Hostels in El Chaltén: where to stay, how to get there and what to do
El Chaltén is a mountain village of about 1,865 people, founded in 1985 at the foot of Fitz Roy and declared Argentina's National Trekking Capital. For backpackers it has something few places offer: the trails to Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre or Loma del Pliegue Tumbado start on foot from the village, with no tour or transport needed. There are hostels with kitchens on every block. The flip side: there's no airport, there's just one ATM and in winter much of the village shuts down.
🛏️Dorm bedfrom ≈ US$ 16 a night
✈️AirportFTE (El Calafate), ≈ 200 km away
🚌Bus stationPerito Moreno 28, at the south entrance to the village
🏧ATMJust one: bring cash from El Calafate
🎟️Park entry≈ US$ 32 a day (foreigners), card only
💨WeatherWind with gusts of 70-80 km/h; snow from May
📍El Calafate215 km, ≈ 3 h by bus
Laguna de los Tres
Cerro Torre
The village of El Chaltén
How to get to El Chaltén
✈️ Comandante Armando Tola International Airport FTE
≈ 200 km from El Chaltén · 23 km from El Calafate
Getting to the centre and the hostels
Cal-Tur, Chaltén Travel or TAQSA bus: every departure stops at the airport, in both directions; ≈ 2 h 30-2 h 40, ≈ US$ 32-38 plus the municipal bus station fee
Door-to-door shared shuttle: Las Lengas and Don Atilio (≈ 2 h 30); Don Atilio has an office at the airport, open 7 am to 9 pm
Private transfer: Don Atilio offers it 24 h
There's no public bus between the airport and the town of El Calafate
Direct flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas all year from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza), Ushuaia, Córdoba, Trelew and Bariloche; LADE, with regional Patagonian connections on Mondays and Fridays.
🚌 El Chaltén Bus Station
📍 Perito Moreno 28 (south entrance to the village)
🛏️ 0.2 to 1.2 km from the hostels (3 to 17 min on foot)
It has TAQSA and Cal-Tur ticket windows, and the municipal bus station fee is paid at window 7. Chaltén Travel has its own office, at Av. San Martín 724 (the same address as Rancho Grande), and Don Atilio has an office at the bus station open from 5 am to 9 pm.
every departure to El Calafate stops at the airport
Cal-Tur, Chaltén Travel and TAQSA; Las Lengas and Don Atilio shuttles
Lago del Desierto (Punta Sur)
37 (gravel)
1 h to 1 h 30
in season (Oct-Apr)
Minibuses and shared taxis; Don Atilio, Confín Viajes
Los Antiguos (RN 40)
≈ 700
≈ 11 h
1/day in high season
Chaltén Travel and Marga TAQSA
Bariloche (RN 40)
1,443
≈ 24-26 h
1/day in high season
Chaltén Travel and Marga TAQSA
Ushuaia
≈ 1,030 (via Chile)
no direct bus
—
Change in El Calafate or fly FTE–Ushuaia
For the RN 40 buses to Los Antiguos and Bariloche, only the dates for the 2025-26 season (20/12 to 31/03) have been published, so ask at the bus station about 2026-27; there's no practical direct bus to Buenos Aires (2,634 km), so you fly from FTE.
Map of El Chaltén: bus station, hostels and sights
The hostels in this guide, the bus station, the airport and the things to see, all on one map. Tap a point to see its name.
Loading the map…
HostelsBus stationSights
Off the map (straight-line distance): Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola (FTE), El Calafate (≈ 122 km).
Distances from the centre
Place
Distance
Time
How
Mirador de los Cóndores
1 km (one way)
45 min one way
on foot from the Visitor Centre
Chorrillo del Salto
3 km (one way)
40 min one way
on foot, or by vehicle to the car park
Laguna Capri
4 km (one way)
1 h 45 one way
on foot along the Fitz Roy trail
Laguna Torre
9 km (one way)
6-8 h return
on foot from Los Charitos or Llao Llao
Laguna de los Tres
10 km (one way)
8-10 h return
on foot from the end of Av. San Martín
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
10 km (one way)
4 h one way
on foot from the Visitor Centre
Lago del Desierto (Punta Sur)
37 km (gravel)
1 h to 1 h 30
minibus or taxi
Getting around El Chaltén
There are no city buses and no SUBE card: you get around the village on foot and can cross it end to end in about 15 minutes.
