The village of El Chalten, Argentina, located in the northern area of Los Glaciares National Park, is known as the Trekking Capital of Argentina. The tiny trekking outpost sits at the base of Mount Fitz Roy and exists mainly to meet the food and lodging needs of the hikers who visit.
Here’s the thing, though…I am no hiker, at least not in the same way as an avid hiking enthusiast who hikes often and has all the right gear. But, I do enjoy hiking because it is usually the best way to explore a National Park.
When I planned this Patagonia trip, I knew the multi-day W Circuit trek in Torres del Paine was not a fit for me. El Chalten and its day-hikes suited my style and got me closer to the mountains in Los Glaciares National Park. I spent 2 days doing 2 hikes, Laguna Torre and Lago De Los Tres.
Hiking in Patagonia as a Non-Hiker
Before setting off, pack lunch and plenty of water. You’ll need to hydrate and refuel along the way for the 2 day-long hikes discussed below. El Chalten’s shops sell prepared foods for hikers.
Laguna Torre
One access point to start the trail is from a metal staircase in the village. The level of difficulty listed by the park is easy to moderate. Think moderate because the trail winds up around the mountains, down into the Fitz Roy River Valley, and back up to Laguna Torre.
The hike could take up to 4 hours one-way and 9 hours round trip. I’ve read that others have done the one-way in 2.5 hours, and while there were certainly people on the trail moving faster than I was, that pace seems to leave no time for any stops. In total, the hike took me about 8 hours round trip, which included lunch, taking a lot of photos, and stopping for a bit to watch a pair of male and female huemuls, an endangered species of South Andean deer.
Hiking in Patagonia soon?
I had a fantastic stay at the Nothofagus Bed & Breakfast. Search and book more great hotels on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
Lago De Los Tres
The access point to begin this hike is about a 10-minute walk just outside of El Chalten. There is also a shuttle that brings hikers to the start. The level of difficulty listed by the park is medium to hard. While much of the 10 km. path meanders through a forest and into a flatter river valley, the first 2 kilometers are up a tougher incline and the last kilometer is downright killer, as you claw your way up the rocky mountainside to the glacier-fed lake at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy.
But, if I can do it, so can you!
Plan to do this hike on a clear day so you can clearly see Mt. Fitz Roy. This hike is a lot of work to do without the reward of seeing the granite spires clearly or having bad weather at the lake.
In order to make the 6 p.m. bus back to El Calafate, I made a 7:45 a.m. start and returned to El Chalten by 5:30 p.m. There were few stops and the pace was quicker than the previous day’s hike to Laguna Torre. I knew if I began my return by 1 p.m., I would make the bus.
P.S. Time for a confession…
I made a friend named Jenny and we hiked together. It was as much her encouragement as my own physical strength that got me to the top!
What are your thoughts about hiking as a non-hiker? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
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This is SO on my bucket list! I’ve always dreamed of going to patagonia. It looks amazing! I’m saving this post for the day I make it to South America 🙂
Fantastic! I’m sure it will be everything you imagine! I was totally blown away by how beautiful it was. When you plan your trip, reach back out if you need any tips!
I feel the same way as you. I am not a hiker but enjoy to hike and realize this is necessary when exploring the outdoors. I was faced with not a so easy hike recently at Yosemite. The good news is that I was able to push it and make it to the goal. You photos in here are incredible. This is a place I would love to visit.
Thanks, Ruth. I haven’t hiked in Yosemite, but would love to give it a try. Patagonia is a truly special destination. Hope you can make it for a visit!
WOW! Not much of a hiker myself but I think those views are worth it. Breath- taking! Might have to add this one to my bucket list 🙂
Thanks for your comments, Bryna! If you go to Patagonia, definitely consider their fall/autumn. The foliage against the mountains and lakes is incredible!
This is EXACTLY the kind of post I bookmark for future travel plans — thank you! Like you, I’m not a hugely rugged backpacker/hiker, but I love hiking when I can. If I go to Patagonia, this will be the perfect reference for my trip.
Thank you, Jennifer! I agree. Hiking is such a great way to explore the natural landscape of a place, but I’m so not the rugged backpacker type. Glad to help you plan a trip to Patagonia! 🙂
GOSH! Your photos! Love the fall colors too. Very different to the usual snow covered landscapes we see of Patagonia.
Thanks, Anna! I had the same reaction when I saw the landscapes in person! It didn’t seem real with the snow-capped mountains and the brilliant fall foliage. If you ever visit, I would highly recommend fall. It’s simply stunning!
What a view! This is definitely the kind of hike I’m going to be enjoying.
The landscapes were breathtaking, Erica! They keep you going for the whole hike. 🙂
vibrant and very colorful. Happy for you.
Thank you, Himanshu. Patagonia in the fall is spectacular!
