Walk your way to the most recognizable scenes of Argentinian Patagonia
Is there any destination more legendary than Patagonia? For some, this is the pinnacle of mountain experience, and the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure is a highlight reel of the most recognizable sights in this pristine area.
Begin in El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, heading straight into the mountains to discover the pale blue ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Watch the ice cleave off from the glacier, startling condors into the wide sky. Hike to the undisputed best sights of Patagonia, discovering the towering summits of Mount Fitz Roy from the shores of Laguna de los Tres and the spires of Mount Torre and its satellite peaks from Laguna Torre. Stay in campsites and refuges used by top mountaineers for many years, immersing yourself in the spirit of this place. With no technical skills required, the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure is a hiking adventure fit for any adventurous traveller with the best of Patagonia on their bucket list!
Highlights of the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Making it to El Calafate means making it to the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, the gem of Patagonia. If you’ve got time after travelling, you can go birdwatching at Laguna Nimes or visit the ice museum, perhaps with a drink at the ice bar included.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Calafate
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
Waking up in Patagonia, your first adventure will be to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive to the port where you’ll take a boat to the glacier, giving you a unique view of its icy blue sheer sides. Keep an eye on the sky for condors and eagles!
Continue along the Canal de Los Témpanos to the northern face of the glacier. Pass Bahia Toro, a unique black sand beach, where you can hop off the boat to enjoy a quick walk around this fascinating area. A thundering waterfall is your endpoint, and here your guide will tell you all about the glacier you just saw. Grab a hot drink at the nearby cafe before departing the Perito Moreno area and grabbing a bus to El Chaltén.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Calafate
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike to Piedra del Fraile and Pollone Glacier
After breakfast and a cup of hot coffee, begin with a ride to Rio Electrico. This is the starting point of a hike through the Electrico Valley, which leads you through an enchanting forest. Arrive at Piedra del Fraile, which will be your overnight location. After a break for lunch, you will continue hiking through the valley to the Pollone Glacier. Expect it to be a bit windy- you’re heading headfirst into the wind from the Continental Icefield!
Upon arriving at the glacier, you’ll be appreciating wild nature at its very best. Rock and ice dominate the landscape, and you’ll be able to get a peek of the northern face of iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Take a breather beside a hidden lagoon before hiking back to your refuge for the evening.
Overnight Location: Mountain Lodge at Piedra del Fraile
Distance: 6 hours, 15km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea
Day 4 Laguna de los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy
This morning, depart for the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint for a quick, beautiful start to your day. You’ll hike to the Poincenot campsite to drop some bags, then continue up to Laguna de los Tres. This is the closest you can get to Mount Fitz Roy without any technical climbing, and the view of the distinct jagged peaks atop the impossibly blue lake is truly one of the best in Patagonia.
You’ll eat lunch at the lake if the weather allows, then descend back to camp for the evening.
Overnight Location: Poincenot Campground
Distance: 7-8 hours, 17km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea
Day 5 Hike to Laguna Torre
Waking up in an unbeatable campsite, enjoy breakfast before starting out through the forest. You’ll pass a collection of small lakes along this relatively flat path, then drop into a glacial valley that leads to Laguna Torre. Geologists and photographers alike love this valley for its perfect U shape.
Admire the stellar sight of Laguna Torre framed by Mount Torre, one of the most difficult mountains to conquer in the world due in part to its permanent ice mushroom cap formed by strong, cold winds.
After lunch, you’ll head back to El Chaltén through the Fitz Roy Valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance: 7-8 hours, 21km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Tour Concludes
Your 6 days in Patagonia are sure to be days you never forget. To complete the tour, you’ll grab a bus to El Calafate and depart from the local airport. Until next time!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in Argentinian Patagonia is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants and the class of accommodation you prefer.
Prices below are per person.
2-Star Hotels
- Guided groups of 2: from $1,755 USD per person
- Guided groups of 3+: on request
4-Star Hotels
- Guided groups of 2: $1,965 USD per person
- Guided groups of 3: on request
*-Please note that the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the size of your group.
Book NowAccommodation on the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
This tour is based in hotels, mountain lodges, and campsites. The hotels are 1-4-star depending on which class of accommodation you book. The lodge has shared bathrooms and the campsite has rustic amenities. Tents are 2-person.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy or higher. If you would prefer a single room where available, you can pay a supplement. Single occupancy may not be available in all locations. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
1-Star Hotels
Shilling Hostel in El Calafate ★
This family-run hostel is right in the heart of El Calafate, offering nice shared rooms and free WiFi all throughout the property.
Patagonia Hostel in El Chaltén ★
The Patagonia Hostel offers some private rooms and shared dorm-style rooms in a casual, welcoming environment.
2-Star Hotels
Cauquenes de Nimez in El Calafate ★★
The rooms here are dark and cozy, the water is nearby, and the free WiFi and outdoor restaurant seating are great touches.
Cumbres Nevadas Hostel in El Chaltén ★★
Tucked into a valley full of hiking trails, this hostel is only 4km from the Mirador del Fitz Roy viewpoint. Relax in rooms with wood paneled ceilings and free WiFi.
Piedra del Fraile Refuge in Argentinian Patagonia
This was one of the first refuges built in the area, and more travellers have called it home than can be counted. Enjoy basic amenities here.
Poincenot Campground in Argentinian Patagonia
This campsite is used by trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. It offers very basic toilets, tent pads, and spectacular views.
Cumbres Nevadas Hostel in El Chaltén ★★
Tucked into a valley full of hiking trails, this hostel is only 4km from the Mirador del Fitz Roy viewpoint. Relax in rooms with wood paneled ceilings and free WiFi.
4-Star Hotels
Mirador del Lago Hotel in El Calafate ★★★★
This timber and stone hotel offers views of Argentino Lake, and the rooms are simple, warmly decorated, and offer room service.
Chaltén Suites Hotel in El Chaltén ★★★★
The spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms will keep you plenty comfortable here, and the proximity to Los Glaciares is ideal.
Piedra del Fraile Refuge in Argentinian Patagonia
This was one of the first refuges built in the area, and more travellers have called it home than can be counted. Enjoy basic amenities here.
Poincenot Campground in Argentinian Patagonia
This campsite is used by trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. It offers very basic toilets, tent pads, and spectacular views.
Chaltén Suites Hotel in El Chaltén ★★★★
The spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms will keep you plenty comfortable here, and the proximity to Los Glaciares is ideal.
What’s Included in the El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 afternoon teas are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfers according to the itinerary are included. Rides on the bus between El Calafate and El Chaltén are included. Porters can be hired to transport up to 15kg of personal equipment as a supplement.
Also Included
- Guide services
- Camping and safety equipment
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Some entrance fees
Optional Extras
- Optional activities or excursions
- Entrance fee to Perito Moreno glacier (around $25 USD per person)
- Porter services
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Equipment hire if needed
Frequently Asked Questions about El Calafate to El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
Walk Patagonia is an expert of the region, and they work with the most reliable and trustworthy operators: they recommend the best Hoteliers and local transport operators available. This operator avoids working with the low-cost operators that offer attractive prices but unreliable services.
Learn MoreMap of Argentina El Calafate To El Chaltén Trekking Adventure
Click map for a larger version
Is this tour for me?
Ask a Question
