Known as one of the most spectacular destinations for hiking in Patagonia, El Chaltén practically sits in the shadow of Mount Fitz Roy and a truly spectacular section of the Andes. The nearest local airport is three hours away in El Calafate, and the easiest way to reach El Chaltén is to travel to El Calafate and drive (by private transfer, rental car, or bus) from there. 

This six-day itinerary maximizes your time in southern Patagonia by taking you to the Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, and El Calafate, as well as El Chaltén. If you have a little more time, this 10-day itinerary also loops through Puerto Natales, where you can relax and recharge after a day of trekking in Torres del Paine. 

From El Calafate 

Duration: 3 hours

El Calafate is 75 miles (125 km) away from El Chaltén through the road that connects the two loops around the Lago Argentino, which makes the distance closer to 130 miles (210 km). You can easily reach El Chaltén by bus, private transfer, rental car, or private tour, depending on your budget and the amount of time you have. Don't forget to stop on the way to take in the spectacular landscapes, including the towering view of Mount Fitz Roy, as you get closer to El Chaltén.

Learn more about traveling from El Calafate to El Chaltén. 

From Buenos Aires

Duration: 7 hours, 40 minutes

There are several direct flight options from Buenos Aires to El Calafate departing from Aeroparque (AEP), the local airport, and Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), which takes at least an hour to reach from the city center. Flights take 3 hours and 15 minutes, and traveling to El Chaltén takes another three hours (depending on bus schedules and how you decide to travel). 

Learn more about traveling from Buenos Aires to El Chaltén. 

From Ushuaia 

Duration: 6 hours

Ushuaia is about as far south as you can go and still be in Argentina, and the best way to travel to/from there is usually to fly. Aerolineas Argentinas offers flights between Ushuaia and El Calafate, which take an hour and 20 minutes, and you can travel on to El Chaltén from there. 

Learn more about traveling between Ushuaia and El Chaltén. 

From Bariloche 

Duration: 7 hours, 35 minutes

Bariloche is 885 miles (1,425 km) away from El Chaltén, and the easiest way to travel from one city to the other is to fly to El Calafate and then take a private transfer, rental car or bus the rest of the way. 

Learn more about traveling between Bariloche and El Chaltén. 

From Puerto Natales

Duration: 6 hours

Traveling from Puerto Natales to El Chaltén involves crossing the Chilean-Argentine border, which can cause unpredictable delays. One option is to rent a car to make the trip. There are also daily bus options during the tourist season, leaving to and from El Calafate. 

Learn more about traveling between Puerto Natales and El Chaltén. 

Map

Map of How to Get to El Chaltén
Map of How to Get to El Chaltén