Quick Picks for El Chaltén Hikers

If you have limited time, choosing the right path is vital. Some trails take all day, while others take only an hour. Here are our top recommendations for different types of hikers.

• Best overall: Laguna de los Tres
• Best for families: Chorrillo del Salto
• Best for a rainy day: Laguna Capri
• Best for short views: Mirador de los Cóndores
• Best for 360-degree vistas: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

These picks help you maximize your time in the mountains. Always check the weather forecast before you head out. High winds can change your hiking plans very quickly.

9 Best One Day Hiking Trails in El Chalten

The following trails represent the absolute highlights of the region. Most start right at the edge of the village. You do not need to book a local guide for these popular routes.

1. Name: Laguna de los Tres
   Type: sight|experience
   Why go: This is the most iconic trek. You get a front-row view of Mount Fitz Roy and a bright blue glacial lake.
   Best for: Experienced hikers wanting the classic Patagonia photo.
   Where: North end of the village.
   Time: 8–10 hours.
   Cost: Usually free (check national park fees for 2026).
   Getting there: Walk from the end of Avenida San Martín.
   Tip: The last hour is a very steep uphill climb on loose rocks.
2. Name: Laguna Torre
   Type: sight|nature
   Why go: You will see the needle-like Cerro Torre peak and floating icebergs in the lake.
   Best for: Those seeking a long but mostly flat hike with great rewards.
   Where: West side of the village.
   Time: 6–8 hours.
   Cost: Usually free.
   Getting there: Start at the trailhead on Los Teros street.
   Tip: Wind at the lake can be very strong, so pack an extra jacket layer.
3. Name: Mirador de los Cóndores
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: It offers a bird's-eye view of the village and the mountain range.
   Best for: Travelers with limited time or those arriving late in the day.
   Where: Near the National Park Visitor Center.
   Time: 1.5–2 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Cross the bridge at the village entrance.
   Tip: This is the best spot for sunrise or sunset photography.
4. Name: Mirador de las Águilas
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: This trail branches off from the Cóndores path. It overlooks Lake Viedma and the vast Patagonian steppe.
   Best for: Hikers who want a quiet, expansive landscape view.
   Where: Near the south entrance of the park.
   Time: 2 hours (total with Cóndores).
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Follow the same path as Mirador de los Cóndores.
   Tip: Look for thermal updrafts where Andean Condors often soar.
5. Name: Chorrillo del Salto
   Type: nature|experience
   Why go: It is an easy, flat walk to a beautiful 20-meter high waterfall.
   Best for: Families with children or a relaxed rest-day activity.
   Where: North of the village.
   Time: 2–3 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Follow the road north toward Lago del Desierto.
   Tip: You can cycle to this trailhead if you want to save time walking.
6. Name: Laguna Capri
   Type: sight|nature
   Why go: It offers the same Fitz Roy views as the longer treks but is reached much faster.
   Best for: Rainy days or those who cannot hike 20 kilometers.
   Where: North end of town.
   Time: 3.5–4 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Use the first half of the Fitz Roy trail.
   Tip: There is a designated campsite here perfect for a lunch break.
7. Name: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
   Type: viewpoint|nature
   Why go: You get a unique 360-degree view of both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
   Best for: People who want a different perspective away from the main crowds.
   Where: South side of the village.
   Time: 7–9 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Start near the National Park Visitor Center.
   Tip: The top section often has snow even in early summer.
8. Name: Piedra del Fraile
   Type: experience|nature
   Why go: This trail crosses beautiful forests and leads to a private reserve with glacier views.
   Best for: Hikers looking for a less-traveled route through the valley.
   Where: Rio Eléctrico valley.
   Time: 6 hours.
   Cost: Small entrance fee for the private reserve.
   Getting there: Take a shuttle to the Rio Eléctrico bridge.
   Tip: The shelter at the end serves hot drinks and snacks.
9. Name: Glaciar Huemul
   Type: nature|sight
   Why go: It is a short, steep hike to a hanging glacier and a bright emerald lagoon.
   Best for: Visitors taking a day trip to Lago del Desierto.
   Where: Lago del Desierto area.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Entrance fee for private land.
   Getting there: Requires a 37km drive or shuttle from El Chaltén.
   Tip: Combine this with a boat tour on the lake for a full day.

How to Plan Your One Day Hiking Adventure

Many tourists stay in El Calafate and visit El Chaltén for the day. If you are traveling from El Calafate to El Chalten, start early. Public buses usually depart around 8:00 AM. The drive takes nearly three hours one way across the plains. This leaves you enough time for the medium-length trails like Laguna Capri or Chorrillo del Salto.

Check out other attractions near El Calafate if you have several days. You can alternate mountain hiking with glacier visits. For the best experience, bring layered clothing. Patagonia weather is famous for changing four times in one hour. Always carry enough water and snacks, as there are no shops on the trails.