From Wikitravel

El Chaltén is in the Patagonian region of southern Argentina. El Chalten was founded in the late 70ties/early 80ies as an outpost of Argentina to anticipate land claims of Chile for that area. It is still a small town that is best known for being the gateway to Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most rugged and impressive peaks in the Patagonian Andes. The growing number of hiking tourist lead to an increase in construction and in summer the town is full of tourists.

[edit] Get in

Daily buses take four-and-a-half hours to drive the 222 kilometers (138 miles) over an unpaved road from El Calafate.

[edit] Get around

Only by foot or car. Street are almost entirely not sealed and dusty streets are the norm.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Hiking

This area is a trekking mecca, with numerous trails leading to fantastic viewpoints and other natural wonders.

• Laguna de los Tres. This 25 kilometer (15 mile) round-trip hike can not be missed, offering some of the best views of Mt FitzRoy and ending at a beautiful lake, high above the surrounding countryside. The last few miles of this hike are extremely steep, and as a result many hikers attempt the trip as a two-day backpacking trek.
• Laguna Torre. A 19 kilometer (12 mile) return trip that leads to a lake at the base of the impressive Cerro Torre formation. Along with the Laguna de los Tres trek, this trail should not be missed. Backpackers can combine the two treks using connecting side-trails that create a loop.

• Beside hiking you can do a boat tour on the Lago Viedma. Ask your hostel or hotel when the boat leaves. It's a good choice after some hard hiking days to relax.

• In the centre of town you can also pay to go horse riding with a gaucho guide along some of the major walking trails. The horses here are very easy-going and well suited to beginner riders.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Supermarket with everything hiker and camper might need. Opening hours depend on season but in general closes rather early so better check out upon arrival.

[edit][add listing] Eat

The calafate berry ice cream (a bit like blueberry but milder) from the ice cream shop in the middle of the town is worth trying. There are also two small grocery stores that sell food and supplies.

There are a number of restaurants in town.

[edit][add listing] Drink

What better after a long hike in the mountains then to enjoy a good beer. Home brews (rubia y negro) at the Cervezeria! Good food and friendly staff as well.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Rancho Grande Hostel, 02962-493005, [1]. HI-hostel.
• There are several free campingsites in the park

[edit] Cope

Take enough cash, there are no cashpoints in town.

[edit] Get out

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