Puesto Cagliero Refugio de montaña
Puesto Cagliero is a mountain refuge in Estancia Los Huemules, facing Cagliero Glacier on the shore of Laguna Diablo. It is reached by an easy trail of about 2.5 hours that starts 17 km from El Chaltén. It has 6 rooms for 4 guests, with bunk beds and a private bathroom with hot water. The rate includes half board (welcome coffee with pancakes, dinner and breakfast) and entry to the Los Huemules reserve. It is open from November 1 to April 6.
We offer a warm, comfortable refuge where you can immerse yourself in nature or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views. When you arrive at the Interpretation Center, you'll be welcomed by a park ranger, ready to guide you with a map in hand toward your mountain adventure. To get from El Chaltén to the Estancia, if you don't have your own vehicle, you can hire a taxi in El Chaltén.
We also provide towels, bed linen and amenities for your comfort. Please note that lunch and drinks are not included in the rate. If you'd like, you can pre-book lunch by contacting us.
In the area, we also have Piedra del Fraile Refuge, located in the Río Eléctrico valley.
Good to know
We speak: Spanish and English.
Open from November 1 to April 6.
Business hours: from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Argentina Time / UTC-3).
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Check-out: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Half-board accommodation.
Pets not allowed.
The refuge
Rooms
The refuge has 6 quadruple rooms with bunk beds, a private bathroom with hot showers, and glacier views.
Half board
A welcome coffee with pancakes, breakfast, dinner and water are included. Drinks are available for purchase at the refuge: soft drinks, beer and wine.
Self-guided activities
From the refuge there are unguided trails to: Laguna Azul, Laguna Verde, Loma del Diablo.
Cerro 30 Aniversario
A full-day trek to the summit of Cerro 30 Aniversario, with 360° views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Fitz Roy massif. See details.
Ice Trek Glaciar Neumeyer
Trekking through untouched terrain, via ferratas and a walk on a high-mountain glacier with striking views of the Fitz Roy range. See details.
Upper Refuge Circuit
Lets you see, in just one day, the silhouettes of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from above, and the immensity of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. See details.
Rooms
- Six rooms for 4 people.
- Bed linen.
- Family rooms.
- Daily housekeeping.
Bathrooms
- Private bathrooms with hot showers.
- Toilet paper.
- Free toiletries.
Food and drinks
- Half-board.
- Restaurant.
- Café / Bar / Snack bar.
- Wine / champagne (extra charge).
- Special diet menus (on request).
Also
- Luggage storage.
- Packed lunches.
- Maps / Board games / puzzles.
- Fire extinguishers / Smoke detectors.
- Exclusive views of Cagliero Glacier and Laguna Diablo.
- Starting point for self-guided and guided hikes.
- Information and advice on treks and activities.
- We accept Visa credit and debit cards, and Mastercard.
Location
Estancia Los Huemules, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
How to get there: from El Chaltén, drive 17 km along RP41 (gravel road) to Estancia Los Huemules. Then follow the signposted trail toward Laguna Diablo, about a 2.5-hour walk (between 2 and 3 hours, depending on fitness).
Location and access map
Distance from El Chaltén to Estancia Los Huemules: 17 km (half an hour on a gravel road).
From El Calafate Airport: 200 km to El Chaltén, about 3 hours by bus; from there, half an hour by taxi on a gravel road to the entrance of Estancia Los Huemules and about a 2.5-hour walk to the refuge.
What our guests say
“It's one of my favourite places I've ever stayed! A lovely peaceful 5km hike up to the hut, through the forests - great if it's cloudy or windy as you're protected.”
“It’s a basic but luxurious for those experienced of “refugio” as you have hot water, very comfy beds, and good meals, even a bit of electricity!”
“Best experience of my travels. Only for nature lovers , fit people who can walk intensely , and can relax! Super Worth the effort and money.”
Frequently asked questions
About the accommodation and services
The refuge has 6 quadruple rooms with bunk beds, a private bathroom with hot showers, and glacier views.
A welcome coffee with pancakes, breakfast, dinner and water are included. Drinks are available for purchase at the refuge: soft drinks, beer and wine.
Puesto Cagliero Refugio de montaña is located in Estancia Los Huemules, facing Cagliero Glacier, on the shore of Laguna Diablo.
The main trail starts 17 km from El Chaltén (approx. half an hour), at the Interpretation Center of Estancia Los Huemules, on Provincial Route 41, which can be traveled by private vehicle or regular transfers from town. There is parking at the entrance to the reserve. The refuge is reached only on foot, along a low-difficulty trail of about 2.5 hours (between 2 and 3 hours, depending on fitness).
Pets and smoking are not allowed in any of the units. Puesto Cagliero Refugio de montaña is a smoke-free space designed for guests to rest.
Bookings, contact and hours
To book your stay at Puesto Cagliero Refugio de montaña, use the "Book your stay" button. We will get back to you as soon as possible with availability confirmation for the requested dates, the price and payment methods. You can also use the "Chat on WhatsApp" button.
You can send your message using the "Send your enquiry" button, or the "Chat on WhatsApp" button.
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Check-out: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
We are open from November 1 to April 6. The refuge is open from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Argentina Time / UTC-3).
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.