The trails start inside the village: Laguna de los Tres at the end of Av. San Martín, Laguna Torre via Los Charitos or Llao Llao streets, and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and the Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints from the Visitor Centre, at the entrance.
From the bus station, the Fitz Roy trailhead is ≈ 1.6 km away and the Laguna Torre one ≈ 0.9 km.
To get out of the village (Lago del Desierto, Chorrillo del Salto by vehicle, El Pilar or Río Eléctrico) there are minibuses, taxis and shuttles.
Patagonia Hostel rents mountain bikes, but cycling on the trails inside the park is prohibited.
There's almost no phone signal in the mountains: National Parks asks you to allow time to get back before dark and to carry a torch, not rely on your phone.
Uber, Cabify, DiDi and taxis in El Chaltén
There are no ride-hailing apps: you get around the village on foot, and to get to El Calafate or the airport people use buses, shuttles or remís.
Uber No data
The most widely used in the country: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta and Bariloche. It takes card, cash and Mercado Pago, and the same account you use at home works here.
Cabify Not available
Strong in Buenos Aires; also in Córdoba, Mendoza and Bariloche. Cash only in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mendoza and Córdoba; to create an account it asks for a phone number and email address.
DiDi Not available
Works in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Salta, Bariloche and other cities (not in Mendoza). You pay by card or in cash.
Status of each app according to their official sites and the local press; it may change. The buttons open the official stores (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone).
The 3 best areas to stay in El Chaltén
1North: upper Av. San Martín For Fitz Roy
🚌 ≈ 0.9 to 1.2 km from the bus station
This is the end of the village where the trail to Laguna de los Tres starts: from Rancho Grande or Lo de Trivi it's about 400 m. Along the avenue there are grocery stores, gear rental and the Chaltén Travel office. The downside: it's ≈ 1.2 km from the bus station, some 15-17 minutes with your backpack, which feels heavy on arrival day with wind or rain. Thin walls and noise come up again and again in reviews for this area.
2West: Llao Llao and Los Sauces For Laguna Torre and some calm
🚌 ≈ 1 km from the bus station
Kaiken and Luna Country are less than 100 m from the Laguna Torre trailhead, on residential streets quieter than the avenue, and the Fitz Roy trailhead is ≈ 1 km away. It suits anyone looking for calm who's going to hike Laguna Torre. Downsides: ≈ 1 km from the bus station (13-15 minutes on foot), fewer bars and grocery stores close by, and some guests feel it's far from the centre.
3South: bus station and Av. Lago del Desierto For arriving and leaving by bus
🚌 ≈ 0.2 to 0.6 km from the bus station
Cóndor de los Andes is ≈ 200 m from the bus station and Los Viajeros about 350 m. Nearby are the only ATM, a supermarket and the Visitor Centre, where the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and Mirador de los Cóndores trails start. It suits you if you arrive or leave by bus early, or if you're only staying a few nights. Downside: the Fitz Roy trail starts 1.3-1.5 km away, about 20 extra minutes each way.
The 8 recommended hostels in El Chaltén
Eight hostels with dorms and kitchens, chosen by score, number of reviews and location relative to the bus station and the trails. On this list, only Rancho Grande confirms it's open all year: if you're travelling between May and September, check before you reserve.
Rancho Grande Hostel
8.7 · 1,811 reviews
Av. San Martín 724 · 400 m from the Fitz Roy trail
🚌 ≈ 1.2 km from the bus stationMixed dormsPrivate roomsKitchen24 h restaurantOpen all year
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
The hostel with the most reviews in the village and one of the few open all year. It has mixed dorms and private rooms with a bathroom, a shared kitchen and a restaurant open 24 hours; breakfast is included in the private rooms. There's luggage storage and laundry, and the Chaltén Travel office is at the same address.
