Huemul Travel
Huemul Travel provides private transportation and logistical support from El Chaltén for independent travelers, families, trekking groups, travel agencies, and production crews. Operations are managed by Alan Díaz and Ben Starkel, who coordinate each service around the itinerary, passenger count, luggage, and destination. During the past year, we transported more than 1,000 passengers.
We provide door-to-door transfers between accommodations, airports, bus terminals, trailheads, and long-distance destinations. Services with agreed waiting time or multiple stops can also be arranged in advance.
Huemul Travel provides transportation only; admission fees, tours, guides, and activities are booked separately. To request a quote, send us your date, pickup point, destination, preferred time, passenger count, and luggage requirements.
Good to know
We speak: Spanish and English.
Business hours: 24 hours.
WiFi internet on board.
Extra baggage allowance depending on the trip.
Vehicles
- Toyota Hilux or similar: Up to 4 passengers.
- Toyota Hiace or similar: Larger groups and additional luggage.
- Minibus: Groups of up to 19 passengers.
All vehicles offer Starlink. Luggage trailers are available when required.
Destinations
Towns and airports
- El Chaltén.
- El Calafate.
- El Calafate International Airport (FTE).
Trailheads and access points
- Río Eléctrico.
- Hostería El Pilar.
- Estancia Los Huemules.
- Punta Sur at Lago del Desierto, access to the Huemul Glacier trail.
- Chorrillo del Salto.
Destinations from El Calafate
- Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Punta Bandera.
- Laguna Nimez.
- Punta Walichu.
Chile and the Torres del Paine area
- Puerto Natales.
- Torres del Paine National Park and road-accessible accommodations.
Pickup and drop-off points in the Torres del Paine area
- Hotel Las Torres Patagonia.
- EcoCamp Patagonia.
- Explora Torres del Paine.
- Hotel Lago Grey.
- Hostería Pehoé.
- Río Serrano Hotel + Spa.
- Hotel del Paine.
- Pampa Lodge.
- Kau Río Serrano.
- Tierra Patagonia.
- Patagonia Camp.
- Awasi Patagonia.
- Estancia Cerro Guido.
Exact access, timing, and the meeting point are confirmed before each booking based on the route, border conditions, and current park rules.
Services
Private Transfers in El Chaltén
Huemul Travel arranges pre-booked private transfers from El Chaltén for independent travelers, families, trekking groups, and agencies. We coordinate pickups from accommodations, the bus terminal, and agreed addresses, along with connections to airports, trailheads, and regional destinations. Before each service, we confirm the pickup time, meeting point, destination, passenger count, and luggage. Depending on the group, we assign a Toyota Hilux or similar for up to four passengers, a Toyota Hiace or similar for larger groups and additional luggage, or a minibus for up to 19 passengers. All vehicles offer Starlink, and a luggage trailer can be added when required.
Transfers Between El Chaltén, El Calafate, and the Airport
We provide private door-to-door transfers between El Chaltén, El Calafate, and El Calafate International Airport (FTE). Departure times are arranged in advance around flight schedules, accommodation check-in, or the group's itinerary. Pickup can be arranged from hotels, apartments, the bus terminal, and other confirmed addresses. Scenic stops may be requested when booking; whether they are possible will depend on timing, weather, and road conditions. To help us assign the right vehicle, please provide the number of passengers, suitcases, trekking packs, and any special equipment.
Trailhead Transportation in El Chaltén
We arrange private transportation to Río Eléctrico, Hostería El Pilar, Estancia Los Huemules, Lago del Desierto, Punta Sur, and Chorrillo del Salto. For Laguna de los Tres, a one-way transfer to the El Pilar trailhead makes it possible to complete a point-to-point hike and finish in El Chaltén. Services are booked around the preferred start time, pickup point, and passenger count. We can also transport trekking packs, camping equipment, and expedition gear, with a luggage trailer added when required. For Huemul Glacier, transportation reaches Punta Sur at Lago del Desierto, where the walking trail begins.
Transfers to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine
Huemul Travel provides private transportation between El Chaltén or El Calafate and Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, and road-accessible accommodations in the region. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged at Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, EcoCamp, Explora, Hotel Lago Grey, Hostería Pehoé, the Río Serrano area, Tierra Patagonia, Patagonia Camp, Awasi Patagonia, Estancia Cerro Guido, and other confirmed locations. Travel times can vary because of immigration, customs, weather, and road conditions. Before booking, we confirm the exact meeting point, luggage requirements, and operational details for the transfer.
