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Highlights
Hit the highlights on this Patagonian hiking adventure
Marvel at the sheer, towering spires of Cerro Torre, one of the hardest mountains to climb in the world.
See the gem-blue Laguna de los Tres at the foot of mighty Mount Fitz Roy, an iconic Patagonian peak.
Sleep in campsites nestled right underneath the mountains, letting you disconnect and fully appreciate this place.
Challenge yourself with big hikes to towering viewpoints over the entire park.
There are places in Patagonia that just can’t be missed, and the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour makes absolutely sure you see them all! From icy glaciers to dramatic mountains and everything in between, this tour is a perfect highlight reel of the beauty of Los Glaciares National Park.
Imagine 6 days spent immersed in Patagonia. You wake up in the morning to the sunrise over the mountains, hike through magical forests to glaciers, lagoons, and mountains, and stand tall over expansive viewpoints. You get up close to Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, and Laguna de los Tres. Every night, you sleep in campsites visited by countless hikers and climbers from all over the world. You eat, sleep, and hike in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world! The Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén tour is an unreal experience and a must-do for anyone dreaming of the trails near El Chaltén.
There are places in Patagonia that just can’t be missed, and the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour makes absolutely sure you see them all! From icy glaciers to dramatic mountains and everything in between, this tour is a perfect highlight reel of the beauty of Los Glaciares National Park.
Imagine 6 days spent immersed in Patagonia. You wake up in the morning to the sunrise over the mountains, hike through magical forests to glaciers, lagoons, and mountains, and stand tall over expansive viewpoints. You get up close to Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, and Laguna de los Tres. Every night, you sleep in campsites visited by countless hikers and climbers from all over the world. You eat, sleep, and hike in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world! The Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén tour is an unreal experience and a must-do for anyone dreaming of the trails near El Chaltén.
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Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Itinerary
Day 1 Trek to Piedra del Fraile and Glacier Pollone
You may want to arrive the day before your tour, as Day 1 wastes no time in getting started! Begin with a transfer from El Chaltén to Rio Electrico and start your first hike through the Electrico Valley. Walk through a lovely lenga forest to Piedra del Fraile, which will be your overnight home, but you’ll continue on to the Pollone Glacier before returning.
The glacier is a spectacle of rock and ice, and the glacial views are complemented by views of Fitz Roy, the Marconi Glacier, and the Electrico Lake. Enjoy a quick break at a hidden lake before heading back to Piedra for the evening.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Piedra del Fraile
Distance: 6 hours, 15km, 500m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2 Laguna de los Tres and Fitz Roy
Wake up early for a wonderful day, beginning a hike to Laguna de los Tres. This gorgeous lake is at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, one of the (if not the) most recognizable sights in Patagonia. You’ll be able to appreciate the Piedras Blancas Glacier along the way. At the lake, savour the closest view you can get of the mountain and its satellite peaks without any technical skill.
After lunch under the shadow of the mountain, hike to the Poincenot campground, a favourite of hikers and climbers from all around.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 7-8 hours, 15km, 700m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre
Rise early enough to snap a sunrise photo of Fitz Roy (well worth losing a little sleep!) before packing up and beginning your hike. Today, you’ll hike along the Madre & Hija trail, lined by pretty lakes. Drop into the glacial valley that leads to Laguna Torre, a favourite for geologists and photographers alike for its perfect U-shape. Laguna Torre and its glacier sit underneath the wonderful Cerro Torre, another peak that defines the landscape of Patagonia.
Appreciate this unforgettable view for as long as you can before hiking to the Prestadores campground to enjoy dinner and a warm sleeping bag.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 3-4 hours, 6km, 200m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Sky-High Views of Los Glaciares
It’s off on foot early this morning, crossing a river on a Tyrolean rope using a harness. It’s an exciting start to the day! You’ll hike a steady uphill through the forest to a pass on Mount Pliegue Tumbado, where one of the best views in Los Glaciares can be found. You’ll gaze over Cerro Torre, Mount Fitz Roy, countless lakes, and wide forests and plains. This birds-eye view of the park is so good, you won’t want to descend to Laguna Toro base camp.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 8 hours, 14km, 750m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Hike to Paso del Viento
In the morning, hike past moraines, pastures, rocky plateaus, and glaciers. You’ll keep a steady uphill climb going all the way to Paso del Viento, where a stunning view of the Southern Patagonian icefield awaits.
Eat lunch at the pass, then once your camera roll is nearly full, it’s down to Laguna Toro to set up camp, eat dinner, and rest up.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 8-9 hours, 15km, 850m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Final Trek and Departure
Packing up and trekking back to El Chaltén this morning, you can leave satisfied having experienced the best that Los Glaciares has to offer. Pass by the scenic Lake Viedma, stopping for lunch with a mountain view.
The tour concludes once you arrive triumphantly in El Chaltén. Safe travels home!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 6-7 hours, 15km, 250m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Group of 4: from USD3965*
Accommodation on the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour
This tour is based in lodges and campsites. Your camping equipment will be provided. The campsites are basic and many don’t have electricity, toilets, or showers.
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. Single rooms may not be available. If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, you may need to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 afternoon teas, and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Porters for your luggage can be hired, but otherwise, luggage transfers will be your responsibility. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Camping and cooking equipment
- Certified mountain guide
- Technical hiking equipment (harness, snowshoes, crampons, helmet)
- First aid equipment
- VHF radio
- National park fees
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuity if desired
- Alcoholic drinks
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Gear rental if required
- Porter service
- How hard is the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
- Are meals included on the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to El Chaltén to start this tour?
- Is the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour in English?
- Where does the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour end?
- What should I bring?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Argentina?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Argentina?
- When is the best time to travel to Argentina for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 4/5 as the hikes on this tour are up to 9 hours in length and occur at high altitudes with challenging elevation changes. While no technical climbing skills are required, trails may be steep or rocky at times. You will also sleep in very basic campsites and potentially deal with inclement weather and be carrying your belonging in your backpack. Fit hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 afternoon teas, and 5 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into El Calafate International Airport (FTE). El Chaltén is about 4 hours away by bus.
Yes, the guide will be English-speaking.
The tour ends in El Chaltén. You can reach El Calafate by bus.
The recommended packing list for this tour includes but is not limited to: a 30-40L backpack, a hat, a buff, thermal layers, a fleece, a waterproof jacket and pants, warm gloves, hiking boots, a pair of sandals for wading, gaiters, poles (can be hired locally), sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, a water bottle, a headlamp, toilet paper, and comfortable hiking clothes.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Patagonia for this trip is from November to early March when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest, but do still be prepared for wind and possible chilly temperatures.
Customer Ratings
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.