400 m from the Fitz Roy trail
Very well-rated staff
Small, crowded kitchens
Few bathrooms for so many beds
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
253942505039301816161620
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
99199·175·140995045454555
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 16 to US$ 50 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 45 to US$ 199. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
10A 10-out-of-10 experience. I'd do it again without hesitation
Comfortable, well-sized common areas. The staff's treatment was fantastic at all times. Very close to the start of the main routes.
Joel · Spain · Oct 2026
10Beautiful hostel and a good price
Excellent location, on the way to the trails. It has a 24-hour restaurant and a really nice little bar outside. Cleanliness 10 points, all day long. The shared room had a beautiful view of the mountain and good ventilation. The kitchen has everything. There's space and WiFi to work.
Georgina · Argentina · Sep 2026
9A very good place
The staff are excellent, they treat you very well. We stayed one night in a private room, which does the job and is enough. We had dinner right there and the food was very good. The breakfast that comes included is delicious and plentiful.
Mercedes · Spain · Sep 2026
9I'd definitely come back!
The common areas, the very good bed and above all that everything was nice and warm. When it's below zero outside, warming up with a piping-hot shower and the heating is key. They could put some curtains on the beds for a bit of privacy.
Lorena · Spain · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,811.
Lo de Trivi
9.4 · 229 reviews
Av. San Martín 675 · 450 m from the Fitz Roy trail
🚌 ≈ 1.2 km from the bus stationMixed dormsPrivate rooms24 h kitchenBarbecue grillLaundry
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
The best score in the selection and about 450 m from the Fitz Roy trail. It has 4- and 6-bed dorms with small lockers, rooms in shipping containers and doubles with a private bathroom, a kitchen open 24 hours and a barbecue area with a grill. Guests highlight the staff, who help you plan your hikes around the weather.
Exceptional staff, according to guests
Close to the Fitz Roy trail
Very thin walls
Small, cramped dorms
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
20244545362727·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
···1351108585·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 20 to US$ 45 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 85 to US$ 135. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The best hostel, comfortable and clean; Adri and Jime's warmth and good vibe make the stay even more enjoyable.
Trixy · Uruguay · Apr 2026
9Excellent hostel
The common facilities are spacious and comfortable. The rooms are bright, and the bathroom is a decent size with a good shower. I'd highlight the staff's very good service; they're always on hand for whatever you need. Maybe a breakfast, even a modest one, would have been nice.
Raul · Uruguay · Feb 2026
10Perfect stay!
I felt really at ease in this hostel. The staff are extremely kind and know the area and the trekking routes you can do very well. They gave me very useful advice for my days in El Chaltén.
Irene · Italy · Feb 2026
10The place I'd definitely come back to
Excellent location, very close to the start of the Fitz Roy and Laguna Torre trails. The facilities are very well thought out and comfortable. A very complete kitchen, which lets you cook and save money. The best thing about the whole stay is the staff: attentive to anything, they help you organise activities according to the weather.
Alvarez · Argentina · Jan 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 229.
Condor De Los Andes
8.7 · 655 reviews
Av. Río de las Vueltas · 200 m from the bus station
🚌 ≈ 0.2 km from the bus stationMixed dormsPrivate roomsBreakfast includedKitchenWood fireplace
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
Two blocks from the bus station, it's the most convenient on the list for arriving or leaving by bus early. The 4- and 6-bed dorms have their own bathroom and breakfast included. There's an equipped kitchen, a library, a lounge with a wood fireplace, and they prepare packed lunches on request. The downside: it's almost 2 km from the Fitz Roy trail.
200 m from the bus station
Breakfast included in the dorms
Almost 2 km to the Fitz Roy trail
Small bathroom for the 6-bed dorm
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
38363642423230·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
112130130·15413089·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 30 to US$ 42 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 89 to US$ 154. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The accommodation is clean, the beds are comfortable and breakfast is good. The girls at reception are super friendly, always ready to give you a hand. Bear in mind that it's almost 2 km from the start of the Fitz Roy trails.
Judith · Australia · May 2026
9Cosy accommodation in space and service
A full breakfast, similar to my everyday breakfasts. All the spaces very warm, the temperature just right. Excellent service and always friendly answers. The dorm always clean, all spaces free of unpleasant smells. The bathroom very good, with the shower always hot.
