El Calafate to El Chaltén Hikes

El Calafate to El Chaltén Hikes

Request Info
  • Travel to El Chaltén, the hiker’s paradise of Argentina.
  • Hike to Laguna de Los Tres and camp there to experience an unbelievable sunrise.
  • Travel to El Calafate and meet the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Best time to travel: From October to April
 

During this 5-day stay in Patagonia, enjoy our favorite hikes in El Chaltén and go camping near Laguna Torre. Then, travel to El Calafate, known as the “capital of the glaciers” and enjoy the famous Perito Moreno glacier tour. Back in town, taste delicious Patagonian barbeque and locally brewed beers.

Itinerary

From El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén

el-chalten-trekking-patagonia-2
  • Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén – Day at leisure

Upon arrival at El Calafate airport, we will drive you on a 4-hour trip to El Chaltén. You’ll travel along the famous Route 40, surrounded by the Patagonian steppe, and pass through La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, and where you’ll get to see La Leona Roadhouse, where the famous thieves Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid for a while. After discovering some other gems along your journey, you’ll reach El Chaltén and we’ll drop you off at your hotel.

El Chaltén is the top-rated hiking destination in Argentina. This charming little village sits at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy and it’s surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers, and forests. It’s also the jumping-off point for most hiking trails in the area. A paradise for sunny walkers and trekkers alike.

 

Say Hueque Tips

  • Can I use my credit card while staying in El Chaltén?

This is a little village, so we recommend you take cash with you since ATMs are not usual, and the few they may be could be out of order.  It’s better to be prepared! Though credit cards are accepted in Argentina, few grocery stores or restaurants may accept only cash.

 

Read more ... Read less ...
Day1
el-chalten-trekking-patagonia-2

Hiking in El Chaltén & Night on Campsite

el-chalten-fitz-roy-trekking
  • Hike to Laguna de Los Tres 

This is one of our hiking favorites! We will travel half an hour to Hosteria El Pilar where the trail starts. First, walk through a forest to reach Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint. We will make a brief stop to enjoy views of the hanging glacier. 

Continue to Laguna de Los Tres; though this hike increases in intensity during the last bit, it’s totally worth it. This is one of the best day-hikes in the world! If the weather permits, we will enjoy lunch at the lagoon. And here’s a little secret: you can also reach Laguna Sucia from Laguna de Los Tres… it’s only a 5- minute walk away. Finally, start the descent and spend the night in the Poincenot wild camping site.

 

Say Hueque Tips 

People staying at Poincenot can watch the sunrise at Laguna de Los Tres. You’ll be sleeping just 1 hour away from the lagoon! Seize the day, wake up early, you won’t regret the experience.  

 

Read more ... Read less ...
Day2
el-chalten-fitz-roy-trekking

Hiking in El Chaltén & Trip to Calafate

walking-in-patagonia-cerro-torre
  • Laguna Torre Hike

Start the day walking along the beautiful Lagoons Madre and Hija before dropping down into Torre valley where Laguna Torre, its glacier, and the famous Mount Torre await. Pay attention to see the floating icebergs! Finally, discover the Fitz Roy River and visit the D’Agostini Campground, famous among climbers around the world. Finally, enjoy lunch at the lagoon, and hike back, through the valley to El Chaltén. 

 

  • Transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate

At the end of this day, you will board your bus to El Calafate. This 3-hour drive will be a good opportunity to relax while enjoying the passing landscapes out your window. Once you arrive in El Calafate, the bus will drop you off at your hotel and you will have the rest of the evening at leisure.

 


Say Hueque Tips

 

What do you need to taste in El Calafate?

Now is your chance to try some tender Patagonian Lamb or maybe heavenly Calafate ice cream. In Calafate, food options are varied and plentiful; from veggie delicacies to the best demonstration of national steaks, there really is something for everyone. You can choose a fancy restaurant for dinner or a more traditional local tavern to spend an unforgettable night.

 

Read more ... Read less ...
Day3
walking-in-patagonia-cerro-torre

El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

El-Calafate-Perito-Moreno-Glacier-Walkways
  • Full-day Perito Moreno Glacier tour with a boat trip

During the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Glaciers National Park to enjoy the 6-hour Perito Moreno Glacier tour.  You will travel about 25 miles from El Calafate to the park, enjoying the views of the Patagonian steppe. Once inside the park, you will take walkways to explore the different viewpoints, and you’ll feel unbelievably close to Perito Moreno Glacier. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a piece of ice break off and fall from the glacier wall, sinking forever into the lake below. 

Over the course of about one hour, a bilingual guide will provide you with all the information you might want to know…and things you may have never thought about. After this visit, you will take a boat ride that will bring you close enough to fully appreciate the 262-foot ice walls of Perito Moreno! You’ll never feel closer to this gigantic and impressive natural masterpiece. At the end of the day, we will drive you back to your hotel.  

 

 

Say Hueque Tips


  • Walk over the Big Ice

Have you ever imagined walking across the surface of a glacier? Well, this is your chance! The Mini Trekking tour will allow you to trek on Perito Moreno Glacier… This is one of our favorite Patagonia outings; we’re sure you won’t regret it.  This is an optional excursion you can add to this day.

 

 

Read more ... Read less ...
Day4
El-Calafate-Perito-Moreno-Glacier-Walkways

End of Hiking in Chaltén & Calafate Trip

El-Calafate-Perito-Moreno-Glacier
  • Transfer from your hotel to El Calafate airport

At the appropriate time, we will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the airport, where this trip come to a close. Don’t get gloomy, if you liked this short adventure in Patagonia check out some of our other tailor-made trips in Patagonia and the rest of Argentina, and we’ll be glad to help you design your next travel adventure. 

Read more ... Read less ...
Day5
El-Calafate-Perito-Moreno-Glacier

If this trip doesn’t meet your expectations we can tailor it to your needs and budget.

Prices per person

INN & B&B

From

USD 2385

Comfort

From

USD 2500

Superior

From

USD 2625

PRICING

  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2024 (ask for prices at Christmas and New Year).
  • Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
  • Flights are not included in the price but can be arranged on request.
leaf-icon

PEACE OF MIND: THIS IS A REGENERATIVE TRIP 

We deeply care about our planet, just like you do. When you book with us, you’re not only fulfilling your travel dreams but also leaving a positive impact on the destination you’re about to discover. We are proud to plant 10 trees in damaged zones of Patagonia for every traveler. It feels good to do it right. Let’s move beyond sustainable! Learn more here

INCLUDED

  • 2 nights in El Calafate
  • 2 nights in El Chalten
  • 1 night in Poincenot campsite El Chalten
  • Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
  • Daily breakfast
  • Bilingual guide (English / Spanish)

NOT INCLUDED

  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – To get a free quotation please follow this link: World Nomads
plane-icon

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights needed for this trip. Trip starts and finishes at El Calafate.

ESTIMATED COST FOR THE FLIGHTS ON THIS TRIP: Local flights cost from $150 per person per segment. We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.