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 …
Choosing the right accommodation in El Chaltén
- Come back to a bit of luxury at an upmarket spa hotel
- Cosy B&Bs to suit a budget can be found in the centre
- El Chaltén is perfectly located and well stocked with bars and restaurants, but if you are looking for seclusion, there are wilderness lodges, glamping, cabins and estancias close by
- One of the best-located lodges in Patagonia is just two hours north of town.
Where can I stay in El Chaltén?
Accommodation Types
Something special
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 six rooms it has a cosy atmosphere. Our number one recommendation in the El Chaltén/Fitz Roy area.
Explora
This stunning luxury lodge is nestled in the Los Huemules Reserve to the North of El Chaltén and borders Los Glaciares National Park. From here you can enjoy views of the Electric Valley and the Marconi Glacier.
Explora is a contemporary yet rustic lodge, influenced by traditional estancia designs and boasts delectable cuisine, a spa and stunning guided excursions.
Suite room at Explora Chalten
Upmarket
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.
Chaltén Suites
The Chaltén 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 Chaltén for more than a couple of days.
Boutique
Senderos
The staff are highly knowledgable and super friendly making the Senderos our favourite boutique hotel in El Chaltén. 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.
Los Cerros
Located on a high point in the town, Los Cerros has great views of the Las Vueltas river valley and surrounding landscape.
There are four room types - all are spacious with simple, stylish decor featuring plenty of exposed wood. There are several comfortable shared areas in the hotel for relaxing.
The superb restaurant serves contemporary food from Patagonian products which can be paired with a choice of over 120 wines from the hotel’s cellar.
Standard room at Los Cerros
Kaulem
This four-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.
No Frills
Nothofagus
Just a 10-min 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.
Hostería El Paraíso
This hostería has a cosy and welcoming feel with a small bar. The rooms are basic and simply decorated. It's located close to the bars, restaurants and other amenities.
The views of Mt Fitz Roy on a clear day are simply breathtaking.
Glamping/cabins
Chaltén Camp
Set in a secluded location, several kilometres from town, this camp accommodates 18 guests.
Accommodation is is cosy, modern, eco-friendly geodesic domes with stunning views of Mt Fitz Roy. You’ll feel that you’re sleeping in the wild, but with all the comfort of a hotel room.
Meals are served in the large main dome which is also a great place in which to relax and meet other travellers.
Main dome at Chalten Camp
Fitz Roy Adventure Camp
Also known as Refugio Cóndor, this wilderness lodge on the bank on the Las Vueltas River, a 40-min drive north of El Chaltén, is a friendly and peaceful place.
The camp consists of eight cosy double cabins, all with private bathrooms, dotted around the woods. There’s a fantastically characterful large lounge building where meals are served and you can relax in front of the fire with a drink.
A multitude of hikes, bike rides and kayaking are right on your doorstep when staying here. You can also use the outdoor hot tub after a day of adventure and a complimentary transfer to/from El Chaltén is offered.
Lounge area at Fitz Roy Adventure Camp
Estancias
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.
Swoop says
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.
FAQs about hotels in El Chalten
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I'd like something more remote, is an estancia right for me?
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.
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Can I camp in the Fitz Roy range?
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.
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Are there any mountain huts/refugios that I can stay in near Los Glaciares?
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.
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Where is best to stay for fishing opportunities?
Estancia Cristina, Estancia Helsingfor and Estancia El Condor all make great bases for fishing.
Harriet says
I've spent over 500 days trekking in the Andes, Himalaya, Caucasus and Alps, but El Chaltén 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
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El Chalten Hotels: How can we help you?
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
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.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
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.
1-855-369-7866