The excursion to El Chaltén from El Calafate that we operate is the Viedma Full Day Adventure: a 12-hour day that departs by bus from your hotel, stops at the La Leona rest stop, sails for 4 hours on Lake Viedma to the glacier, visits El Chaltén and ends at the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall.
We have been concessionaires of Los Glaciares National Park since 1980 and we put together this day trip for those staying in El Calafate who do not want to change hotels to explore the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park.
El Chaltén excursion from El Calafate: what the day is like
The route follows this order, with the times dictated by the day and the road conditions:
- Departure from your hotel in El Calafate by bus, heading north across the steppe.
- Parador La Leona: A historic rest stop on Route 40 to stretch your legs. We tell you its story in Parador La Leona.
- Port Bay Tunnel: 18 km from El Chaltén, we embarked for the 4-hour navigation.
- Cape Horn Bay: After about 40 minutes of sailing along the south coast, with the Huemul Massif in sight, we disembarked for an easy walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Icebergs.
- Viedma Glacier Front: The boat approaches the largest glacier in the Park, with interpretation by the guide and ice fishing for the toast.
- El Chaltén: Visit to the National Capital of Trekking, with Fitz Roy in the background when the sky allows.
- Chorrillo del Salto: short walk to a waterfall in the Andean forest.
- Return to El Calafate.
What's included and what's not.
Includes:
- Bus transfer to and from El Calafate.
- Guided 4-hour boat trip on Lake Viedma.
- Hike to the viewpoint of the Iceberg Bay.
- Snack on board: premium sandwich, mineral water and brownie made in El Chaltén.
- Parador La Leona, visit to El Chaltén and hike to Chorrillo del Salto.
Not included: entrance to Los Glaciares National Park or the optional Captain's Club.
Park entrance is purchased separately; you can do so online at pnlosglaciares.ar . The sandwich is chosen from four options: Viedma (chicken), Cabo de Hornos (baked ham and smoked cheese), Veggie, and Vegan.
Why is the Viedma Glacier worth the trip?
The Viedma Glacier is the largest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and the largest in Argentina. From the deck, you can see its blue hues, the deep crevasses at its face, and, if you're lucky, hear the ice cracking. The guide explains how it formed and how it has changed. To learn more, read our article about the Viedma Glacier.
Is the Full Day tour better, or should I stay overnight in El Chaltén?
It depends on where you're staying and how many days you have. The Full Day tour makes sense if:
- Your base is El Calafate and you don't want to pack and unpack your suitcases.
- You have a few days and want to include the north of the Park without losing a night in transfers.
- You're interested in seeing El Chaltén and Fitz Roy, but you're not coming to do long treks.
If you're already staying in El Chaltén, the logical choice is the 4-hour Viedma Adventure from Bahía Túnel. We compare it in more detail in the Viedma Adventure or Full Day sections.
Tips for a 12-hour workday
- Dress in layers: It's hot on the bus, it's cold on the deck in front of the glacier, and you'll want to take something off during the hike.
- Comfortable shoes: The hike in Cape Horn Bay is easy, but the terrain is natural. This excursion is not 100% accessible.
- Battery and phone storage: Between glaciers, icebergs, Fitz Roy and waterfalls, it gets used up.
- Park entrance resolved: Buy it beforehand so you don't waste time.
- Families: There is no minimum age and children aged 0-2 years do not pay; for younger children, consider the length of the day.
Is it done in winter?
Yes. The Viedma Full Day Adventure departs daily from September to April, and every other day plus Saturdays from May to August, so check the departure schedule before planning the rest of your trip. The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. In winter, the landscape changes and the days are shorter; in summer, the wind is usually stronger. Sailing is not canceled due to bad weather; in the event of an extraordinary weather event, the situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Book your day in the north of the Park
If you want to visit El Chaltén, Fitz Roy, and Viedma Glacier in a single day without leaving El Calafate, check availability and current rates on the Viedma Full Day Adventure website . You can add Captain's Club for a preferred cabin experience.
FAQ
How long does the excursion to El Chaltén from El Calafate take?
The Viedma Full Day Adventure is a 12-hour day in total, from 7:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m., with 4 hours of sailing on Lake Viedma.
Does the tour include transportation from El Calafate?
Yes. The bus picks you up from your hotel in El Calafate and takes you back at the end of the day.
What else can you visit besides the Viedma Glacier?
The Parador La Leona on Route 40, the town of El Chaltén with views of Fitz Roy and the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall.
Is the entrance to the National Park included?
No. The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is purchased separately, for example online at pnlosglaciares.ar.
Does the Viedma Full Day Adventure operate in winter?
Yes. From May to August, tours depart every other day plus Saturdays, and from September to April, they depart daily. Check the departure schedule on the tour page.
