Where to stay in El Chaltén
El Chaltén is a small town and almost all the accommodation is in town. But you can also stay outside, in the valley that runs north towards Lago del Desierto. Here is what changes between the two, so you can choose according to what you came to do.
Written by Federico and Rebecca of Cerro Eléctrico. We have lived in El Chaltén for over 15 years. Updated October 2026.
Staying in town
The town has everything: hostels, guesthouses, hotels, cabins and apartments. It is all a few blocks apart, and the two best-known trails start on foot from either end of town: Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of Fitz Roy.
It suits you if you come without a car, if you want to go out for dinner or a beer after hiking, or if you only have a few nights and want to make the most of every hour.
Good to know: January and February are fully booked and prices go up. The trails that start in town are the busiest, especially mid-morning.
Staying outside, on the road to Lago del Desierto
North of town, Route 41 continues for about 37 km of gravel to Lago del Desierto. There are only a few places to stay along it: cabins, lodges and tiny houses, spread out and tucked into the forest.
What you get is silence, dark skies and the trails on this side: the northern route to Laguna de los Tres via El Pilar, the Piedras Blancas glacier, Piedra del Fraile and Laguna Pollone up the Río Eléctrico valley, and the Los Huemules reserve. They are far less crowded than the trails from town.
Good to know: you need a car or a transfer to get to town (from km 15 it is about 20 to 30 minutes on gravel). There is no mobile signal in most of the valley. And groceries are in town, so arrive with what you need.
Town or valley, point by point
Trails
In town: Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres start on foot from town
In the valley: El Pilar, Piedras Blancas, Río Eléctrico, Los Huemules; closer to Lago del Desierto
People on the trail
In town: Many in high season
In the valley: Few
Restaurants and shops
In town: Walking distance
In the valley: In town, 20–30 minutes away
Car
In town: Not needed
In the valley: Almost essential
Mobile signal
In town: Yes
In the valley: Barely any. Wi-Fi where offered
Night sky
In town: With the town lights
In the valley: Dark, Milky Way to the naked eye
Best for
In town: Short trips, no car, going out
In the valley: Couples, rest, photography, quiet trails
Which kind of place to choose
- Hostels
- The cheapest option. Shared rooms and a shared kitchen; a good place to meet people and team up for hikes.
- Guesthouses and hotels
- Breakfast and a reception desk. In town, close to restaurants and trails.
- Cabins and apartments
- Your own kitchen. Good for families or groups; most are in town.
- Tiny houses and lodges in the valley
- Further out, in the forest, with mountain views. Made for resting between hikes.
- Camping
- There are campsites with facilities in town. Inside the national park there are free camps such as Poincenot and De Agostini.
When to book and how many nights
The season runs from October to April. December, January and February are the busiest months: book two or three months ahead. In November, March and April there is more availability and fewer people on the trails. Many places close in winter.
Stay at least four nights. The weather changes a lot and Fitz Roy does not always show itself: with a few spare days you can keep the clear one for Laguna de los Tres and use the others for shorter walks.
Getting to El Chaltén
The nearest airport is El Calafate, about 215 km away. Buses leave every day (around three hours), or you can rent a car. The road is paved all the way to town; the road to Lago del Desierto is gravel.
If you are staying in the valley, fill up and do your shopping in El Chaltén: there are no petrol stations or shops on the road to the lake.
Why we chose the valley
Our four tiny houses are at km 15 of Route 41, 16 km from town and 800 m from Los Glaciares National Park. They are 15 m², for two people, solar-powered, with a kitchen, a bathroom with hot shower and heating. From the bed in Casa Nieve you can see Fitz Roy.
The trail to Laguna de los Tres via El Pilar starts 800 m away, and the Piedra del Fraile trail, from the Río Eléctrico bridge, 2 km away. We live on the same land: if you need anything, we are right there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in El Chaltén?
It depends on how you travel. Without a car or for just a few nights, stay in town: trails, restaurants and buses are within walking distance. With a car, and if you want silence, dark skies and quiet trails, stay in the valley on the road to Lago del Desierto.
How many nights should I stay in El Chaltén?
At least four. The weather changes fast, and with spare days you can wait for a clear one to hike to Laguna de los Tres.
Is there accommodation with a view of Fitz Roy?
Yes. You can see it from parts of town, and in the Río Eléctrico valley there are places facing Fitz Roy. At Cerro Eléctrico you see it from the deck, and from the bed in Casa Nieve.
Do I need a car to stay outside town?
Almost always. It is 20 to 30 minutes on gravel and there is no regular public transport on that road. Without a car you can take a taxi or a transfer.
Is there mobile signal in El Chaltén?
In town, yes. On the road to Lago del Desierto there is barely any. At Cerro Eléctrico there is Wi-Fi in the main house.
How far ahead should I book?
For December, January and February, two or three months ahead. In November, March and April there is usually availability closer to the date.