Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsShilling Hostel in El Calafate
This family-run hostel is right in the heart of El Calafate, offering nice shared rooms and free WiFi all throughout the property.
El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
Prices
Highlights
Walk your way to the most recognizable scenes of Argentinian Patagonia
Is there any destination more legendary than Patagonia? For some, this is the pinnacle of mountain experience, and the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure is a highlight reel of the most recognizable sights in this pristine area.
Begin in El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, heading straight into the mountains to discover the pale blue ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Watch the ice cleave off from the glacier, startling condors into the wide sky. Hike to the undisputed best sights of Patagonia, discovering the towering summits of Mount Fitz Roy from the shores of Laguna de los Tres and the spires of Mount Torre and its satellite peaks from Laguna Torre. Stay in campsites and refuges used by top mountaineers for many years, immersing yourself in the spirit of this place. With no technical skills required, the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure is a hiking adventure fit for any adventurous traveller with the best of Patagonia on their bucket list!
El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Making it to El Calafate means making it to the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, the gem of Patagonia. If you’ve got time after travelling, you can go birdwatching at Laguna Nimes or visit the ice museum, perhaps with a drink at the ice bar included.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in El Calafate
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
Waking up in Patagonia, your first adventure will be to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive to the port where you’ll take a boat to the glacier, giving you a unique view of its icy blue sheer sides. Keep an eye on the sky for condors and eagles!
Continue along the Canal de Los Témpanos to the northern face of the glacier. Pass Bahia Toro, a unique black sand beach, where you can hop off the boat to enjoy a quick walk around this fascinating area. A thundering waterfall is your endpoint, and here your guide will tell you all about the glacier you just saw. Grab a hot drink at the nearby cafe before departing the Perito Moreno area and grabbing a bus to El Chaltén.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in El Calafate
- Distance
- Flexible
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Hike to Piedra del Fraile and Pollone Glacier
After breakfast and a cup of hot coffee, begin with a ride to Rio Electrico. This is the starting point of a hike through the Electrico Valley, which leads you through an enchanting forest. Arrive at Piedra del Fraile, which will be your overnight location. After a break for lunch, you will continue hiking through the valley to the Pollone Glacier. Expect it to be a bit windy- you’re heading headfirst into the wind from the Continental Icefield!
Upon arriving at the glacier, you’ll be appreciating wild nature at its very best. Rock and ice dominate the landscape, and you’ll be able to get a peek of the northern face of iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Take a breather beside a hidden lagoon before hiking back to your refuge for the evening.
- Overnight Location
- Mountain Lodge at Piedra del Fraile
- Distance
- 6 hours, 15km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea
Day 4 Laguna de los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy
This morning, depart for the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint for a quick, beautiful start to your day. You’ll hike to the Poincenot campsite to drop some bags, then continue up to Laguna de los Tres. This is the closest you can get to Mount Fitz Roy without any technical climbing, and the view of the distinct jagged peaks atop the impossibly blue lake is truly one of the best in Patagonia.
You’ll eat lunch at the lake if the weather allows, then descend back to camp for the evening.
- Overnight Location
- Poincenot Campground
- Distance
- 7-8 hours, 17km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea
Day 5 Hike to Laguna Torre
Waking up in an unbeatable campsite, enjoy breakfast before starting out through the forest. You’ll pass a collection of small lakes along this relatively flat path, then drop into a glacial valley that leads to Laguna Torre. Geologists and photographers alike love this valley for its perfect U shape.
Admire the stellar sight of Laguna Torre framed by Mount Torre, one of the most difficult mountains to conquer in the world due in part to its permanent ice mushroom cap formed by strong, cold winds.
After lunch, you’ll head back to El Chaltén through the Fitz Roy Valley.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in El Chaltén
- Distance
- 7-8 hours, 21km
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Tour Concludes
Your 6 days in Patagonia are sure to be days you never forget. To complete the tour, you’ll grab a bus to El Calafate and depart from the local airport. Until next time!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Argentinian Patagonia is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants and the class of accommodation you prefer.
Prices below are per person.
2-Star Hotels
- Guided solo travellers: $3,155USD
- Guided groups of 2: $2,055USD per person
- Guided groups of 3: $1,870USD per person
- Guided groups of 4: $1,625USD per person
- Guided groups of 5: $1,600USD per person
- Guided groups of 6: $1,480USD per person
4-Star Hotels
- Guided solo travellers: $3,565USD
- Guided groups of 2: $2,210USD per person
- Guided groups of 3: $2,060USD per person
- Guided groups of 4: $1,780USD per person
- Guided groups of 5: $1,790USD per person
- Guided groups of 6: $1,640USD per person
Accommodation on the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
This tour is based in hotels, mountain lodges, and campsites. The hotels are 1-4-star depending on which class of accommodation you book. The lodge has shared bathrooms and the campsite has rustic amenities. Tents are 2-person.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy or higher. If you would prefer a single room where available, you can pay a supplement. Single occupancy may not be available in all locations. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsPatagonia Hostel in El Chaltén
The Patagonia Hostel offers some private rooms and shared dorm-style rooms in a casual, welcoming environment.