Fabiana · Argentina · Apr 2026
10Don't hesitate to go to this hostel
I'll definitely be back, thank you so much for all the services provided, excellent staff and facilities. The rooms are very comfortable and the mattresses in perfect condition. My visit to El Chaltén was beautiful partly thanks to you.
Facundo · Uruguay · Apr 2026
10Very good cleanliness
The service from the girls at reception is excellent, always ready to lend a hand with tours, weather info, general help with anything. Plus, the cleanliness is very good, both in the common areas and in the rooms.
Maria · Argentina · Mar 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 655.
Hostel Luna Country
8.8 · 377 reviews
Pasaje Los Sauces 96 · 100 m from the Laguna Torre trail
🚌 ≈ 0.95 km from the bus stationMixed dormsPrivate roomsTwo kitchensBarbecue grillLaundry
Shared dorm
Shared kitchen
Exterior
A small, quiet hostel on Pasaje Los Sauces, about 100 m from the Laguna Torre trail. It has 4-bed mixed dorms, private rooms and apartments, two equipped kitchens so you can cook without waiting your turn, and a barbecue area with a grill. Emilio, the owner, gives advice on trails and is what reviews mention most.
Two kitchens, no waiting
Right next to the Laguna Torre trail
Weak WiFi, according to guests
A bit far from the centre
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
1822253333·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
··80150150·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 18 to US$ 33 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 80 to US$ 150. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Very cosy and homely; Emiliano's service was excellent, as was his willingness to let us stay longer and heat water.
Jorge · Argentina · Apr 2026
9A great hostel
A super comfortable and very quiet hostel. It's a small hostel that takes few guests, but it has two kitchens, which lets you cook comfortably without waiting your turn. The facilities are very clean and tidy. The owner, Mr Emilio, very attentive and kind. A little far from the centre.
Daniela · Venezuela · Feb 2026
10A pleasant stay
The experience was really lovely, the hostel super well equipped. We were a group of 4 friends and made friends with other guests. Emilio always looked after us with a great vibe. The hostel is a bit far from the centre, but the village is tiny: we could walk anywhere.
Lucia · Argentina · Oct 2025
10Perfect for relaxing
A very nice, clean place; we made the most of the grill for an asado. It was very close to the start of the Laguna Torre trail.
Alecarhuas · Argentina · Mar 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 377.
Hostel Pioneros del Valle
8.5 · 775 reviews
Av. San Martín 451 · 700 m from the Fitz Roy trail
🚌 ≈ 1 km from the bus station6-bed dormsPrivate roomsKitchenBarbecue grillLaundry
Shared dorm
Common room
Exterior
A big hostel on Av. San Martín, with 12 shared 6-bed rooms and 13 private rooms with a bathroom, ≈ 700 m from the Fitz Roy trail. It has a shared kitchen, a barbecue area, laundry and free parking. Breakfast isn't included: it's optional. Guests value the daily cleaning and the showers with good pressure.
Spotless cleaning and showers
Close to the Fitz Roy trail
Small bunks in the dorms
Not much variety at breakfast
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
243737434343······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
100146146··165······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 24 to US$ 43 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 100 to US$ 165. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Excellent location and cleanliness. The hostel is very comfortable, and the service is exactly as advertised. The service at reception was super friendly and the girls were attentive. They also gave me access to a network so I could work remotely, which was a big plus. I highly recommend it!
Jési · Argentina · Apr 2026
10A nice, comfortable hostel in El Chaltén!
The hostel is very well located, close to the start of the Laguna de los Tres trail. The rooms are spacious and the beds very comfortable. The staff are very attentive. They let us store our luggage during the day until our bus left.
Diana · Australia · Mar 2026
9Excellent for resting between treks
The location is very good, close to the most important trails. The cleaning is hotel-standard: the beds made and the sheets changed every day. The showers spotless, always hot water and good pressure, and the reception staff's willingness to help.
Rocio · Argentina · Feb 2026
9Super clean and well organised
We stayed in a shared room with 6 people. Super clean and well organised. The staff were very friendly and the location is perfect.
Rampoldi · Italy · Jan 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 775.