Private Transportation from El Calafate
From El Calafate, we arrange private transportation to Perito Moreno Glacier, Punta Bandera, Laguna Nimez, Punta Walichu, and other nearby destinations. The service can be a direct transfer or include an agreed waiting period so the vehicle remains available during the visit. Stops, timing, and service duration are defined before the booking is confirmed. Huemul Travel provides transportation and the contracted waiting time only. Admission fees, boat trips, guided visits, and activities are not included and must be booked separately. For an accurate quote, please share the complete itinerary and expected schedule.
Private Driver and Minibus Transportation for Groups
Huemul Travel provides vehicles with a private driver for full-day schedules, multi-stop itineraries, and group transportation for up to 19 passengers. The service is suitable for travel agencies, trekking groups, families, events, and production crews that need coordinated timing and space for luggage or technical equipment. We assign a Toyota Hilux or similar, a Toyota Hiace or similar, or a minibus based on passenger and cargo requirements. A luggage trailer can be added when needed. The itinerary, waiting time, and service conditions are agreed before booking.
Frequently asked questions
About the transfer service
A private transfer includes an exclusive vehicle licensed for tourist passenger transport, a professional local driver, fuel, and space for standard luggage (suitcases and trekking backpacks), with no mandatory intermediate stops and no other passengers sharing the ride. The service is door-to-door: we pick you up at the place and time you indicate and drop you off exactly where you tell us. It does not include meals or park entrance fees. Intermediate stops (viewpoints or points of interest) can be arranged depending on availability and road conditions.
Yes. The transfer service runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: we schedule pickup based on your actual flight time or your lodge's check-in, whatever the hour. Our phone and WhatsApp hours for enquiries and bookings are 24 hours.
Yes, all vehicles are equipped with Starlink roaming WiFi so you can stay connected during the trip — for example, about 95% of the route between El Calafate and El Chaltén has no mobile data coverage or public WiFi.
About your trip between El Calafate and El Chaltén
A private transfer between El Calafate and El Chaltén takes approximately 2.5 hours under normal road conditions: it's 200 km from the International Airport (FTE) and 215 km from the town of El Calafate. Travel time can vary depending on road conditions such as strong winds or fog banks, and any photo or rest stops requested by passengers. In winter, with snow or ice, travel time can increase. Our drivers assess the day's conditions and prioritize safety at all times.
To book a private transfer, just tap the "Book / Book your trip" button and let us know the date, number of passengers, pickup point, and destination. You can also use the "Chat on WhatsApp" button with the same details. We confirm availability and send you the final price, payment terms, and driver details. We recommend booking in advance during high season (November to March), especially around flight times.
Yes, we run private transfers in the area year-round, including winter. Our vehicles are prepared for local conditions and our drivers are experienced on snowy and icy roads. On days with bad weather the trip may take longer, and in extreme cases it may be rescheduled for safety. We always prioritize making the transfer under the best possible conditions.
The regular bus is more affordable for solo travelers and runs on fixed departure times, with several daily frequencies in high season. You share the vehicle with other passengers, with a single stop at Parador La Leona (none in winter), and in most cases you depart from and arrive at a bus terminal. Regular shuttles are door-to-door minibuses, but also on a fixed schedule. A private transfer with Huemul Travel is exclusive to your group, whether it's 1 or several passengers, with as many stops along the way as you like, at the time you need, door-to-door to wherever you indicate, and the driver often doubles as a tour guide along the way.
Location
76 Trevisán, Z9301 El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Location and access map
What our customers say
Useful information for your trip
Argentina
Official language: Spanish (castellano). In Buenos Aires and tourist areas, English is fairly well understood. Demonym: Argentine / Argentinian.
Currency: Argentine peso (ARS). Symbol: $. ISO code: ARS. US dollars are accepted at many hotels and tourist businesses (always ask about the exchange rate). There are official and parallel exchange rates ("dólar blue"). Recommended: exchange money at official exchange houses, banks, or Western Union. Bring clean, low-denomination cash dollars. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities; cash is essential in small towns and for tips/taxis.
