Adventure Awaits in El Calafate & El Chaltén, Argentina
Most visitors to the glaciers base themselves in the charming town of El Calafate, the main gateway for tours in the region. This picturesque alpine-style town features a lively avenue filled with shops, restaurants, and a couple of intriguing museums. Just a short distance away lies the village of El Chaltén, nestled at the foot of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Known as the hiking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is a paradise for trekkers and climbers, offering breath-taking views, challenging trails, and incredible opportunities to explore Patagonia’s rugged landscape. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, these two destinations provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor exploration.
Why Visit El Calafate & El Chaltén?
Argentina
-3 hours
Peso (ARS)
Perito Moreno Glacier
When is the best time to go to El Calafate and El Chalten?
About El Calafate & El Chaltén and its surrounding areas:
Most visitors to the glaciers base themselves in the charming town of El Calafate, the main gateway for tours in the region. This picturesque alpine-style town features a lively avenue filled with shops, restaurants, and a couple of intriguing museums. Just a short distance away lies the village of El Chaltén, nestled at the foot of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Known as the hiking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is a paradise for trekkers and climbers, offering breathtaking views, challenging trails, and incredible opportunities to explore Patagonia’s rugged landscape. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, these two destinations provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor exploration.
Things to do and see in El Calafate and El Chalten:
El Calafate:
- Perito Moreno Glacier – Witness this iconic, ever-changing glacier. Take boat tours, walk along viewing platforms, or opt for a thrilling glacier trekking experience.
- Laguna Nimez – A scenic nature reserve with birdwatching opportunities, perfect for a peaceful stroll and enjoying the area's wildlife.
- Glaciarium – A fascinating museum dedicated to the region's glaciers, showcasing the science behind the icy wonders.
- Estancia Cristina – Experience Patagonia with horseback riding, hiking, and 4x4 tours offering stunning views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Enjoy fishing, wildlife spotting, and exploring the ranch’s rich history.
El Chaltén:
- Mount Fitz Roy – Embark on one of the world’s best hikes, enjoying breathtaking views of this towering peak and its stunning surroundings.
- Laguna de los Tres – A popular trekking route offering spectacular views of Fitz Roy and its nearby glaciers.
- Cerro Torre – Hike to this dramatic mountain, known for its unique shape and breathtaking beauty.
Highlights of El Calafate & El Chaltén, Argentina
El Calafate and El Chaltén offer stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, from the Perito Moreno Glacier to Mount Fitz Roy. A perfect destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers in Patagonia.
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El Calafate and El Chalten Travel FAQs
How do I get to El Calafate and El Chaltén?
El Calafate is accessible via daily flights from Buenos Aires (approx. 3 hours), as well as from Ushuaia and Bariloche during peak season. From El Calafate, it’s about a 3-hour scenic drive to El Chaltén, which can be arranged as part of your tailor-made itinerary. Latin Routes offers private transfers or scheduled services to suit your plans.
How many days should I spend in El Calafate and El Chaltén?
We recommend spending 2 to 3 days in El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier and enjoy nearby excursions. For El Chaltén, a further 2 to 4 days allows time for day hikes, exploring mountain trails, and soaking up the Patagonian scenery. Combining both gives a wonderful mix of sightseeing and outdoor adventure.
Is El Calafate worth visiting?
Absolutely — El Calafate is the main base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park, home to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. The town offers a charming atmosphere with excellent lodges, restaurants, and excursions for all activity levels. It’s an essential stop for any Patagonian adventure.
What’s the difference between El Calafate and El Chaltén?
El Calafate is a lakeside town best known for glacier experiences and boat trips, while El Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital, ideal for those wanting to explore trails at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. El Calafate is more developed, whereas El Chaltén is smaller, more remote, and geared toward hikers and nature lovers.
What kind of holiday packages include El Calafate and El Chaltén?
At Latin Routes, we offer tailor-made holidays that combine El Calafate and El Chaltén with other highlights of Patagonia, such as Torres del Paine in Chile, or the Lake District further north. Whether you want soft adventure or challenging treks, we’ll create the perfect itinerary with expert guides, top-notch accommodation, and seamless logistics.