Patagonia Hostel
8.5 · 529 reviews
Av. San Martín 376 · between the two trails
🚌 ≈ 0.9 km from the bus stationDormsPrivate roomsKitchenBar and restaurantBike rental
Shared dorm
Garden
Exterior
One of the classics on the avenue, halfway between the two trails (≈ 0.6-0.8 km to each) and the restaurants. It has 4-bed dorms with lockers, doubles with and without a bathroom, an equipped kitchen, a bar-restaurant, a library and mountain bike rental. Breakfast isn't included: it's paid separately.
Between the two trails
Friendly staff with good tips
Weak WiFi, according to guests
Small kitchen for so many guests
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
34393950503934·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
781681501781129078·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 34 to US$ 50 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 78 to US$ 178. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The staff are very friendly and patient in explaining the treks. We found out later that it was one of the first hotels in El Chaltén, which made me feel closer to the town's history. I highly recommend it, a very friendly atmosphere.
Lyz · Chile · Apr 2026
9A good, comfortable place, but breakfast needs to improve
Excellent service from the staff, good location and plenty of parking. At breakfast you have to pay extra if you want to eat eggs.
Daniel · Chile · Apr 2026
9Very willing staff
Excellent location. Staff very keen to make the experience a positive one, both at the complex itself and in the town and surroundings, helping with transfers, tours, services, convenient places and tips for excursions.
Nicopraze · Argentina · Feb 2026
10Home, surrounded by mountains
It felt like being at home, very comfortable, super clean, the reception staff a 10, the breakfast varied and tasty. The kitchen is spacious; the only thing it lacked was an oven, but there were two stoves to make up for it.
Paola · Argentina · Dec 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 529.
Kaiken - Hostel & Departamentos
8.5 · 145 reviews
Llao Llao 75 · right at the start of the Laguna Torre trail
🚌 ≈ 1 km from the bus stationMixed dormsPrivate roomsApartmentsKitchenCash only
Shared dorm
Common room
Exterior
A hostel and apartments on Llao Llao street, practically at the start of the Laguna Torre trail. The dorms are small (three quads and one triple, with two shared bathrooms) and there's a kitchen, but no bar. According to Hostelworld, payment is cash only on arrival: take money out in El Calafate, because the village has just one ATM.
Opposite the Laguna Torre trail
Very attentive owners
A bit far from the centre
Few seats in the common areas
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
162527363636363636···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
56116117171171171181181181···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 16 to US$ 36 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 56 to US$ 181. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The location, the owners' kindness; Jorge always making sure basic supplies never run out. I recommend it 100%.
Sonia · Argentina · Feb 2026
10The host was very helpful
The host was very helpful: we were able to stay at the property one night longer than we had originally planned, with no problem at all.
Marian · Poland · Dec 2025
10Excellent
Everything was excellent, both the facilities and the owners' treatment and service. Few hostels make you feel at home and this is one of them. Plus, its location is good for starting the main trails.
Cardona · Colombia · Sep 2025
9Just like in the photos!
The cleanliness, good beds to rest, excellent heating and it's opposite the start of the Laguna Torre trail.
Johana · Chile · Oct 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 145.
Hostel Los Viajeros
8.4 · 279 reviews
Av. Lago del Desierto 256 · 5 blocks from the bus station
🚌 ≈ 0.35 km from the bus stationMixed dormsPrivate roomsKitchenSpacious dining room
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
About 350 m from the bus station. It has 4- and 6-bed mixed dorms, private rooms with a bathroom, a kitchen and a spacious dining room. The bathrooms have underfloor heating and guests say the staff lend trekking poles free of charge and help you choose your treks. The Fitz Roy trail is about 20 minutes away on foot.
5 minutes from the bus station
Free loan of trekking poles
No lockers in the dorms
Small kitchen for so many guests
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
2328344545·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
65117125180180·······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 23 to US$ 45 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 65 to US$ 180. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Fabián made our stay incredible, he helped us with everything we needed!
Camila · Chile · Apr 2026
10My stay was wonderful
The hostel is excellent. The location is very good, it's close to all the trails. I want to thank Roberta and all her staff for their special attention. My stay was wonderful. I was very comfortable. I'd like the rooms to have lockers.
