Day Trips from El Calafate to El Chaltén

Embark on an adventure from El Calafate to El Chaltén, the Trekking Capital! Departing hotels at 7:30 AM, our 220 km journey unveils scenic wonders. We cross Santa Cruz River, pause at Estancia La Leona for a quick break (refreshments available), and trace the path to El Chaltén, hugging Lake Viedma with its awe-inspiring glacier. Weather permitting, feast your eyes on Mount Chaltén (Fitz Roy), Torre, and the majestic Viedma Glacier along the way. Upon arrival, relish 5 hours in this charming mountain village (consider meal options). Opt for easy-paced activities year-round: a guided visit to Condors' Viewpoint (700m, low difficulty) and Chorrillo del Salto (300m, flat terrain). Join us for a hassle-free return, meeting at a pre-arranged spot, arriving in El Calafate around 8:00 PM. Experience an unforgettable day immersed in natural beauty and the tranquility of El Chaltén!

See more glaciers and mountains on a full-day small-group excursion to El Chalten. Travel along Argentina’s iconic Route 40 from El Calafate with included hotel pickup to reach towering Mt. Fitz Roy. Enjoy a boat ride across Lago del Desierto to the Vespignani Glacier reserve where you can walk self-guided paths to glacial and mountain viewpoints. A lunch box is provided during the tour.

Take an unforgettable Patagonian adventure from El Calafate! Travel Route 40 to Tunnel Bay Port and navigate the turquoise waters of Lake Viedma with breathtaking views of the Huemul Massif. Enjoy a gentle hike to a panoramic viewpoint and marvel at the imposing Viedma Glacier, the largest in Argentina. End the day exploring the charming village of El Chaltén before returning to El Calafate.

Break less of a sweat than you would on traditional El Chaltén hiking tours on a gentle trekking day trip that’s ideal for less-experienced walkers. You’ll embark on two low-exertion walks that still reveal spectacular views of the landscapes, at a relaxed pace that’s tailored to the whole group.

Discover the delights of El Chalten on a day trip from El Calafate that saves you the hassle of planning and booking your transfers and activities. Letting someone else drive means you can keep your eyes fixed firmly on the scenery along the way, while traveling in a climate-controlled vehicles lets you cover more natural highlights in less time.

Enjoy a smooth-paced adventure through one of Patagonia’s most iconic destinations: El Chaltén. This full-day tour is tailored for those who want to take in the region’s breathtaking landscapes without the demands of intense trekking. Travel comfortably with a guide and visit key highlights like the legendary La Leona stop and the spectacular Viedma Glacier Viewpoint. Walk through El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, and take part in gentle hikes to admire the majestic Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre from accessible paths. Savor a traditional lunch at a local restaurant and cap off the day with a refreshing visit to El Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall. An ideal experience for travelers looking to connect with nature in a relaxed, enjoyable way.

We started this winter trekking experience from El Calafate. Upon arriving at El Chaltén, we made a stop to use the bathrooms and adjust the necessary equipment: crampons, canes and backpacks. The tour begins with an initial kilometer ascending a steep slope, leading to the impressive "Virador Río de las Vueltas", a natural balcony that we reach in approximately 30 minutes. The second kilometer, of less inclination, follows the western slope of the valley of the river De las Vueltas, offering panoramic views of the mountain cordon Los Condores. At the beginning of the third kilometer, we find the fork that leads us to the Laguna Capri. In this final stretch, the trail reveals spectacular views of the mountains. From its banks, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Chaltén or Fitz Roy hill, a landscape that invites you to stop and contemplate one of the most emblematic postcards. Then, to finish we will enjoy an outdoor picnic.

El Chaltén Express – Soft walks and unforgettable scenery I left at 7:30 am from El Calafate to El Chaltén, stopping at the historic Estancia La Leona. When you arrive, you will enjoy 5 hours in the national capital of trekking, with two easy guided walks: to the Mirador de los Condores, overlooking the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and to the charming Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. Includes lunch in local restaurant (depending on option chosen). Ideal for those looking to discover El Chaltén without physical demand. Return to El Calafate between 18:30 and 19:00.

I lived a unique journey to the top of Cerro Frias, designed for lovers of trekking and Patagonian adventure. The tour begins in the hull of the stay and, after an initial walk, we arrive at the Woodsman's Refuge, where the ancient farmhands collected firewood at the beginning of the 20th century. The trail then enters the lengas forest and, after a challenging ascent of an hour and a half, the landscape opens up to offer views of the Cordon de los Cristales, the valley of the Sentinel River and, hopefully, the Torres del Paine. At 1,095 meters above sea level, the summit gives a 360° panoramic view: Lake Argentino, the Andes Mountains, Cordon de los Baguales and, on clear days, the Fitz Roy on the horizon. The descent along alternative paths reveals new perspectives of the hill and allows you to stop at historical refuges to enjoy a Patagonian life. The experience culminates in the hull of the stay, where a traditional snack brings the end to an epic day in the middle of Patagonia. Distance: 13 km

Discover the National Capital of Trekking and be amazed by this mountain village. Be mesmerized by the incredible landscapes and explore some of its trails. We will embark on a journey to the town of El Chaltén (National Capital of Trekking), located 220 km from El Calafate. During our journey, we will cross the Santa Cruz River and make a brief stop at Estancia La Leona. We will then continue our journey to El Chaltén, skirting the Viedma Lake with its homonymous glacier. Weather permitting, you will have breathtaking views of Mount Chaltén and Mount Torre, as well as the Viedma Glacier and its stunning icebergs. Available year-round and ideal for those who prefer a less demanding hike. Visit the Mirador de los Cóndores, approximately 700 meters away with low difficulty, and the Chorrillo del Salto, a completely flat 300-meter walk. You will be accompanied by a guide.

Explore the natural beauty of Argentina’s Patagonia on this private day tour to El Chaltén and the stunning Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. Enjoy comfortable private vehicle transportation and the company of a Local Guide who will share with you the local history and fauna. You’ll have free time to tour El Chaltén, known as the “national trekking capital,” and the option of hiking to Laguna Capri for spectacular views of Fitz Roy Hill. - Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel in El Calafate included. - Stop at Chorrillo del Salto waterfall during the journey. - Free time to explore El Chaltén and its trails. - Hiking option to Laguna Capri, suitable for all levels. - Duration approximately 12 hours total.

Between its historical sites and its natural beauty, El Chalten has plenty to offer curious visitors. This day trip is an easy way to visit the town and its surroundings: admire views of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy as you trek to a condor lookout point, historical inn, and panoramic view points. This tour includes a mix of transportation by foot and by vehicle, and includes a sit-down lunch.