Contenido mostrado a visitantes internacionales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Stay in El Chaltén, Patagonia
Do you have more questions?
Our team is available 24/7 to make your El Chaltén stay a perfect experience.
What's the best time to visit El Chaltén?
Our hotel opens each season from October 1st through late April.
El Chaltén is typically a summer destination, with a main season running from November to mid-March. During these months, the climate is more temperate with longer daylight hours, reaching up to 17 hours of light during peak austral summer.
- November to February: High season with best weather conditions
- March to April: Excellent time with fewer crowds and autumn colors
- October to November: Patagonian spring with variable but beautiful weather
- May to September (Los Cerros Boutique Hotel closed): Low season, cold weather and some services closed
How do I get to El Chaltén?
By Air
El Chaltén's main gateway is El Calafate International Airport. The airport (FTE) connects with several Argentine cities, including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Bariloche, Trelew, Ushuaia, and also Santiago, Chile.
Transfer Services from El Calafate:
- Don Atilio: +549 2966498830 (door-to-door service)
- Regular buses: Chalten Travel, Marga/TAQSA
- Car rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget
What activities can I do if I'm not an expert mountaineer?
El Chaltén has activities for all levels!
For Beginners and Families:
- Laguna Capri: Gentle 3-4 hour trek with Fitz Roy views
- Lago del Desierto Navigation: Ideal for children and people with reduced mobility
- Horseback Riding: Rides across Patagonian steppe
- Sport Fishing: In Río de las Vueltas and Río Eléctrico
- Mountain Biking: Authorized trails for cycling
- Guided Tours: Historic and cultural sites
Activities Without Physical Effort:
- Scenic Drives: Route to Lago del Desierto
- Wildlife Observation: From accessible viewpoints
- Local Gastronomy: Tour of town restaurants
- Photography: Workshops and photo tours
How many days do I need to explore El Chaltén?
Recommendation: 3 to 7 days depending on your interests
Minimum Stay (3 days):
- Day 1: Arrival and Laguna Capri (acclimatization)
- Day 2: Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy)
- Day 3: Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
Ideal Stay (5-7 days):
- Includes main treks + complementary activities
- Rest day to enjoy hotel and gastronomy
- Flexibility for weather changes
- Alternative activities (horseback riding, fishing, navigation)
Extended Stay (7-10 days):
- Multi-day treks (Huemul Circuit)
- Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier
- Specialized activities (climbing, technical fishing)
What clothing should I bring to El Chaltén?
Layering system + wind and rain protection
Essential Recommended Clothing:
- Base layer: Thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic)
- Insulating layer: Fleece or synthetic/natural down
- Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Pants: Trekking + waterproof
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots + comfortable hotel shoes
Important Accessories:
- Hat and gloves: Essential even in summer
- Sunglasses: Glacial protection factor
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ minimum
- Buff: Protection for neck and face
Hotel Tip:
Los Cerros Boutique Hotel offers laundry service, so you don't need to bring clothing for every day.
Is it safe to trek alone in El Chaltén?
Main trails are safe, but always take precautions
Mandatory Safety Measures:
- Register at the Visitor Center before departing on trails that require it
- Inform your accommodation of your itinerary
- Carry updated map and know the route
- Communicate plan changes immediately
Additional Recommendations:
- Start early: Better weather conditions in the morning
- Carry sufficient water: Minimum 2 liters per trekking day
- First aid kit: Basic but complete
- Emergency whistle: For signaling in case of need
When to Hire a Guide:
- Mandatory: Glacier treks and technical routes
- Recommended: First time in mountains, adverse weather conditions
Optional: Main trails in good weather
Is there cell phone signal on El Chaltén trails?
Limited to specific areas
Available Coverage:
- In town: Excellent coverage from all carriers
- Trail starts: Signal available first few miles
- Río de las Vueltas Viewpoint: Partial coverage
- Rest of trails: No cellular coverage
Communication Alternatives:
- Communication radios: Rental available for groups
- GPS devices: With satellite SOS function
- Satellite phone: For long expeditions
Do I need to book in advance in El Chaltén?
Depends on season and type of service
Essential Booking (High Season):
- Accommodations: 2-6 months in advance
- Popular restaurants: 1-2 days ahead
- Guided activities: 1 week ahead
- Private transfers: At time of hotel booking
Services Without Booking Needed:
- Self-guided treks: Main trails always accessible
- Supermarkets and pharmacies: Guaranteed supply
- Regular buses: Subject to availability (booking recommended)
Los Cerros Hotel Tip:
Our team assists with all bookings and recommendations necessary to optimize your stay.
Can I bring my pet to El Chaltén?
Yes, with restrictions and special preparation
National Park Regulations:
- Prohibited: Entry to trails within Los Glaciares National Park
- Permitted: Urban areas of town and specific authorized zones
- Mandatory: Up-to-date vaccination and health documentation
Pet-Friendly Accommodations:
Los Cerros Boutique Hotel: You can accommodate your small pet with us, but you must consider that you cannot enter the National Park with it.
Our staff will indicate where to leave it during the day if you go hiking, but cannot be responsible for it.
Activities with Pets:
- Urban walks: Through town streets
- Recreation areas: Authorized spaces by the river
- Special horseback rides: Some estancias allow pets
What does Los Cerros Boutique Hotel service include?
Included Services:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all areas
- Buffet breakfast with Patagonian products
- Monitored private parking
- Specialized mountain activity concierge
- Trekking equipment and luggage storage
Additional Available Services:
- El Viento Restaurant: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Room service during specific hours
- Coordinated transfers to/from El Calafate
- Trekking and mountain equipment rental (contracted service)
- Organized excursions with local operators
- Laundry service
What's the weather like in El Chaltén during my visit?
Highly variable - prepare for all conditions
Patagonian Climate Characteristics:
- Sudden changes: From sun to rain in minutes
- Strong winds: Especially in afternoons
- Temperature range: Large difference between day and night
- Unpredictable: Essential to check daily forecast
Weather Resources at Los Cerros Hotel:
- Information display: Updated forecast in lobby
- Specialized concierge: Daily recommendations based on weather
- Flexibility: Possibility to change plans according to conditions
Are there ATMs in El Chaltén?
Limited - advisable to bring sufficient cash
Money Options:
- Banco Provincia: Only ATM in town (frequently out of cash)
- Cash from El Calafate: Recommended to withdraw before traveling
- Credit cards: Accepted at main businesses but not all
Financial Tip:
Los Cerros Boutique Hotel accepts all major cards and can assist with foreign currency exchange information.