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Argentina · Southern Patagonia

El Chaltén + El Calafate

Argentina's trekking capital — Fitz Roy + Perito Moreno Glacier

El Chaltén is Argentina's "national trekking capital" — free hikes with jaw-dropping Fitz Roy + Cerro Torre spires. Combined with El Calafate (2h 30m south) for Perito Moreno Glacier — one of few advancing glaciers on Earth, ice trekking + walkway access.

Airport
El Calafate FTE
From Buenos Aires
3h 15m flight
El Chaltén
2h 30m bus north of El Calafate
Best season
November-March

El Chaltén + El Calafate highlights

Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy) hike

20 km / 8h — El Chaltén's iconic hike to a glacier lake with Fitz Roy backdrop. Steep final km. Free.

Laguna Torre hike

Easier alternative — 18 km / 6h to Cerro Torre viewpoint + lagoon. Free.

Perito Moreno Glacier

80 km from El Calafate — 5 km wide, 60m tall wall of ice. Walkways free with entry ARS 26,000 (~$26).

Perito Moreno mini-trek ice hike

Guided ice trek on the glacier — 90-min walk on ice. From $100.

Perito Moreno "Big Ice" full-day

Advanced 5h trek across the glacier. From $200.

Los Glaciares National Park boat tour

All-day boat tour of Upsala + Spegazzini glaciers. From $150.

Cerro Fitz Roy sunrise

Sunrise on Fitz Roy turns the peaks pink — worth waking at 04:00 in summer.

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado hike

Panoramic day hike above El Chaltén — 21 km / 8h. Views of Fitz Roy + Cerro Torre.

Getting there

El Calafate Airport (FTE) has direct flights from Buenos Aires (3h 15m) + Ushuaia (1h 20m). El Chaltén is 2h 30m bus from El Calafate.

Getting around

El Chaltén is compact + walkable. Bus El Calafate ↔ El Chaltén (~$25 each way). Rent car for flexibility.

Best time to visit

November-March (summer, best hiking + glacier access). Winter is cold + limited services.

Budget per day

$50-90 backpacker · $100-200 mid-range · $400+ luxury (Aguas Arriba, Los Cerros Boutique)

Fly to Comandante Armando Tola International (El Calafate) (FTE)

Popular direct routes from: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia

Where to stay in El Chaltén + El Calafate

Frequently asked about El Chaltén + El Calafate

El Chaltén or El Calafate?
El Chaltén for hiking (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre). El Calafate for glacier (Perito Moreno). Do both — 3 nights each, 2h 30m bus between.
How many days do I need in Patagonia?
Argentine side: 7-10 days combined. El Chaltén 3-4 days for hiking, El Calafate 3-4 days for glaciers, add days for Torres del Paine (Chile).
When is the best time for Patagonia?
November-March. December-February peak. October + April are shoulder — fewer crowds but weather unpredictable.
Is Perito Moreno Glacier worth it?
Yes — one of the few advancing glaciers on Earth. Regular calving (breaking ice) throughout the day. Walkways are free after entry.