1-Star Hotels
Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCauquenes de Nimez in El Calafate
The rooms here are dark and cozy, the water is nearby, and the free WiFi and outdoor restaurant seating are great touches.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCumbres Nevadas Hostel in El Chaltén
Tucked into a valley full of hiking trails, this hostel is only 4km from the Mirador del Fitz Roy viewpoint. Relax in rooms with wood paneled ceilings and free WiFi.
Night 3
Piedra del Fraile Refuge in Argentinian Patagonia
This was one of the first refuges built in the area, and more travellers have called it home than can be counted. Enjoy basic amenities here.
Night 4
Poincenot Campground in Argentinian Patagonia
This campsite is used by trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. It offers very basic toilets, tent pads, and spectacular views.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCumbres Nevadas Hostel in El Chaltén
Tucked into a valley full of hiking trails, this hostel is only 4km from the Mirador del Fitz Roy viewpoint. Relax in rooms with wood paneled ceilings and free WiFi.
2-Star Hotels
Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMirador del Lago Hotel in El Calafate
This timber and stone hotel offers views of Argentino Lake, and the rooms are simple, warmly decorated, and offer room service.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsChaltén Suites Hotel in El Chaltén
The spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms will keep you plenty comfortable here, and the proximity to Los Glaciares is ideal.
Night 3
Piedra del Fraile Refuge in Argentinian Patagonia
This was one of the first refuges built in the area, and more travellers have called it home than can be counted. Enjoy basic amenities here.
Night 4
Poincenot Campground in Argentinian Patagonia
This campsite is used by trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. It offers very basic toilets, tent pads, and spectacular views.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsChaltén Suites Hotel in El Chaltén
The spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms will keep you plenty comfortable here, and the proximity to Los Glaciares is ideal.
4-Star Hotels
What’s Included in the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 afternoon teas are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfers according to the itinerary are included. Rides on the bus between El Calafate and El Chaltén are included. Porters can be hired to transport up to 15kg of personal equipment as a supplement.
Also Included
- Guide services
- Camping and safety equipment
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Some entrance fees
Optional Extras
- Optional activities or excursions
- Entrance fee to Perito Moreno glacier (around $25USD per person)
- Porter services
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Equipment hire if needed
Frequenty Asked Questions about El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
How hard is the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. While you don’t need any technical climbing skills, you should be comfortable with 2 days of hiking up to 17km over sometimes hilly terrain and one day of hiking up to 20km on flatter terrain. The conditions in Patagonia tend to be unpredictable, so you should be comfortable completing hikes in strong wind, rain, or hot sun.
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure?
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 afternoon teas are included. The meals on this tour have been evaluated by a nutritionist to ensure they offer the energy required. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to El Calafate to start this tour?
You can fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE). Transfers in El Calafate are not included, but you can take a taxi to your hotel.
What should I bring?
Cooking, first aid, and camping equipment is provided, including tents and sleeping bags. You should bring a 40-litre backpack, warm hat, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, a buff or scarf, hiking boots, sunglasses, trekking poles, lip balm (it’s dry in Patagonia), sunscreen, water bottle, headlamp, and warm gloves. Any equipment you don’t own can be rented locally if needed.
Is El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure in English?
Yes, your guide will be English-speaking.
Where does the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure end?
The tour ends in El Calafate. The bus you will take back into town will drop you off at the airport around 10:30/11 AM local time.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Argentina?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Argentina?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Argentina for this tour?
The best time to visit Argentina for this tour is between December and February when the weather is at its warmest, but you should still be prepared for variable conditions and wind.
Reviews
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.6
27 ratings
Written Reviews
There are no written reviews yet.
27 total ratings, 0 with reviewsPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. While you don’t need any technical climbing skills, you should be comfortable with 2 days of hiking up to 17km over sometimes hilly terrain and one day of hiking up to 20km on flatter terrain. The conditions in Patagonia tend to be unpredictable, so you should be comfortable completing hikes in strong wind, rain, or hot sun.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Get in touch
Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures
Hassle-free Adventure Travel
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
No Hidden Fees
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
Happiness Guarantee
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Personal Adventure Travel Concierge
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Vetted Local Guides
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.