From El Calafate: El Chalten Full-Day Tour and Short Hike

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Patagonia on this full-day tour from El Calafate to El Chaltén. Over 10.5 hours, you’ll witness the stunning vistas of Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, and the iconic Mount Chaltén. With a choice of two hiking trails, you can learn about the region’s pristine landscapes. Knowledgeable bilingual guides, convenient hotel pickups, and the opportunity to savor the natural wonders make this an unforgettable adventure. But there’s more to uncover about this exceptional excursion…

Key Points

• Comprehensive 10.5-hour tour from El Calafate to El Chaltén, covering 220 km and showcasing breathtaking natural scenery like Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, and Mount Chaltén.
• Guided tour with multilingual guides, offering 5 hours for hiking and sightseeing in El Chaltén, including the Mirador de los Cóndores and Chorrillo del Salto trails.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with a brief stop at Estancia La Leona for restroom breaks and refreshments.
• Lunch option available, with overall positive customer feedback on transportation, value for money, and the guide’s engagement.
• Mixed reviews on the organization and limited exploration time in El Chaltén, with suggestions for extending the tour duration or adding more hiking options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The El Chalten Full-Day Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that lasts 10.5 hours. Priced from $153.00 per person, this tour takes participants on a 220 km journey from El Calafate to El Chalten, with a maximum of 10 participants.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, though the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Highlights include stops at Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, Mount Chalten (Fitz Roy), and Mount Torre, as well as 5 hours of exploration time in El Chalten for hiking and sightseeing along the Mirador de los Cóndores and Chorrillo del Salto trails.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with hotel pickups in El Calafate at 7:30 AM.

Travelers then make a brief stop at Estancia La Leona for restroom breaks and refreshments, not included in the tour price.

The scenic journey showcases stunning vistas, including Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, Mount Chaltén (Fitz Roy), and Mount Torre.

In El Chaltén, guests have 5 hours to explore the town and hike.

Two options are available: the Mirador de los Cóndores trail (700 meters, low difficulty) and the Chorrillo del Salto trail (300 meters, flat).

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, and lunch if selected.

Scenic Views

Along the scenic journey, travelers witness breathtaking vistas that showcase the natural grandeur of the region.

The tour route offers remarkable views of Viedma Lake, an expansive glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains.

As the vehicle approaches El Chaltén, the iconic peak of Mount Chaltén (also known as Fitz Roy) comes into view, its jagged granite summit piercing the sky.

Nearby, the impressive Mount Torre and its glacier-clad slopes add to the dramatic landscape.

These stunning natural wonders provide ample photographic opportunities and a sense of awe for visitors exploring this remote corner of Patagonia.

Hiking Options

During the tour’s exploration time in El Chaltén, participants can choose from two distinct hiking options.

The first is the Mirador de los Cóndores, a 700-meter hike with low difficulty. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the possibility of spotting Andean condors.

Alternatively, travelers can opt for the Chorrillo del Salto, a 300-meter hike that’s completely flat, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more leisurely experience.

Both hikes provide opportunities to take in the stunning natural beauty of El Chaltén and create lasting memories of the region.

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Inclusions

Included in the tour package is hotel pickup and drop-off, with some accommodations potentially not on the designated route.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who’ll provide insights and commentary.

If you choose the lunch option, a meal will be provided, along with drinks.

The tour offers a scenic journey, allowing you to take in the breathtaking vistas of Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, Mount Chaltén (Fitz Roy), and Mount Torre.

During the 5-hour exploration time in El Chaltén, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to viewpoints like Mirador de los Cóndores and Chorrillo del Salto.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 for the El Chalten Full-Day Tour based on 53 reviews.

The transportation aspect received the highest ratings at 4.7, while value for money and service scored 4.0 and 3.8, respectively.

Organization was also rated 3.8, indicating mixed feelings.

Positive remarks highlighted the guide’s engagement and timely pickups, as well as the scenic journey with opportunities for wildlife observation.

However, some travelers had mixed feelings about El Chalten’s tourist atmosphere and the available time for exploration.

Recommendations included dining options post-hike, such as La Cervecería Chaltén.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have provided positive remarks on the guide’s engagement and the timely pickups throughout the tour.

The scenic journey also offered opportunities for wildlife observation, which many found enjoyable.

However, there were mixed feelings about El Chaltén’s tourist atmosphere and the available time for exploration.

The recommendations for dining options post-hike, such as La Cervecería Chaltén, were appreciated.

The tour received the following traveler feedback:

1. Breathtaking views of Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, and the majestic Mount Chaltén.
2. Knowledgeable guide who enhanced the experience with insightful commentary.
3. Concerns about the limited time for hiking and sightseeing in El Chaltén.
4. Suggestions for extending the tour duration or offering more hiking options.

About the Tour

The El Chalt??n Full-Day Tour offers a comprehensive journey from El Calafate to the picturesque town of El Chalt??n, situated at the base of the iconic Mount Chalt??n.

This 10.5-hour tour covers a distance of 220 km and is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, with multilingual guides accompanying the group throughout.

Highlights include stops at Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, and Mount Torre, as well as 5 hours of exploration time in El Chalt??n for hiking and sightseeing.

Lunch is included, and the tour provides pickup and drop-off services from hotels in El Calafate, making it a convenient and immersive experience for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is limited to 10 participants. According to the tour overview, the maximum group size is capped at 10 people for this El Chaltén day trip from El Calafate.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any specific age restrictions. It’s open to participants of all ages, though the hiking may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. The minimum group size is 10 people.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the hike. The tour doesn’t provide lunch unless it’s selected as an option, so bringing snacks and water is recommended for the exploration time in El Chalten.

Is There an Option to Extend the Hiking Time in El Chaltén?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer an option to extend hiking time in El Chaltén. However, participants can explore the town and trails on their own after the guided portion of the tour if they wish to spend more time hiking.

Can I Request a Private or Custom Tour?

Yes, travelers can request a private or custom tour. The tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests, such as extended hiking time in El Chaltén, depending on availability and additional costs.

Recap

The El Calafate to El Chaltén full-day tour offers a captivating exploration of Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Spanning 10.5 hours, the journey showcases Viedma Lake, Viedma Glacier, and the iconic Mount Chaltén. Hikers can choose between two scenic trails, while knowledgeable bilingual guides and convenient hotel pickups enhance the experience. This adventure provides an opportunity to take in Patagonia’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: