
Los Glaciares Estancias
From an era when gauchos roamed vast landscapes on horseback, the estancias around El Chalten have retained all their rustic charm. Set on acres of land, the views …
Originally a climbers' mecca, El Chalten 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 the best peaks and lakes in the region, and return to a lodge, estancia, spa, or hosteria, ready to share your best trekking stories.
Aguas Arriba
A lakeside lodge deep in the heart of Patagonia with views of mount Fitz Roy, overlooking a hanging glacier and only accessible by boat, or a day hike. Aguas Arriba is a wonderful base for off the beaten track hiking, fishing or simply relaxing. The hosts are friendly and with just 6 rooms it has a cosy atmosphere. Our number one recommendation in the El Chalten/Fitz Roy area.
Explora
This stunning luxury lodge is nestled in the Los Huemules Reserve to the North of El Chalten and bordering Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy views of the Electric Valley and the Marconi Glacier, and contemporary yet rustic interiors with traditional estancia design influences. The lodge boasts delectable cuisine, a spa and stunning guided excursions.
Suite room at Explora Chalten
Destino Sur
The hard work of the staff at Destino Sur is recognised each year by it's customers. A very clean and comfortable hotel with modern, alpine-styled rooms, it's a big hit with travellers looking for a lovely place to come home to each night.
Chalten Suites
The Chalten Suites is situated on the main street in town and has everything you'd need close by. It has a higher standard and level of comfort than most in town, with spacious rooms and friendly staff. A perfect base if you are staying in El Chalten for more than a couple of days.
Senderos
The staff are highly knowledgable and super friendly making the Senderos our favourite boutique hotel in El Chalten. The rooms are on the cosy side but clever storage areas and neat bathrooms make this a great little haven for hiking. On a clear day you'll be able to see the classic mountain line from your room and you are just a stone's throw from the bus station. Our customers rave about the breakfast buffet with mounds of cake, fruit, cereals and more.
Kaulem
This 4 bedroom boutique hotel, with views of Fitz Roy from your room and breakfast table, feels like a home away from home. It is ideal for a small group of 6-8 people with a cosy sitting room and floor to ceiling glass so you really feel a connection with the mountains, even when indoors. They also serve a mean breakfast that will turbo power you into the hills.
Nothofagus
Just a 10 minute walk from the bus station, you'll be made to feel right at home by the accommodating owners of this Swiss chalet styled B&B. Already good value for a clean and cheerful stay, you can stretch your money even further by choosing one of their rooms that shares a bathroom between two.
Hosteria El Paraiso
This hosteria has a cosy and welcoming feel with a small bar. The rooms are basic and simply decorated. It is located close to the bars, restaurants and other amenities. The views of Mount Fitzroy on a clear day are simply breathtaking.
Estancias carry huge cultural significance in Patagonia. Historically, families would have survived on these working cattle farms, with gauchos roaming great distances across the mountains by horse. Most estancias no longer operate as farms but still sit proudly on the land out in the wilderness, and have retained their rustic charm whilst opening their doors to guests. Undoubtedly the best place to get a true taste of Patagonian culture, and to immerse yourself in the vast landscapes.
You'll most likely to be coming back from a long day of hiking, so investing some holiday budget into a comfortable room and a nice bath would be a good way to go.
For those who are on self drive trips or would like to experience some local culture there are a number of estancias close to El Chalten. These are great places to try horse riding, see some traditional Patagonian life and stay in some rugged corners of Los Glaciares.
There are basic campsites in the hills near El Chalten, often with no facilities except a long drop toilet. On a multi-day trek you'll find two types of campsite: free public campsites, and sites run by tour operators, where there will be a permanent mess tent and leave the tents pitched throughout the season.
Although there are refugios marked on many maps of Los Glaciares, these are mostly just emergency shelters, simple metal lean-tos without facilities. There is only one refugio with dorms and meals available, Refugio del Fraile in the Electrico Valley, which is included on the 3 day classic Chalten trek.
Estancia Cristina, Estancia Helsingfor and Estancia El Condor all make great bases for fishing.
I've spent over 500 days trekking in the Andes, Himalaya Caucasus and Alps, but El Chalten trumps everywhere for day hiking. No other town can you walk out the door of your hotel, onto the trailhead and be sat next to a glacier and a mile high granite spire to eat your lunch.
Harriet Pike Trekking, Mountaineering & Cycling Specialist
From an era when gauchos roamed vast landscapes on horseback, the estancias around El Chalten have retained all their rustic charm. Set on acres of land, the views …
Trek amongst jagged, snow-capped peaks and electric-blue lakes, venture out into open valleys and private reserves, or visit the icy glaciers that roll from the Southern …
One of the most famous and awe-inspiring of Argentina's natural wonders. Standing before it's 70-metre high electric blue face and watching 100-tonne blocks of ice crumble and …
El 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 …
If you’re looking to arrange somewhere to stay in El Chalten, we can help you in one of two ways:
As part of a multi-day activity trip
We can help you plan and arrange a multi-day activity trip, such as a hiking, kayaking or horse-riding trip, to fit in with the rest of your plans. We’ll help you arrange the logistics of the trip too, such as how you’ll get to and from the trip departure point and where you’ll stay before and afterwards. Ask about arranging a multi-day activity trip.
As part of a tailor-made itinerary
With 15 years' experience in Patagonia, we’re experts at creating bespoke itineraries. We'll work with you to design a 2-3 week - or longer - holiday based on your exact requirements, from hiking trips to flights, bus trips, transfers and, of course, your accommodation. Find out more about Tailor-made trips.
El Chalten sits at the base of Mount Fitz Roy and on the edge of the South Patagonia Ice Cap. From your hotel in El Chalten you can walk straight out onto hiking trails around Mount Fitz Roy, or use it as a base for 3-4 treks up to the Ice Cap, or 8+ day expeditions onto the Ice Cap itself.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
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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