Day Trips from El Calafate to 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.

Discover one of Patagonia’s most unique experiences combining a visit to El Chaltén with an unforgettable navigation at the Viedma Glacier. Unlike traditional El Chaltén tours focused only on trekking, this experience takes you closer to one of Argentina’s largest glaciers by boat, offering spectacular views of ice walls and floating icebergs. The tour includes a scenic journey through the Patagonian steppe, a stop at the historic La Leona Roadhouse, and free time in El Chaltén to explore the village. You will also visit the beautiful Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, an easy-access natural attraction surrounded by native forest. This is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience Patagonia beyond hiking, combining nature, comfort, and a truly unique glacier experience in a single day.

Reach the closest viewpoint to legendary Mount Fitz Roy on this full-day guided trek from El Calafate. Travel with certified bilingual mountain guides, enjoy round-trip transfer, a boxed lunch and the full Patagonian trekking experience to Laguna de los Tres, one of the most iconic views in Argentina.

The tour begins at 06:00 hs., when the minibus picks you up at your accommodation in El Calafate. You can appreciate the southern Andes where the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Fitz Roy stands out Once in El Chaltén, the foods are delivered to each walker. We'll get to the White Stones Lookout. You will continue the journey to Laguna Capri. There you have lunch before continuing the descent to El Chaltén. We will continue the journey with one of the guides through the area of Camp Poincenot Base, cross the bridge over the White River, and from there it begins to gain height quickly. In total there are about 430 meters of elevation for almost 3 km. until reaching the climax: the Lagoon of the Three. The group arrives at a morene ridge from where it can be seen in all its glory the Fitz Roy massif and at its feet the Lagoon and Glacier of the Three. It will surely be the perfect time for lunch enjoying an unforgettable view and moment.

El Chaltén Express – Soft walks and unforgettable scenery The day begins at 7:30 am in El Calafate, and then travel 220 km to El Chaltén, crossing the Patagonian steppe. Along the way you stop at Estancia La Leona and, weather permitting, at the Viedma Glacier Lookout, overlooking the glacial valley and Fitz Roy and Torre hills. Already in El Chaltén, you have about 5 hours to tour the village inside the Los Glaciares National Park, making two low difficulty hikes with local guide : the first to the Mirador de los Condores (2 km, 100 m elevation), overlooking the Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the village; then, after homemade lunch (according to option chosen), you visit the Chorrillo del Salto, a waterfall accessible by a 500 meters trail. Return to El Calafate begins at 16:00, arriving at hotels 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

Set against the stunning backdrop of El Chaltén, this full-day rafting adventure combines the thrill of white-water rapids with the beauty of Patagonia's landscapes. Starting with a scenic drive along the iconic Route 40, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Fitz Roy massif and the serene Viedma Lake. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, navigate 6 km of tranquil waters followed by exhilarating class III to III+ rapids. Enjoy a snack and warm drink post-adventure before returning to Calafate, having experienced the perfect blend of adrenaline and nature.

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.