El Chaltén trekking day trip from El Calafate: Two guided walks

Two walks, a waterfall, and views of Fitz Roy from the Patagonian steppe

A full day trip from El Calafate to El Chaltén with a Spanish or English-speaking guide, covering 220 km across the Patagonian steppe and including two low-difficulty hikes in Los Glaciares National Park: a 2 km round trip to the Condors' Viewpoint overlooking Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, and a 500-meter walk to Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. Hotel pickup and return are included. You choose whether to add lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Condors' Viewpoint1h 30m · entry included
2. Chorrillo del Salto30m · entry included

El Calafate to El Chaltén and hiking

• Depart El Calafate at 7:30 am
• Travel 220 km crossing Patagonian steppe
• Stop at Estancia La Leona
• Optional stop at Viedma Glacier Lookout
• Arrive in El Chaltén
• Hike to Mirador de los Condores viewpoint
• Enjoy homemade lunch (if option chosen)
• Walk to Chorrillo del Salto waterfall
• Free time to explore El Chaltén village
• Depart El Chaltén at 16:00
• Return to El Calafate by 18:30-19:00

The experience

The day starts at 7:30 am with pickup from your El Calafate hotel, then a 220 km drive across open Patagonian steppe toward El Chaltén. Two stops break the journey: Estancia La Leona, a working ranch, and the Viedma Glacier Lookout, which opens onto the glacial valley and the peaks of Fitz Roy and Torre (weather permitting). By mid-morning you arrive in the village of El Chaltén, nestled inside Los Glaciares National Park.

Your accredited guide leads the first hike to Mirador de los Cóndores, a 2 kilometer round trip with 100 meters of elevation gain, ending at a viewpoint over the village and the mountain faces you came to see. After this walk, you have time for a homemade lunch (included if you chose that option at checkout), before heading to the second hike. The walk to Chorrillo del Salto covers 500 meters on an easy trail to a waterfall where you can rest and take photographs. Between the two hikes and after them, you're free to explore the village on your own if you want to see more. The return journey to El Calafate begins at 4 pm, with arrival at your hotel between 6:30 and 7 pm.

The tour runs about 10 and a half hours door to door. Both hikes are rated low difficulty, and the guide adjusts the pace to the group. The long drive is part of the day (it crosses the steppe and gives you the geography of Patagonia), but the real work is the two walks and the time on foot in the park itself.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer from El Calafate.
• a Spanish or English-speaking accredited guide for both hikes.
• homemade lunch if you chose that option at checkout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Food and drinks are not providedGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Excursion only; round-trip transfers from your hotel, with pickup included

Includes food or lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 48

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Patagonia Dreams

Is this one for you?The two hikes are short and low-difficulty, so this tour works for most fitness levels and ages, though the full day, including the long drive, suits travelers who can sit comfortably for several hours. If you want to see Fitz Roy and walk inside the national park without arranging your own transport or hiring a private guide, the fixed schedule and group format keep the cost down and the logistics simple.

Traveler reviews

4.26★★★★★★★★★★

167 verified traveler reviews

5 ★97

4 ★37

3 ★20

2 ★6

1 ★7

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What are the two hikes like on this El Chaltén day trip?

The Condors' Viewpoint hike is 2 kilometers round trip with 100 meters of elevation gain, ending at a panoramic overlook of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the village. The second hike to Chorrillo del Salto is a 500-meter walk on an easy trail to a waterfall where you can rest and take photos. Both are guided and rated low difficulty.

How much time do I actually spend in El Chaltén?

You have about 5 hours in the village and the park, which includes both guided hikes, lunch if you chose that option, and free time to explore on your own.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is optional: you choose at checkout whether to add a homemade meal or bring your own. If you select the lunch option, it's served after the first hike.

What stops happen on the drive from El Calafate?

The route crosses 220 kilometers of Patagonian steppe with two stops: Estancia La Leona, a working ranch, and the Viedma Glacier Lookout overlooking the glacial valley and the peaks of Fitz Roy and Torre, weather permitting.

Does the tour include entry to Los Glaciares National Park?

The tour does not include the park entrance fee. That is paid separately at the gate.