El Chalten

The most sought-after hike with the most spectacular views of the Fitz Roy massif. This natural viewpoint is the closest site to the imposing walls of the Fitz Roy and its peripheral granite needles and without a doubt the most famous of all hikes. The head of the trail starts at the end of San Martin Avenue, where the urban area of El Chaltén ends and the parking area is located.

Difficulty: High

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (round trip) 

Distance: 25 km (round trip) 

Total height from El Chaltén: 770 m

Season: All year round

This beautiful hike takes you to a lookout point over a blue water lagoon surrounded by native forest that can be reached in less than two hours. From here you can appreciate a fantastic view of the Fitz Roy massif. The trail starts at the end of San Martín Avenue, where the urban area of El Chaltén ends and the parking area and the National Parks dome are located. 

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 4 to 5 hours (round trip) 

Distance: 8 km (round trip) 

Season: All year round

A short, low-difficulty hike along the Fitz Roy River valley to the famous panoramic viewpoint of Cerro Solo, Cordón Adela and the Cerro Torre massif.

Difficulty: Low

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (round trip) 

Distance: 7 km (round trip) 

Season: All year round

The only hike that is not in a valley, but rises above the valleys of El Chalten. 

It is one of the most impressive panoramic views of the whole area. The trail starts at the Visitor Center.   

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: 7 to 8 hours (round trip)

Distance: 21 km (round trip)

Total height of the path: 850 m

Season: October to May

Next to Laguna De los Tres, the other great classic. A valley walk that will take you to an overwhelming site of mountains and glaciers. Cerro Torre is one of the most difficult and extraordinary climbs in the world.From El Chaltén there are two headwaters that lead to Laguna Torre; both trails merge 5 minutes from the start.

Difficulty: Low-medium

Duration: 7 to 8 hours (round trip) 

Distance: 19 km  (round trip)  

Season: All year round

This trekking starts at the back of the Ranger office. A viewpoint frequently flown by condors with a panoramic view over the town and the hills and another one that allows one to appreciate the Viedma Lake and the steppe. Starting from El Chaltén, we cross the access bridge over the Fitz Roy River and continue to the head of the trail that starts at the National Park Visitors’ Center. Passing a small gate a sign will indicate the way to the left, and a few steps away another information sign will show you a sketch of the trail. From here it will take another half hour to reach the Los Cóndores viewpoint.

Difficulty: Low

Distance: 5 km (round trip) 

Duration: 2 hours (round trip) 

Season: All year round

This is an easy, short hike into the low hillside forest to a beautiful waterfall over 20 meters high. The trail is mostly flat. You can’t see the mountains from here, a Nothofagus forest and there is also a nice picnic area. The trail starts in El Chaltén, at the end of San Martín Avenue, at the same head of the trail to Laguna De los Tres; you must take the trail that goes to the right.

Difficulty: Low

Duration: 3 hours (round trip)

Distance: 7 km (round trip)

Season: All year round

Explore a site of petrified logs and fossil bones in an impressive eroded landscape.

Season: October to April

Difficulty: moderate

Total time: 8 hours

It is the house/museum of the first inhabitant of foreign origin in the region, Andreas Madsen. He and his wife, Stephanie Tomsen, originally from Denmark, made their home there and lived self-sufficiently throughout their lives. To visit the inside of the facilities you must go with a guide or tourist agency. If not, you can walk to the property and observe from outside.

Address: In front of the Río de las Vueltas viewpoint

Season: October to April

San Martín 342, Tel: (02962) 493243.

Regional food

One of the most popular restaurants, the waiters here are a bit grumpy, but the food is delicious. Very original dishes and at a good price. Highly recommended: sweet potatoes with walnuts and roquefort and cheese salad!

San Martín 430, Tel: (02962) 493042.

Minutes / Homemade food

Although the owners have recently changed, this place continues to be the workers’ restaurant, also for the gauchos from the nearby estancias. That is why the food is also simple, cheaper dishes, made at home.

Lionel Terray 104, 9301. Tel: (02962) 493018.

Pizzas

One of the most intimate places, at the far end of the city, hidden at the bottom of a pretty garden. In this restaurant they always make a mess with the bill – check before paying – but the food is amazing and has a very romantic style.

M. de Güemes 140, Tel: (02962) 493025.

Minutes

Pizza, sandwiches and burgers. If you like palm hearts pizza, you have to know that Patagonicus makes pizza as good as in any pizzeria in Buenos Aires.

San Martín 564, Tel: (02962) 193109.

Brewery

It is the most popular restaurant in the city. It is always packed, not only because of its craft beer, but also because of its wonderful pizza and generous homemade casseroles, just perfect after a long day of walking!

Av San Martín 640 Tel: (02962) 493093.

Waffles

A very varied menu of waffles, both sweet and savory. Any option is delicious! Large portions at a reasonable price. Ideal as a snack after long walks. There are tables for groups like two people. You can also find a variety of juices and smoothies.

Antonio Rojo and Cabo García st. Tel: (02962) 493195

Carnes / Pasta

Very good dishes, generous portions and good quality. The service is excellent. The atmosphere of the place is very warm and makes you feel at home. The dishes are usually well presented and the desserts are delicious. Advance booking is recommended, if you don’t want to wait for a table the place fills up fast.

Ricardo Arbilla 101, Z9301

Traditional Argentinean Cusine

Enjoy an experience tasting different Argentine foods with the chef’s special touch, reversing traditional dishes without losing their essence.