Self Guided Trekking
This is the guide to all the self-guided hikes in the El Chaltén area, with topographic maps, photos, descriptions and useful tips.
Here are all the hikes you can do on your own in the El Chaltén area. You’ll find trails that start and end in town, and others that start and end at different points along the De las Vueltas River Valley. The longest trails start at Punta Sur del Lago Del Desierto, which is 37 km from El Chaltén and reaches the border with Chile. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro at hiking or don’t have much experience. These trails are well-marked and designed to be safe for everyone.
Here are all the hikes you can do on your own in the El Chaltén area. El Chaltén’s natural beauty has become famous worldwide because it’s so easy to get to. Most of the trails don’t require any mountain experience. But if you’re feeling a bit nervous, you can always hire a guide. They’ll make sure you have a great time.
Depending on their length or location, the walks are grouped into:
Short treks from El Chaltén: 2 to 3 hours.
Half-day treks from El Chaltén: 3 to 5 hours.
Full day treks from El Chaltén: 7 to 9 hours.
Hiking in the De Las Vueltas river Valley: 1 to 6 hours.
Hiking in Lago Del Desierto : 2 to 5 hours.
Short treks from El Chaltén
If you are not used to walking in the mountains or if you doubt of your physical condition it is highly recommended that you start doing short walks before undertaking
hikes of longer Length.
If you have a few hours to spend or you are accompanied by small children these are the indicated to do.
Start with some short walks before taking on the longest treks
Difficulty, for an adult with good physical condition.
Length, Total round trip time walking on the path.
Half Day treks from El Chaltén
Even if you have no experience in trekking, you can take any of these walks that take you to extraordinary viewpoints. These hikes are not the most demanding ones but they will assure you the best memories of these landscapes of Patagonia.
If you do not have any experience in the mountains but do not want to miss any of these hikes you can hire a guide.
These are the perfect viewpoints for those looking for a half-day activity!
Difficulty, for an adult with good physical condition.
Length, Total round trip time walking on the path.
Full Day treks from El Chaltén
These are the most demanding ones, those that every enthusiastic walker dreams of accomplish in El Chaltén. Your day should start very early in the morning because there will be several hours of activity and numerous stops to get your energy back. Once on the trail there are no places to buy what you forgot to carry in your backpack, so make sure you have the necessary food, water and clothing for the entire day.
If you have little experience in the mountains but do not want to miss any of these hikes, it is advisable to hire a guide.
The first prizes to the effort and the best views of the two emblematic mountains of El Chaltén.
Difficulty, for an adult with good physical condition.
Length, Total round trip time walking on the path.
Hiking in De Las Vueltas River Valley
Between El Chaltén and Lago Del Desierto there are some of the most beautiful spots in the area. Many of the walks in the valley are short and easy and they give you the opportunity to explore more points of interest on the way to or from the Lago Del Desierto.
To get to this area -between 13 and 17 km from El Chaltén- you can take any of the transfer services in El Chaltén.
Unique places hidden halfway to the Lago del Desierto
Difficulty, for an adult with good physical condition.
Length, Total round trip time walking on the path.
Hikking in the Lago del Desierto
This beautiful lake is at the end of the De las Vueltas river valley. Its name does not honor this paradise of forests, turquoise water, hills, glaciers and waterfalls where you can do hikes and excursions of different Length and difficulty.
The lake is located 37 km from El Chaltén, if you do not have your own vehicle you can take any of the private transfer services in El Chaltén.