Frequently Asked Questions About Your Stay in El Chaltén, Patagonia

Do you have more questions?

Our team is available 24/7 to make your El Chaltén stay a perfect experience.

What's the best time to visit El Chaltén?

Our hotel opens each season from October 1st through late April.

El Chaltén is typically a summer destination, with a main season running from November to mid-March. During these months, the climate is more temperate with longer daylight hours, reaching up to 17 hours of light during peak austral summer.

November to February: High season with best weather conditions
March to April: Excellent time with fewer crowds and autumn colors
October to November: Patagonian spring with variable but beautiful weather
May to September (Los Cerros Boutique Hotel closed): Low season, cold weather and some services closed

How do I get to El Chaltén?

FROM PUERTO NATALES OR TORRES DEL PAINE

Travelling from Torres del Paine or Puerto Natales to El Chaltén is a scenic journey that connects two of the most extraordinary landscapes in southern Patagonia.

The route involves crossing the border between Chile and Argentina via the Cancha Carrera – Cerro Castillo pass, then continuing towards El Calafate. From there, a panoramic three-hour route leads to El Chaltén, following the course of Lago Argentino, the vastness of the steppe, and the first glimpses of Fitz Roy on the horizon.

Private services and transfers are available to make the journey in complete comfort, transforming the trip into an experience in itself: a unique route between two natural icons of the world.

What activities can I do if I'm not an expert mountaineer?

El Chaltén has activities for all levels!

For Beginners and Families:

Chorrillo del Salto: A Tranquil Cascade
Laguna Capri: Gentle 3-4 hour trek with Fitz Roy views
Cascada Margarita y Mirador del Cerro Torre
Lago del Desierto Navigation: Ideal for children and people with reduced mobility
Horseback Riding: Rides across Patagonian steppe
Sport Fishing: In Río de las Vueltas and Río Eléctrico
Mountain Biking: Authorized trails for cycling
Visitas guiadas: Sitios históricos como Casa Madsen
Visita a Estancias Patagónicas como Bonanza o Muséo Madsen

Activities Without Physical Effort:

Scenic Drives: Route to Lago del Desierto
Wildlife Observation: From accessible viewpoints
Local Gastronomy: Tour of town restaurants
Photography: Workshops and photo tours

How many days do I need to explore El Chaltén?

Recommendation: 3 to 7 days depending on your interests

Minimum Stay (3 days):

Day 1: Arrival and Laguna Capri (acclimatization)
Day 2: Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy)
Day 3: Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)

Ideal Stay (5-7 days):

Includes main treks + complementary activities
Rest day to enjoy hotel and gastronomy
Flexibility for weather changes
Alternative activities (horseback riding, fishing, navigation)

Extended Stay (7-10 days):

Multi-day treks (Huemul Circuit)
Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier
Specialized activities (climbing, technical fishing)

What clothing should I bring to El Chaltén?

Layering system + wind and rain protection

Essential Recommended Clothing:

Base layer: Thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic)
Insulating layer: Fleece or synthetic/natural down
Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket
Pants: Trekking + waterproof
Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots + comfortable hotel shoes

Important Accessories:

Hat and gloves: Essential even in summer
Sunglasses: Glacial protection factor
Sunscreen: SPF 50+ minimum
Buff: Protection for neck and face

Hotel Tip:

Los Cerros Boutique Hotel offers laundry service, so you don't need to bring clothing for every day.

Is it safe to trek alone in El Chaltén?

Main trails are safe, but always take precautions

Mandatory Safety Measures:

Register at the Visitor Center before departing on trails that require it
Inform your accommodation of your itinerary
Carry updated map and know the route
Communicate plan changes immediately

Additional Recommendations:

Start early: Better weather conditions in the morning
Carry sufficient water: Minimum 2 liters per trekking day
First aid kit: Basic but complete
Emergency whistle: For signaling in case of need

When to Hire a Guide:

Mandatory: Glacier treks and technical routes
Recommended: First time in mountains, adverse weather conditions

Optional: Main trails in good weather

Is there cell phone signal on El Chaltén trails?

Limited to specific areas

Available Coverage:

In town: Excellent coverage from all carriers
Trail starts: Signal available first few miles
Río de las Vueltas Viewpoint: Partial coverage
Rest of trails: No cellular coverage

Communication Alternatives:

Communication radios: Rental available for groups
GPS devices: With satellite SOS function
Satellite phone: For long expeditions

Do I need to book in advance in El Chaltén?

Essential Booking (High Season):

Accommodations: 2-6 months in advance
Popular restaurants: 1-2 days ahead
Guided activities: 1 week ahead
Private transfers: At time of hotel booking
Masajes

Services Without Booking Needed:

Self-guided treks: Main trails always accessible
Supermarkets and pharmacies: Guaranteed supply
Regular buses: Subject to availability (booking recommended)

Los Cerros Hotel Tip:

Our team assists with all bookings and recommendations necessary to optimize your stay.

Can I bring my pet to El Chaltén?

Yes, with restrictions and special preparation

National Park Regulations:

Prohibited: Entry to trails within Los Glaciares National Park
Permitted: Urban areas of town and specific authorized zones
Mandatory: Up-to-date vaccination and health documentation

Pet-Friendly Accommodations:

Los Cerros Boutique Hotel: You can accommodate your small pet with us, but you must consider that you cannot enter the National Park with it.

Our staff will indicate where to leave it during the day if you go hiking, but cannot be responsible for it.

Activities with Pets:

Urban walks: Through town streets
Recreation areas: Authorized spaces by the river
Special horseback rides: Some estancias allow pets

What does Los Cerros Boutique Hotel service include?

Included Services:

Complimentary "Starlink" Wi-Fi in all areas
Full buffet breakfast
Welcome drink
Monitored private parking
Specialized mountain activity concierge
Trekking equipment and luggage storage, and complimentary shower for late check-out
Use of our relaxation lounge, jacuzzis and sauna

Additional Available Services:

El Viento Restaurant: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Room service during specific hours
Coordinated transfers to/from El Calafate
Trekking and mountain equipment rental (contracted service)
Organized excursions with local operators
Laundry service
Packed Lunches for Excursions

What's the weather like in El Chaltén during my visit?

Highly variable - prepare for all conditions

Patagonian Climate Characteristics:

Sudden changes: From sun to rain in minutes
Strong winds: Especially in afternoons
Temperature range: Large difference between day and night
Unpredictable: Essential to check daily forecast

Weather Resources at Los Cerros Hotel:

Information display: Updated forecast in lobby
Specialized concierge: Daily recommendations based on weather
Flexibility: Possibility to change plans according to conditions

Are there ATMs in El Chaltén?

Limited - advisable to bring sufficient cash

Money Options:

Banco Provincia: Only ATM in town (frequently out of cash)
Cash from El Calafate: Recommended to withdraw before traveling
Credit cards: Accepted at main businesses but not all

Financial Tip:

Los Cerros Boutique Hotel accepts all major cards and can assist with foreign currency exchange information.

Is it essential to hire a car to visit El Chaltén?

Not necessarily, because our hotel is strategically located within walking distance of the starting points for the main trails to Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.

Additionally, there are excellent private services that cover transfers to and from El Calafate, to Lago del Desierto, Río Eléctrico, Huemules Reserve, etc.