Lorena · Argentina · Feb 2026
10Accommodation very close to the station
The host was great with us: we arrived late and she lent us some poles to do the Fitz Roy hike, since everything was closed when we arrived and we were leaving early. We loved this gesture. The room was spacious and clean; the bathroom has underfloor heating and is lovely and warm.
Wood · Spain · Nov 2025
10They lend trekking poles free of charge
Very clean facilities, a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds and hot water in the shower. The staff's service was wonderful, they recommended lots of treks and helped us at all times. Plus, they lend trekking poles free of charge.
Carlos · Spain · Oct 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 279.
Backpacker tips for El Chaltén
1Bring cash from El Calafate
There's just one ATM (Banco Santa Cruz, near the bus station) and in high season it often runs out of notes. Some hostels, like Kaiken, only take cash.
2Park entry: card only
You buy it online (ventaweb.apn.gob.ar) or with the QR code at the access points, and cash isn't accepted. Foreigners ≈ US$ 32 a day, Argentines ≈ US$ 16, students ≈ US$ 10 and Santa Cruz residents ≈ US$ 5.
3If you're hiking several days, look at the Flexipass
The 3-day pass costs ≈ US$ 65 and the 7-day one ≈ US$ 114; the days don't have to be consecutive and it's valid for 6 months. There's also a 2-day pass with 50 % off the second entry within 72 h.
4Reserve your campsite before heading up
Poincenot, De Agostini and Laguna Capri are reserved and paid online up to the day before: ≈ US$ 19 per person per night, free for under-12s. Fires aren't allowed: gas stoves only.
5Buy your food in El Calafate
El Chaltén has few mini-markets, and they're expensive with little choice. A backpacker who spent 15 days there in 2026 worked out ≈ US$ 13-26 extra for every rainy day they ended up eating out.
6Rent your gear in the village
Bajo Zero, Camping Center and Viento Oeste rent sleeping bags, stoves, poles and more by the day (Viento Oeste doesn't rent tents). A gas canister costs ≈ US$ 5-6.5.
7Leave spare days
Fitz Roy is hidden by cloud much of the time: calafate.tours recommends at least three days. Set off for Laguna de los Tres at first light and come back in daylight, with a torch.
8Buy your bus ticket early in summer
In January and February, buy your El Calafate–El Chaltén ticket 2 or 3 days ahead. If you're flying on the day you leave, the 8:00 am departure reaches the airport at ≈ 10:40 am.
Things to do in El Chaltén (and how to get there on your own)
Laguna de los Tres
The base of Fitz Roy: 4 h one way with 750 m of elevation gain. The last kilometre climbs ≈ 400 m over loose moraine, in the wind: allow an hour to go up and another to come down.
Distance
10 km one way
How to get there
On foot from the end of Av. San Martín
Entry
Park entry
Laguna Torre
3 h one way with 250 m of elevation gain; 6 to 8 h return. You can stretch it to the Mirador Maestri (11 km, 4 h one way).
Distance
9 km one way
How to get there
On foot from Los Charitos or Llao Llao
Entry
Park entry
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
4 h one way and 1,000 m of elevation gain, with views of the Fitz Roy and Torre ranges at the same time. The final stretch follows yellow stakes.
Distance
10 km one way
How to get there
On foot from the Visitor Centre
Laguna Capri
The half-day option: 1 h 45 one way and 350 m of elevation gain, on the same trail that goes to Fitz Roy. It has one of the campsites that need reserving.
Distance
4 km one way
How to get there
On foot along the Fitz Roy trail
Entry
Park entry
Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints
The shortest walks: 45 min and 1 h one way, with 100 m of elevation gain. They start from the Visitor Centre, at the entrance to the village.
Distance
1 and 2 km one way
How to get there
On foot from the Visitor Centre
Entry
Park entry
Chorrillo del Salto
A 20 m waterfall: 40 min on foot on the flat, or by vehicle to the car park and a 10 min walk.
Distance
3 km one way
How to get there
On foot or by vehicle
Lago del Desierto and the Huemul Glacier
37 km of gravel to Punta Sur; the boat trip (≈ 1 h) runs from October to April, every day except Wednesdays. The trail to the Huemul Glacier (2 km, 220 m of elevation gain) is on private land and there's a fee.
