How Long Does It Take To Hike El Chalten?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It’s a moderate trek of between 19 and 25 km and takes

between 5 and 7 hours

, depending on how far you walk. The trail starts on the northern end of El Chalten. An initial steep ascent of about 2 km leads to some beautiful meadows where you’ll get your first peak of Cerro Torre.

Which is better Torres del Paine or El Chalten?

Brian advises that

if you have less time (2-3) days, definitely go with El Chalten

. You’ll be able to get at least two awesome day hikes in and see most of the park. In Torres del Paine, you need at least 4 days (including one prep day) to do it right, preferably more.

How hard is the Fitz Roy hike?

The Fitz Roy trek is about 21.4 km/13.3 mi round trip and requires 8- 10 hours to complete. It’s rated

moderate to hard

and has an elevation gain of 864 m/2835 ft.

Can you see Fitz Roy from El Chalten?


You can easily get to the Fitz Roy trailhead from El Chaltén

. Once you reach the peaceful village of El Chaltén, it will take you about half an hour to transfer to the trailhead, or you can opt for a scenic stroll to the base of your hike.

Can you drink the water in El Chalten?


ABSOLUTELY

. The tap water in El Chaltén is of excellent quality.

Do you need a car in El Chalten?

3-

No car is needed

. El Chalten has 200 inhabitants, so imagine how small is the town. You’ll get to know el Chaltén is less than 1 hour.

Is El Chalten worth visiting?

But the mountains around El Chalten were among the top things we’ve seen in Patagonia, and even both most popular trails in the area made it to our list of best day hikes in Patagonia. It even almost exceeded the jewel of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park.

How do I get from El Calafate to El Chalten?

The journey

by bus

from El Chalten to or from El Calafate is about 2.45 to 3 hours. El Chaltén is located 215 km from El Calafate town, where the nearest airport is situated. The shuttle is exclusively by land, through paved roads in excellent conditions.

How do I get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine?

The distance between El Calafate in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile is 157 miles (253 km) and can be reached by car in three and a half hours. The trip requires you to cross the Argentinan border into Chile, and you’ll reach Torres del Paine by

driving on Route 40

.

How tall is Fitz Roy?

11,171′

What mountain range is Fitz Roy in?

Andes

How long is Torres del Paine hike?

The W Trek is a moderately difficult hike lasting around

four to five days

, covering 46 miles on mainly gentle terrain, with more challenging days involving climbs of 600-800 metres. You need to be in good shape, with some experience of multi-day hiking and prepared for extremely variable weather.

Where is Monte Fitz?

Cerro Fitz Roy is one of the most recognizable—and one of the most dangerous—mountains in southern Patagonia. Also known as Monte Fitz Roy, this impressive mountain is situated

between Argentina and Chile in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field

, and it is undeniably one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Patagonia.

Does El Chaltén have an airport?


The closest airport is El Calafate International Airport (FTE)

. There are daily flights from Buenos Aires. From the airport to El Chaltén, it’s four hours by bus.

Is Mount Fitz Roy in Torres del Paine?


Torres del Paine with its iconic towers and Los Glaciares National Park, home of the Fitz Roy massif

, are two of the most famous parts of Patagonia.

When should I go to El Chalten?

The best time to visit El Chalten is

between September and April

. The most popular time to go is between December and February which is summer and the high season. The weather is extremely unpredictable in Patagonia, no matter what season you travel in. You should expect to experience four seasons in a day!

Is El Calafate safe?

The town of El Calafate is

extremely safe

, and probably one of the safest places to visit in South America. Argentina as a whole is a generally for American tourists, but in the larger cities there are numerous incidents of street crime. These include petty thefts and muggings.

How do I get to El Chalten?


The closest airport is the International Airport Cte. Armando Tola, at 125 miles from El Chaltén

. The flights arrive mainly from Buenos Aires, on direct flights of approximately 3 hours. The airlines that operate with El Calafate are Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral and LATAM Airlines.

Can you rent car in Chile and return in Argentina?


Rental car companies do not permit you to pick up a car in Chile and drop it in Argentina

. Therefore, if you rent a car, be prepared to drive across the border twice.

How many days should I spend in El Calafate?

To visit El Calafate and El Chalten by car we recommend

at least 5 days

. You can also connect this destination by car to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and to Ushuaia.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Argentina?


The average price of a Small rental in Argentina is $37

. The cheapest time to rent a Small in Argentina is in May. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just $28 per day. A Small rental is typically 49% less expensive than the average car rental in Argentina.

Should I stay in El Chaltén or El Calafate?

Although El Calafate is an ideal base for exploring the glaciers,

El Chaltén is the best place to hike through Los Glaciares National Park

.

Should I go to Ushuaia?

Is Ushuaia worth it?

Ushuaia is definitely worth it

! I had no expectations for Ushuaia — and I was thrilled when it turned out to be far better than I expected! Ushuaia was one of the biggest surprises of my time in South America and I hope that you have just as good a time as I did.

Is Patagonia worth the trip?


Patagonia is most definitely a contender for the most beautiful place in the world

, boasting stunning vistas at every turn, paths untrodden by the masses, towering snow-capped mountains and a multitude of lakes varying in many colours.

Is Perito Moreno glacier worth it?

One of the most beautiful places in the world, the Perito Moreno glacier is a rare tourist attraction that is

100% worth the buzz

– and the price tag. Do not be dissuaded by its popularity; the scale of this glacier and its awe striking natural beauty is enough to make the crowds to fade into the background.

How do I get from Buenos Aires to El Calafate?

If you’re traveling from Buenos Aires, you can

take a flight directly from Aeroparque (AEP) down to El Calafate

. If you’re connecting from an international flight you’ll probably have to transfer from Ezeiza Airport 18 miles (28 km) from the city center, which you can do by private transfer or shuttle bus.

How high is Perito Moreno glacier?

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the largest in Patagonia at 30 kilometers long. The glacier descends from the Southern Patagonian Icefield (image top)—

2100 meters elevation (6825 feet)

in the Andes Mountains—down into the water and warmer altitudes of Lago Argentino at 180 meters above sea level.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.