220-230 V / 50 Hz. Type C outlets (European, two round pins) and type I (Australian-style, two flat V-shaped pins + ground). Bring a universal adapter.
Valid passport (at least 3-6 months of remaining validity and blank pages recommended). Citizens of most countries in the Americas, Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, etc. don't need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days. Always check with the Argentine embassy for your specific nationality. Additional entry requirements: round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel. Sufficient funds (approx. USD 50/day). Travel medical insurance (recommended/required under recent regulations – check whether Decree 366/2025 is in force; many sources require it with minimum coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation). A sworn declaration in some cases.
Time zone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time – ART) across the whole mainland. Daylight saving time has not been used since 2009. Phone code: +54.
911 (general emergencies – police/ambulance, with English-language support in Buenos Aires City). 100 Fire department. 107 Ambulance (SAME). 101 Police. Buenos Aires also has a dedicated Tourist Police.
Driving is on the right. A valid national license plus an international driving permit is recommended (depending on agreements and the rental company). Legal minimum age is 17 (rental companies usually require 21+).
In Buenos Aires: the SUBE card is used for the subway, buses, and trains. Useful apps: Cabify, Uber, BA Taxi.
Generally safe in major cities (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, etc.). In rural or remote areas, bottled water is recommended.
Not mandatory but expected for good service. Restaurants: 10%. Taxis: round up or leave the change. Hotels: bellhops and housekeeping as appropriate. Guides: 10%.
Good 4G/5G coverage in cities. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy (Claro, Movistar, Personal) with your passport. WiFi is common in hotels, cafés, and airports.
No mandatory vaccines. Recommended: routine vaccines up to date, plus yellow fever if visiting the north (Iguazú and surrounding areas). Medical insurance is strongly advised (and possibly required).
Highly varied: subtropical in the north, temperate in the center, cold/subantarctic in Patagonia. The best time to visit depends on the region (southern summer, Dec-Feb, for most of the country; winter for skiing).
Mealtimes run late (dinner starts around 9 pm). Siesta is common in inland towns. Mate-drinking culture. Asado (barbecue), empanadas, Malbec wine.
Normal precautions apply, as in any big city. Watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas of Buenos Aires. Avoid displaying valuables.
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is located about 210-220 km north of El Calafate (approx. 3 hours via Route 40 + Route 41, fully paved).
Chaltenense (the term used for people from El Chaltén).
High season: October to April (best for trekking). Peak: December-February (longer days, more visitors). Shoulder season: October-November and March-April (fewer crowds, good fall colors). Low season / winter: May-September (many services close, snow, difficult trails; for experienced visitors only).
The closest airport is Armando Tola International Airport, also known as El Calafate Airport (FTE). El Chaltén has no airport of its own. It's only reachable by land: daily buses run from El Calafate, usually departing in the morning, midday, and afternoon during the tourist season. Private transfers and rental cars are also an option. In high season, it's best to book in advance.
Extremely variable (all 4 seasons can happen in a single day). Very strong winds (Patagonia). Summer temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F) during the day, cool at night. Winter temperatures: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) during the day, very cold at night. Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a windbreaker are essential.
220V / 50Hz (same plug types as the rest of Argentina: C and I). Internet and cell signal are limited or intermittent (better in the town center). WiFi is available at most accommodations, though not always stable. Satellite internet (Starlink) is being adopted quickly. Mobile service: 4G (Movistar, Claro).
There's a branch of Banco Santa Cruz. ATMs (Banco Santa Cruz / Red LINK) are available, but they can be out of order or run out of cash. It's best to withdraw money in El Calafate beforehand.
There's a local health center with basic care and an ambulance (Puesto Sanitario). Serious emergencies are evacuated to El Calafate. Travel insurance with mountain/rescue coverage is highly recommended.
There's a YPF fuel station (Módulo de Abastecimiento Social, MAS) at the entrance to town, offering diesel and Super gasoline. Postal service: Correo Argentino.
Currency exchange offices.
A small, quiet town, 100% focused on trekking and nature. A backpacker and mountain-lover atmosphere. Meal and business hours are earlier than in Buenos Aires. There's a strong "mountain culture" and respect for the environment.
Since late 2024, there's an entrance fee for the main trails. Tickets are purchased online or via QR code (cash is not accepted at the trailheads). Multi-day passes are available.