Visiting El Chaltén in a day from El Calafate is possible if you skip the long hikes: the round trip is over 400 km. What is included is a short walk in town, views of Fitz Roy, and a boat trip across Lake Viedma to the park's largest glacier. This is the logic behind our Viedma Full Day Adventure, after years of seeing travelers arrive in El Chaltén with no time for anything more than a photo.
What to include and what to exclude in El Chaltén in a day
El Chaltén is the National Capital of Trekking and the gateway to the northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park. Its classic trails, such as those leading to Laguna de los Tres at the foot of Fitz Roy or Laguna Torre, are full-day hikes that require an overnight stay in the town. They are not recommended for a day trip from El Calafate.
| Enter in a day | It's best to leave it for when you sleep in El Chaltén. |
|---|---|
| Hike to the Chorrillo del Salto | Los Tres Lagoon |
| Views of Fitz Roy from the road and the village | Torre Lagoon |
| Navigation to the Viedma Glacier with a gentle hike | Trails of several hours with elevation gain |
| A stroll through the village | Journeys lasting more than one day |
The focus of the day: Lake Viedma and its glacier
If you're going to travel more than 400 km in a day, make it worthwhile. The Viedma Full Day Adventure picks you up from your hotel in El Calafate, and the entire day lasts 12 hours. The highlight of the day is the 4-hour boat trip on Lake Viedma.
- Departure from Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km from El Chaltén, bordering the southern coast with the Huemul Massif in the background.
- Disembarkation at Cape Horn Bay and easy walk to a viewpoint overlooking Iceberg Bay, with the Andes Mountains in the background.
- Approach to the face of the Viedma Glacier, the largest in Los Glaciares National Park, with interpretation by the guide.
- Ice fishing: a toast with ancient ice from the glacier.
- Snack on board included: premium sandwich of your choice, mineral water and brownie made in El Chaltén.
A possible one-day tour of El Chaltén
- Departure from El Calafate through the steppe towards Route 40.
- Parador La Leona, the historic stop on the route, to stretch your legs.
- First views of Fitz Roy as the road skirts Lake Viedma, weather permitting.
- 4-hour navigation to the Viedma Glacier from Bahía Túnel.
- Visit to El Chaltén and a short walk to Chorrillo del Salto, a waterfall in the Andean forest.
- Return to El Calafate with the afternoon light over the steppe.
We describe the waterfall in detail in our article about Chorrillo del Salto , and the hill in the guide to Cerro Fitz Roy.
Tips for making the most of the day
- Buy your ticket to the National Park before, Online at pnlosglaciares.ar. It is not included in the tour.
- Dress in layers: You'll go from the bus to the deck and then the walk, with wind and cold near the ice.
- Closed and comfortable shoes: There are two easy walks, the one to the viewpoint and the one to the waterfall.
- Charge the camera: Between Fitz Roy, the icebergs, and the Viedma front, you'll take a lot of photos.
- Don't plan anything demanding for the evening: It's a 12-hour workday.
What if I sleep in El Chaltén instead?
If your trip has extra days and you're interested in hiking the longer trails, staying overnight in El Chaltén is the best option. In that case, the 4-hour Viedma Adventure , departing from Bahía Túnel, is a great plan for a rest day. If your base is El Calafate, the Full Day tour covers the essentials in a single day: town, mountain, lake, and glacier. We compare them in detail in the Viedma Adventure and Viedma Full Day Adventure sections.
Book your day in El Chaltén
The Viedma Full Day Adventure runs from 7:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. and departs every day from September to April and, from May to August, every other day plus Saturdays; check the departure schedule, availability and current rates on the Viedma Full Day Adventure page.
FAQ
Is it possible to visit El Chaltén in one day from El Calafate?
Yes, if you don't attempt the long trails. In one day you can enjoy views of Fitz Roy, a short hike like the one to Chorrillo del Salto, and a boat trip to the Viedma Glacier, which is what the Viedma Full Day Adventure includes.
How long does the Viedma Full Day Adventure last?
It is a 12-hour day trip from El Calafate, with 4 hours of sailing on Lake Viedma, a stop at the La Leona rest stop and a visit to El Chaltén.
Is it possible to visit Laguna de los Tres on a day trip to El Chaltén?
It's not recommended. It's a full-day hike that's best done overnight in El Chaltén, not as a round trip from El Calafate.
Is the entrance to the National Park included in the Viedma Full Day Adventure?
No. The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is purchased separately, for example online at pnlosglaciares.ar.
