Day hiking from El Chaltén
El Chaltén is the gateway to the Fitz Roy Massif in Los Glaciares – and some world class day hikes leading straight from your hotel to the mountains and glaciers.
Discover MoreDeep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
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For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Deep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
Welcome to Argentina's greatest national park. While thrill-seekers gaze in awe at the great ice wall of Perito Moreno glacier, others head to the mountains, where the Fitz Roy Massif stands proudly above a network of world-class hiking trails. Whether you’re staying on a remote estancia the pampa or camp high on its mighty ice cap, Los Glaciares will have you spell-bound.
Few national parks can be more perfectly named than Los Glaciares. It’s home to a jaw-dropping 356 glaciers, with many of them easily accessible to visitors.
Perito Moreno glacier is Patagonia’s most famous glacier – and for a very good reason. Though it’s named for Argentina’s most famous explorer, Francisco Moreno, you don’t need to be an explorer yourself to enjoy it. It can be quickly reached by road from El Calafate, and its vast cliffs and almost unfathomable length (nearly 19 miles/30km) can be explored in a variety of ways.
From boat trips and ice hiking with crampons on its back to simply gazing on its beauty from a viewing balcony, Perito Moreno is not to be missed.
Looking out at Perito Moreno glacier
The peaks of the Fitz Roy Massif are what makes Los Glaciares National Park world famous hiking and trekking destination.
The instantly recognisable granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy dominate the north of the park. Originally called Chaltén ('peak of fire') by the indigenous Tehuelche people, that name is now given to the town that sits below the mountains, offering instant access to a superb network of hiking trails.
Iconic day hikes from El Chaltén like Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre take you straight to the feet of the greatest peaks, throwing in a few extra glaciers and pretty mountain lakes for good measure, while the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado hike pulls the focus back to reveal stunning panoramas of the entire range.
Laguna de Los Tres below Mount Fitz Roy
Multi-day treks offer the chance for much deeper exploration of Los Glaciares.
The classic Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre hikes from El Chaltén are easily combined into an overnight camping trek – perhaps even adding in the e Loma del Pliegue Tumbado hike for an essential experience.
The most celebrated route here is the Huemul Circuit trek with four days over dramatic mountain passes and along glaciers to take you to the wildest corners of the park.
The southern part of Los Glaciares is less visited by hikers, but offers the chance explore the wilderness past frontier estancia to places so remote you’ll need a boat to get home.
Glacier views from the Huemul Pass
If Patagonia is a place for adventure, then nowhere is better than the South Patagonian Ice Field – the third largest ice field in the world. Those mentally and physically ready to be tested however should grab an ice axe, crampons and snowshoes and prepare for a true expedition.
By climbing the Marconi Pass, intrepid explorers can get a taste of these frozen expanses by camping out on the ice field itself. Expeditions here typically take eight days. The conditions on the ice field are unpredictable such that two extra days need to be built into the itinerary just to account for the ever-changing weather. Those ready to brave the elements will be rewarded with a truly unforgettable adventure.
Trekking on the South Patagonian Ice Field
El Chaltén is the gateway to the Fitz Roy Massif in Los Glaciares – and some world class day hikes leading straight from your hotel to the mountains and glaciers.
Discover MoreLos Glaciares offers extraordinary multi-trekking adventures, sleeping under the stars to explore Mount Fitz Roy, hanging glaciers and hidden valleys.
Discover MoreOur ultimate guide to the South Patagonian Ice Field Expedition in Los Glaciares, from planning and preparation to a day by day itinerary on the trail.
Discover MoreOur ultimate guide to the Huemul Circuit trek in Los Glaciares, from planning and preparation to a day by day itinerary on the trail.
Discover MoreEl Chaltén is the chilled-out mountain town that sits in the shadow of Mount FitzRoy, and on a clear day the peak completely dominates its skyline. Since the 1980s it's been a mecca for hikers, mountaineers and rock climbers alike.
The town is small but perfectly formed, with a great cafe, restaurant and bar scene to enjoy after some hard days hiking, as well as plenty of outdoor gear shops where you can top up on kit.
Everyone you meet in El Chaltén seems to be either about to head on a trek or has just come back from one. Its supremely relaxed vibe means that it's an easy place to lose yourself in for a few days – or even longer.
El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy Massif
Los Glaciares is a place to experience Patagonia's traditional frontier culture and history like nowhere else.
Estancias dot the landscape here – historic ranches often dating back more than a century, and very often first settled in areas so remote that even the native Tehuelche never lived there.
Visiting or staying on an estancia offers an insight into the life of the gaucho, Patagonia's iconic cowboys, who still live and work in the saddle ranching cattle and sheep. You needn't rough it while you so, but they offer the opportunity to connect with a rich cultural heritage in a landscape where the skies, plains an mountains seem to stretch on forever.
A gaucho in Los Glaciares
Most people chose to base themselves in and around El Chaltén, where you can walk straight out your hotel and onto a hiking trail, the return in the evening for a hot shower and to explore the town’s great foodie scene. There’s a good selection of accommodation for all price brackets.
El Calafate also has a wide selection of hotels that are perfect for ease of access to Perito Moreno.
