
Leaving El Calafate shortly after sunrise, we set off on the morning bus to El Chaltén. The three-hour journey across Patagonia's immense open steppe follows the iconic Route 40, passing turquoise lakes, wide-open plains and the distant outline of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Midway through the drive we stopped at the historic La Leona Roadhouse, a famous resting place for travellers crossing this remote corner of Argentina. By early afternoon we arrived in El Chaltén, with enough daylight remaining to begin exploring.
El Calafate to El Chalten
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As the journey continued, the first snow-capped peaks began to appear on the horizon. With every passing mile, anticipation grew as the unmistakable skyline of the Fitz Roy Massif emerged from the vast emptiness of the Patagonian steppe.
The first glimpse of the Fitz Roy Massif appears on the horizon as the endless Patagonian steppe gives way to snow-covered peaks.
Arriving in El Chaltén early in the afternoon gave us enough time to check into our lodge before setting out to explore. With clear blue skies and the mountains beckoning, we were eager to make the most of the remaining daylight.
After arriving in El Chaltén, we walked through the town towards the Laguna Torre trailhead, where towering cliffs and Patagonia's rugged mountains framed the start of our first hike.
With plenty of daylight remaining, we made our way to the Laguna Torre trailhead. The route is exceptionally well signposted, with information boards marking the distance, viewpoints and points of interest along the way.
The official Laguna Torre trailhead sign marks the start of one of El Chaltén's most popular hikes, with route information, distances and key viewpoints along the way.
The Laguna Torre trail winds through a rugged glacial valley, following the river towards the dramatic peaks of the Cerro Torre Massif deep within Los Glaciares National Park.
The walk through the alpine valley proved to be the perfect introduction to El Chaltén. As we gained height, the scenery became increasingly dramatic, with rivers, forests and glaciers leading the eye towards the jagged peaks of the Cerro Torre Massif. By the time we reached the Mirador Cerro Torre viewpoint, the afternoon light was beginning to fade. Rather than rush the remainder of the trail, we chose to turn back, content with an unforgettable first taste of Patagonia's spectacular hiking country.
The Mirador Cerro Torre viewpoint offers the first spectacular panorama of the glacier and the dramatic granite peaks of the Cerro Torre Massif.
As the afternoon sun dropped lower over Patagonia, the jagged skyline of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy was silhouetted against the sky, bringing our first hike in El Chaltén to a memorable close.
As we descended towards El Chaltén, the warm golden light transformed the open hillsides, bringing a peaceful end to our first afternoon in Patagonia's hiking capital.
As dusk settled over El Chaltén, a waxing moon rose into a sky brushed with soft pink clouds, bringing a peaceful close to our first day in Patagonia's hiking capital.
Returning to El Chaltén in the fading evening light, we reflected on what had been the perfect introduction to Patagonia's hiking capital. With an even bigger adventure awaiting us the following morning, we enjoyed an early dinner before turning in for an early night, ready for the challenging hike to Laguna de los Tres.