Paisa High Mountain Coffee
Paisa High Mountain Coffee is a specialty coffee shop in El Chaltén, at 86 Ricardo Arbilla Str.: Colombian coffee and guest origins, as espresso or brewed, with breakfast, bruschettas, Colombian arepas and homemade pastries, plus gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. It is open Wednesday to Monday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from October 1 to April 30.
No reservations: just come by. On nice days there are tables and deck chairs in the garden, with views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Good to know
We speak: Spanish and English.
Open from October 1 to April 30.
Business hours: Wednesday to Monday, from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Argentina Time / UTC-3).
Payment: cash, credit and debit cards.
Welcome
Born from our Colombian coffee roots, PAISA is a place to discover different origins, brewing methods and ways of enjoying a great cup of coffee. Colombian coffee, selected origins and methods from around the world, in El Chaltén.
We are a specialty coffee shop, deeply rooted in our coffee-growing heritage. Our mission is to share with you not only a rich tradition but also a diverse range of coffee types and brewing methods, with the finest coffee beans from Colombia and other renowned coffee-producing regions worldwide.
Coffee, the Paisa way.
In 2026, PAISA was recognized in the first national edition of The Best Coffee Shops Argentina, a ranking created to highlight the most relevant coffee shops in the country’s coffee scene.
Out of more than 6,000 coffee shops in the country, the call brought together 381 specialty entries from different Argentine provinces, from which the 100 that made up the national ranking were selected.
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The result combined a public vote with the assessment of a specialized jury. The selection did not only consider what is served in a cup: it also evaluated aspects such as the quality and consistency of the coffee, the training and technique of the baristas, service, the food offering, atmosphere, innovation, ties with the community and sustainability.
After that whole process, PAISA High Mountain Coffee ranked No. 60 among the 100 best coffee shops in Argentina.
Receiving this recognition meant a great deal to us. It not only valued the work done over seven seasons in El Chaltén, a small mountain village in Patagonia, but also everything we have built around PAISA.
That #60 stands for our current team and everyone who has worked with us over the years; for our families and suppliers; for the El Chaltén community, which welcomed and recommended us from the very beginning; and for every person who once walked in asking what PAISA meant and ended up learning a little more about our story.
Menu
Prices in Argentine pesos (ARS). Prices valid as of October 14, 2026.
Espressos
| Single | Double | Triple | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | ARS 4,800 | ARS 6,300 | ARS 8,300 |
| Espresso | ARS 4,900 | ARS 6,500 | ARS 8,500 |
| Americano | ARS 5,000 | ARS 6,600 | ARS 8,600 |
| Long black | ARS 6,500 | ||
| Macchiato | ARS 5,000 | ARS 6,800 | |
| Cortado | ARS 5,200 | ARS 6,800 | |
| Piccolo | ARS 5,500 | ||
| Latte macchiato | ARS 6,300 | ||
| Latte | ARS 6,500 | ARS 9,000 | |
| Cappuccino | ARS 6,500 | ARS 8,500 | |
| Flat white | ARS 7,500 | ARS 9,500 | |
| Nutellatte | ARS 7,700 | ARS 9,800 | |
| Mokaccino | ARS 8,000 | ARS 10,000 |
Add-ons
| Plant-based milk | ARS 1,000 |
| Syrup | ARS 1,000 |
| Extra espresso shot | ARS 3,500 |
Brew station
| 1 cup | 2 cups | |
|---|---|---|
| House coffee: Colombia blend | ARS 7,000 | ARS 13,000 |
| Guest coffee: Nicaragua | ARS 8,000 | ARS 15,000 |
| Guest coffee: Ethiopia, Yirgacheffe | ARS 9,000 | ARS 17,000 |
| Guest coffee: Nicaragua and Brazil blend | ARS 9,000 | ARS 17,000 |
Location
86 Ricardo Arbilla Str., Z9301 El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, about 700 meters (walking) from the El Chaltén bus terminal.
Location map
The blue line on the map shows the way from the bus terminal (700 m).
From El Calafate Airport: 200 km to El Chaltén, about 3 hours by bus.
What our customers say
“One of my favorite coffee stops in Patagonia. The coffee is genuinely good: I had both a V60 and a double espresso, and both were excellent. But what really makes Paisa special is the people: warm service, genuine smiles, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back.”
“Best coffee in town […] Great view, lovely bruschettas, and amazing apple crumble. The 'chocolate de mi abu' was just perfect.”
“We came here everyday for pour over. They are dedicated to the art of coffee and have multiple types of beans and brew methods. Fabulous cortado as well!”
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Frequently asked questions
About the café and the menu
Paisa High Mountain Coffee is a specialty coffee shop: Colombian house coffee and guest coffees from other origins, as espresso or brewed, plus breakfast, bruschettas, Colombian arepas and pastries baked in-house every day.
At the Brew station you choose the method (Origami, V60, AeroPress, Chemex, French press or siphon), the origin and the number of cups. Each cup uses 14 to 16 g of coffee.
Yes. The arepas are gluten-free, there are gluten-free and vegan pastries, several vegetarian options and bruschettas with a vegan option. Plant-based milk is available for your coffee. Each item is labeled on the menu.
The full menu with prices is on this page, in the Menu section, and you can download it as a PDF. Prices are in Argentine pesos.
Yes. The shop sells house coffee, whole bean or ground, coffee makers (moka pots, French press, AeroPress, V60) and accessories, and they can grind your coffee.
Paisa High Mountain Coffee is at 86 Ricardo Arbilla Str., El Chaltén, about 700 meters (walking) from the bus terminal.
Hours, bookings and payment
We are open Wednesday to Monday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Argentina time). We are open from October 1 to April 30.
No, Paisa High Mountain Coffee does not take reservations: just come by. For any question, use the "Send your enquiry" button or message us on WhatsApp.
We accept cash, credit and debit cards.
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 via Route 40 + Route 41, fully paved: about 2.5 hours by car or private transfer, and about 3 hours by bus or shuttle, due to stops.
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.