You can get away from everything to stay on an estancia, or traditional Argentinian ranch, connecting with traditional frontier culture in some of the remotest properties in Patagonia.
If you prefer a bit of pampering, Los Glaciares has some excellent luxury lodges, near both El Chaltén and El Calafate.
Originally a climbers' mecca, El Chaltén is peppered with hotels that are still mainly run by staff dying to help you get out and about in the mountains. Spend your days amongst …
Discover MoreEl Calafate is the hub of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, and there is no shortage of places to stay. Experience warm Patagonian hospitality at a family run boutique …
Discover MoreEstancias are the perfect place to disconnect: remote ranches offering a gaucho lifestyle, where you can explore their trails by day then sink into their rustic charms by night.
Discover MoreFor those wanting to explore Los Glaciares in true comfort, there are superb lodges that deliver a luxury package just waiting to be discovered in the wilderness.
Discover MoreSome of the best sunrises and sunsets await those and camp for a night or two among the mountains, when you can enjoy the peaks to yourself. Or you can really go far and find campsites and wild camping on some of the park's most brilliantly remote treks.
El Calafate (airport code FTE) is the main gateway to Los Glaciares national park. From here, it’s just 135 miles (215km) by road to the park’s hiking hub at El Chaltén. From El Calafate, it’s 59 miles (80km) to Perito Moreno glacier.
El Calafate is connected by air to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Bariloche in the Argentinian Lake District, Trelew at Peninsula Valdes and Cordoba.
There are no direct flights from El Calafate into Chile, but overland travel is possible from Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park.
Spring The start of the visitors season. Receding snow reopens the trails. Mornings and nights are still chilly, but there are far fewer hikers on the trails.
Summer Long days of over 17 hours of daylight, with typically fine weather but with strong winds. This is peak season, so booking accommodation in advance is essential.
Autumn A time of glorious Fall colours. One of the best time to visit due to generally clearer skies and fewer visitors, but later in the season there's always a chance of snow.
Winter Snow closes most of the trails and many hotels shut completely. Perito Moreno remains accessible throughout the entire year.
Los Glaciares National Park trips scored 4.5/5 from 494 reviews
Fantastic tour and itinerary. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Jake Moore - USA
An amazing experience. Almost a glacier behind every corner. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Jake Moore - USA
What was your most memorable moment? So many memorable moments that it is hard to choose. A funny one was when the kayak leader at Lago Desierto told us to put on the special waterproof outfit. I wasn't expecting that. The leader served us cookies and coffee when we took a break on land in the middle of the trip. Then there were snow flurries as we neared the end. It was a great experience! Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Christian Schweizer - USA
There were many amazing moments of the trip, but the Perito Moreno glacier was remarkable. I have never seen anything like it. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Sara Wynne - UK
Our 3 day, 2 night hiking experience with our guide was our highlight (although everything was so amazing-it is difficult to choose). The afternoon hike on our first day took us to the celestial lakes in front of the Fitz Roy. Absolutely breathtaking colors and views! We will always picture this moment when reflecting back on our visit to Patagonia. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Andrea Cohen - USA
The weather was unforgiving and uncooperative which resulted in some setbacks. However, the sheer vastness of Los Glaciares is something that can never be put into words or shown through pictures. It's an experience one can only gain from seeing firsthand. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Nick Jakubowski - USA
Stunning. I don't know what I expected for Los Glaciares park and the glacier walk, but the day exceeded whatever expectations existed. We were lucky to have a friend that's a professional photographer on the trip, she managed to capture the beauty of the glacier and so many memories for our group. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Mariel Sabraw - USA
This is the most beautidul place I've ever been to! Read the full review
Travelled: October 2022
Debbie Knaub - USA
Loved this area of Argentina. Spending time hiking around Fitzroy was the highlight. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2019
Brian McIntyre - United States Of America
The trip was an adventure and to see such beautiful scenery was breathtaking. The people of Patagonia were extremely friendly and helpful and without question getting up close and personal with a Glacier was a truly memorable moment. The shear scale of nature in the raw is a beautiful thing to see Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
David Cook - United Kingdom
The wilderness, the most dramatic scenery you can experience and the people, warm with compassion and incredible depth of care for their communities. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2016
Nic and Julie Iannarone -
A wonderful experience which far exceeded our expectations with spectacular scenery and events.
Travelled: February 2016
Murray -
Review:
Impartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.
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You can see the glaciers in the north whilst out on treks from El Chalten. If you want to get up close, you can ice hike on Perito Moreno Glacier, or take a boat trip right up to its icy face.
The best place to go trekking in Los Glaciares National Park is the Fitz Roy & El Chalten area. Here there is a wide range of trekking options, from gentle day-hikes to multi-day treks over mountain passes, to expeditions onto the South Patagonian Ice Cap.
The best time to visit Los Glaciares is in between the end of spring and the start of autumn, which in the southern hemisphere is roughly from November through to April.
Whatever time of year you visit Patagonia, you will find that the weather is very changeable, but avoiding the winter months will mean that there is a higher chance of being able to do the activities that you want to do.
Yes, it's possible to explore both great regions taking in Fitz Roy massif in Los Glaciares and the iconic towers of Torres del Paine.
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Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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