El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure

El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure

El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure

Prices

From $1,480USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels, Campgrounds, Mountain Lodges

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Walk your way to the most recognizable scenes of Argentinian Patagonia

Get up close to Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two of the most recognizable mountains in Patagonia and the world.

See your reflection in Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre, pristine alpine lakes of unbelievable shades of blue.

Camp, stay in mountain lodges, and relax in hotels to enjoy a mix of more rustic and more modern accommodations.

Snap photos of the most iconic glaciers in Patagonia, ice cracking off and creating massive waves in the glacial water.

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
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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.

Shilling 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.

Patagonia Hostel in El Chaltén

The Patagonia Hostel offers some private rooms and shared dorm-style rooms in a casual, welcoming environment.

1-Star Hotels

Cauquenes 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.

Cumbres 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.

Cumbres 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

Mirador 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.

Chaltén 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.

Chaltén 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

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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.

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Prices

From $1,480USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels, Campgrounds, Mountain Lodges

Start Your Booking

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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.

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