El Chaltén, a renowned hiking paradise in Argentine Patagonia, boasts the iconic skyline featured on the Patagonia brand logo. Unlike the expensive and less convenient hikes in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, El Chaltén offers numerous day hikes that can be easily started from the town. However, in recent years, Argentina’s soaring prices have eroded the once high cost-effectiveness of this destination.
🚌 **Transportation**
To reach El Chaltén, you can take a bus from El Calafate bus station or airport, with four departures daily. I opted for the airport bus, which cost 38,000 pesos and took approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. While there is no Uber service in El Chaltén, taxis are readily available at the bus station. The town itself is compact, and a leisurely stroll from one end to the other takes about 20 minutes.
⌛️ **Routes**
📍 **Laguna de los Tres**
This is the most celebrated route, offering continuous views of the majestic Fitz Roy. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, including plains, mountains, shrubs, forests, and rivers. Unfortunately, the weather can be unpredictable; it was sunny in the town, but overcast and even rainy in the mountains, hiding Fitz Roy from view.
Most of the trail is relatively flat, but the final 2 km are steep and entirely on a gravel path. Despite the challenge, many older hikers successfully completed the ascent. The round trip is 20 km, with an official hiking time of 8 hours. Alternatively, you can arrange a ride from your hotel to Rio Blanco, starting your hike from there to avoid retracing your steps.
📍 **Laguna Torre**
Another popular route, this trail provides a close-up view of the stunning Glacier Torre and Cerro Torre. The path is relatively easy, and the journey is enhanced by the sight of blooming yellow flowers, creating a breathtaking scene. The round trip is 18 km, with an official hiking time of 6 hours.
For a closer look at the glacier, walk to the lakeshore and then follow the right-hand side for 2 km to Mirador Maestri.
📍 **Mirador De Los Cóndores**
A short and easy 2 km round trip, perfect for catching the sunrise. This route offers a chance to see the golden mountain illuminated by the morning sun, making for a truly magical experience.
🎟️ **Tickets**
As of November 26, 2024, the ticket price for a one-day pass has increased to 45,000 pesos. The second and third days of the two-day and three-day passes (three-day passes are only available online) are discounted by 50%. The two-day pass allows re-entry within 72 hours, but both days must be purchased at once.
Tickets can only be purchased with a card on site.
There are checkpoints at both ends of the town, but currently, there is no checkpoint at the Sendero Torre entrance. It remains unclear if one will be added in the future. (See Figure 3)
🥾 Equipment
👕 During my three-day stay, despite the overcast skies, I was fortunate to avoid the fierce winds that had challenged me during a previous hike in Torres del Paine. Instead, the weather was surprisingly warm, and a single layer of clothing was perfectly sufficient for daytime treks. However, it’s wise to pack a light jacket for the breezy conditions you might encounter at higher elevations.
🍫 Don’t forget to bring along some snacks and energy bars to keep your energy levels up. You can also refill your water bottle from the clear, refreshing streams that dot the trail.
🦯 Hiking poles and other gear are available for rent in town. Personally, I found that I could manage without them, but they can be a great help, especially on more challenging sections of the trail.
[SunR] And remember, no matter how cloudy it may seem, always apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
✅ Other notes
The mobile network coverage in the area is quite limited, and even the Wi-Fi can be spotty. It’s a good idea to download any necessary maps or information before you head out.
The town has only a few small supermarkets, and the prices are on the higher side. Additionally, the food items often taste as if they’ve been sitting on the shelves for too long, so it’s best to bring some of your own provisions.
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