Such fantastic scenery… I would never want to leave!
Trust me Dave, I could have stayed! It’s such a stunning part of the world.
I appreciate this perspective because I’m a non-hiker and though I want to see that area, I’ve always been leary because I’m not a hiker.
It’s true, Laura, because a lot of the information out there is for hardcore hikers. I was glad to find El Chalten because it’s a great jumping off point for great day hikes.
So beautiful! I wonder if it would be possible for my 3 year old daughter? Nine hours is a long day.
Nine hours is long for a 3 year old, Lesley. The youngest child I saw on all my hikes was probably around 7 or 8. But that being said the trails all vary in length and difficulty so it would depend on what age you think she could handle something like this. A few very child friendly aspects of hiking here are the paths are well maintained, it’s super clean, and there were surprisingly few (if any) insects or animals.
I’m a non-hiker as well so it’s good to see a hike that I could manage. The scenery is well worth the effort! Great info!
The day hikes in El Chalten are long, but allow you to complete them in a single day. The landscapes are stunning and you get to sleep in a warm bed when you’re finished. Perfect for us non-hikers! 🙂
I’m so glad you shared this. I too am a non-hiker. I love walking, but it’s usually more of an exploration stroll. It’s good to know that trails like this aren’t just for hiking superstars and we normal folk can get in on the views too.
Thanks, Mags! No need to be a hiking superstar on these day hikes in El Chalten, lol. 🙂 If I can make it and love it, you can too!
One of my dream destinations! Always when I see posts like yours I am amazed by this place, thanks! 🙂
I understand, Oliwia! I couldn’t get Patagonia out of my head and just had to get there! I promise, when you make it, you’ll be even more amazed by the natural beauty before you.
Great post and lovely pictures. This is so on my list to do things. Thanks for sharing. It looks fabulous there.
Thanks, Marc. It’s one of my all time favorite places to visit!! It’s stunning. Hope you can make it to Patagonia!
wow, your pictures are amazing! I guess you were really luck to have these clear skies in the fall. I’m want to go to Patagonia but need to be in better shape to enjoy it. Your post is encouraging.
Thanks, Naomi! Trust me when I say, I was huffing and puffing for that last bit to the top. Patagonia is stunning. I’m glad to provide some inspiration! 🙂
Hey I am total non hiker…with weak physical stamina. We are headed to El Calafate in August 2016. do you recommend we hike El Chalten?
I am a bit scared of hiking in snow…any thoughts?
Hi there and thanks for reading. It’s really hard to say since I was not there with snow on the ground. I can say the hardest hike I did was the Los Tres hike to the lake up near Mount Fitz Roy. Aside from the first km or so and the last, the path was mostly flat. Again, though, I wasn’t there facing winter conditions. I’d love to know what you decide or find out so check back in if you can! 🙂
Hey Jackie!
I’m not a hiker either but am so keen to do these day trips. I’m trying to work out if I should buy some hiking shoes/boots or if my trainers are enough. Any advice would be amazing!
Thanks, Jade
Hi Jade!
Thanks so much for reading. The El Chalten hiking day trips were fantastic. I’d say your trainers are probably enough. My only hesitation is the last bit of the Fitz Roy hike. It’s quite rocky and a bit of a “climb.” I was glad to have hiking shoes for that, but there were plenty of others with just trainers. If you’re interested, these are the hiking boots I wore in Patagonia. Have so much fun! Patagonia is spectacular. 🙂
Hi Jackie,
Your blog report was our inspiration to go to El Chalten on our first trip to Argentina, and we will be there this coming weekend!
We are a couple in our early 60’s, pretty fit and like hiking but have never done an 8 hour plus hike.
If we have one full day on Sunday (with weather predicted to be partly cloudy, no rain, upper 40’s) for one of the hikes you talk about, which would you recommend?
Thanks for your input!
Richard
Hi Richard,
Thanks so much for reading! I’m so glad you were inspired to visit El Chalten. If you have only full day, I’d do the Lagos de Los Tres, with the views of Fitz Roy and the glacier-fed lake. Start early, like with the sun coming up. The beginning kilometer or so is uphill and the last bit is the hardest of the trek, but everything in between is really gorgeous and feels more like a walk than a hike. Best of luck on your hike! I hope your trip to Argentina is unforgettable! Thanks again for reading. 🙂
Best,
Jackie
Hi Jackie, this post is great . I am visiting Patagonia this April 2018. I was worried to hear that april weather is not very good but your article is a lot more optimistic with the pictures to prove it. What date exactly in April did you hike? I am trying to decide what days in April to visit. Thank you so much
Thanks for reading, Deanna, and how exciting about your trip. I was there late March through the first week of April. To be honest, the hiking weather in El Chalten was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. Great fall weather. Not to mention the foliage!! Good luck and have an amazing time! 🙂