Distance
37 km
How to get there
Minibus or taxi
Crossing on foot to Villa O'Higgins (Chile)
Between November and March/April: minibus, two boats and 21-22 km on foot to Candelario Mancilla, where the Carabineros stamp your entry into Chile. The Lago O'Higgins boat is cancelled in strong wind: allow 3-5 spare days.
Distance
21-22 km on foot
How to get there
In stages, on your own
Entry
≈ US$ 120-180 in total
Tours you can book online
Almost everything in El Chaltén is done on foot and on your own, setting out from the village. If you'd rather go with a guide or need a transfer to Lago del Desierto, these are some of the tours available.
Weather and seasons in El Chaltén
High season runs from December to March, peaking in January, February and Easter: everything is open, there are up to 10 buses a day from El Calafate and hostels and buses fill up, so it's best to reserve in advance. October, November and April are shoulder season, with shops open, fewer people and red-coloured forests in April. From May to September most businesses close (the ATM, the petrol station, grocery stores and bakeries stay open) and buses to El Calafate drop to about 2 a day.
22°7°
21°7°
18°5°
13°3°
8°1°
5°-2°
4°-3°
6°-2°
10°0°
14°3°
17°5°
20°6°
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
max. / min. °CHigh seasonShoulder seasonLow season
Average temperatures and rainfall according to caltur.com.ar.
Plan the rest of your trip
El Chaltén has no airport: you fly to El Calafate (FTE) with Aerolíneas Argentinas, which operates all year from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Córdoba, Trelew and Bariloche. Cal-Tur, Chaltén Travel and TAQSA buses leave directly from the airport (≈ 2 h 30-2 h 40), so you don't need to sleep in El Calafate. By car it's 215 km of tarmac from El Calafate, with just one stop on the way (La Leona) and a single petrol station, at the entrance to the village. Heading north, in high season there's a bus along the RN 40 to Los Antiguos and Bariloche, and you can cross into Chile on foot to Villa O'Higgins.
Do you have to pay to hike the trails in El Chaltén?
Yes. Since October 2024 the northern section of Los Glaciares National Park charges an entry fee: a foreigner pays ≈ US$ 32 a day and an Argentine ≈ US$ 16. You buy it online or with the QR code at the access points, by credit or debit card only: cash isn't accepted. If you're going to hike several days, look at the 3- or 7-day Flexipass.
Can I camp in the mountains without reserving?
No. The Laguna Capri, Poincenot and De Agostini campsites are reserved and paid in advance: ≈ US$ 19 per person per night, free for under-12s. You reserve online up to the day before and places are limited. Fires aren't allowed, only gas stoves, and De Agostini moved in 2026 because of the risk of a glacial flood.
How do I get there from El Calafate airport?
By direct bus: Cal-Tur, Chaltén Travel and TAQSA stop at the airport (FTE) on every departure, so you don't need to sleep in El Calafate. It's ≈ 200 km and about 2 h 30 to 2 h 40, for ≈ US$ 32-38 plus the municipal bus station fee. In January and February it's best to buy your ticket 2 or 3 days ahead.
Is there an ATM? How much money should I bring?
There's just one ATM and in high season it often empties, so take out pesos in El Calafate before getting on the bus. Many shops take cards, but some hostels only take cash, and park entry, the other way round, can only be paid by card. The safest bet is to arrive with both.
How many days do I need in El Chaltén?
At least three, according to calafate.tours, because Fitz Roy is often hidden by clouds. The two classic hikes take a full day each: Laguna de los Tres takes 8 to 10 h return and Laguna Torre 6 to 8 h. With four or five nights you can add Loma del Pliegue Tumbado or Lago del Desierto and have room to wait for a clear day.
Can you cross into Chile on foot?
Yes, between November and March/April, via Lago del Desierto to Villa O'Higgins. It combines a minibus, two boats and 21-22 km on foot between Punta Norte and Candelario Mancilla, where the Carabineros stamp your entry. The Lago O'Higgins boat only runs a few days a week and is cancelled in strong wind, so allow 3-5 spare days. Total budget: ≈ US$ 120-180.
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official website of any hostel. If you book through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
