El Chalten Gas Station: The Remote YPF You Need to Know
Everything about fueling up in El Chalten, Argentina. Learn about the single YPF station, payment issues, long queues, and why you should fill up in El Calafate first.
The Only Game in Town
El Chalten, Argentina's trekking capital, has exactly one gas station: a small YPF on the main road into town. For a village that attracts hundreds of thousands of hikers annually, this single fuel point creates some unique challenges.
Key facts:
- Name: YPF El Chalten
- Payment: Cards accepted but unreliable - bring cash as backup
- Hours: Approximately 8 AM - 7/10 PM (varies seasonally)
- Location: Ruta Provincial 23 KM 9.8, north end of town
Why This Matters
El Chalten sits approximately 215 kilometers from El Calafate, the nearest major town. There are no gas stations between the two. That's a 430+ km round trip with only this one remote station as a potential refueling point.
The Payment Problem
Update (as of late 2022): The El Chalten YPF now has a card terminal, but it's notoriously unreliable.
What to expect:
- Card terminal often fails or is offline
- Signal issues in this remote location
- May revert to cash-only without notice
- Foreign cards sometimes rejected
Bottom line: Bring sufficient cash as backup. Don't rely on cards working.
Where to Get Cash
In El Chalten:
- Banco Santa Cruz ATM - The only ATM in town
- Frequently runs out of cash (especially weekends)
- Low withdrawal limits
- High fees for foreign cards
Better option - Get cash in El Calafate:
- Multiple ATMs and banks
- Better availability
- Withdraw enough for fuel + expenses
How Much Cash to Bring
A full tank for a standard rental car costs approximately:
- 50L tank: 45,000-55,000 ARS
- 60L tank: 55,000-65,000 ARS
Bring at least 20% extra for price fluctuations.
The Queue Situation
During high season (November-March), the El Chalten YPF experiences significant queues.
What to expect:
- Lines start forming before opening (7:30 AM)
- Wait times of 30-60 minutes are common
- Midday typically has shorter waits
- Late afternoon sees another rush before closure
Best Times to Fill Up
| Time | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30-8:00 AM | Long | Pre-opening queue |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Long | Morning rush |
| 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Moderate | Best window |
| 5:00-8:00 PM | Long | Evening rush |
Fuel Availability Issues
The El Chalten YPF can and does run out of fuel. Contributing factors:
- Remote location (difficult resupply)
- Single delivery truck serves the station
- Peak season demand exceeds supply
- Road closures can delay deliveries
- Diesel runs out more frequently than gasoline
Signs the station might be running low:
- Longer than usual queues
- Attendant limiting quantities
- "Solo nafta" or "Solo diesel" signs
- Local chatter at hotels/hostels
The Smart Strategy
Option 1: Avoid Needing El Chalten Fuel
The best approach is to not rely on El Chalten for fuel at all:
- Fill up completely in El Calafate
- Drive to El Chalten (~215 km)
- Explore on foot (El Chalten is a hiking town)
- Return to El Calafate
- Refuel in El Calafate
A vehicle with a 55-60L tank can easily complete this 430km round trip.
Option 2: Use El Chalten as Backup
If you must refuel in El Chalten:
- Still fill up in El Calafate first
- Bring extra cash (pesos)
- Check fuel availability on arrival
- Fill up during off-peak hours (11 AM-2 PM)
- Don't wait until your tank is empty
Option 3: Extended El Chalten Stays
Staying multiple days? You may need local fuel:
- Bring significant cash reserves
- Check station status daily
- Fill up whenever you can, not just when needed
- Ask locals about fuel truck delivery schedules
- Consider limiting driving excursions
Nearby Fuel Stops
El Calafate Options
Before the 215km drive to El Chalten:
| Station | Location | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| YPF Centro | Downtown | Cards + Cash |
| Shell Libertador | Main avenue | Cards + Cash |
| YPF Route 40 | South of town | Cards + Cash |
Returning via Route 40
If driving south on Ruta 40 instead of returning to El Calafate:
- Tres Lagos: Small YPF (verify hours)
- Gobernador Gregores: COPEC/YPF available
- Distance to next fuel can exceed 200km
Emergency Contacts
If you run out of fuel near El Chalten:
- YPF El Chalten: +54 2962 493-008
- Rental Company: Your contract emergency number
- Argentine Emergency: 107
- Hiking rescue: 103
Practical Checklist
Before leaving El Calafate:
- Full tank of fuel
- 60,000+ ARS in cash (for fuel backup)
- Vehicle range calculated
- Emergency numbers saved
- Offline maps downloaded
In El Chalten:
- Check YPF hours/availability on arrival
- Know ATM location (Banco Santa Cruz)
- Ask accommodation about current fuel situation
- Fill up during off-peak if needed
The Bottom Line
The El Chalten YPF isn't unreliable - it's just limited. Understanding its constraints (cash-only, potential queues, possible shortages) lets you plan accordingly.
Golden rule: Treat El Chalten fuel as a backup, not your primary fueling plan. Fill up in El Calafate and enjoy El Chalten for what it's famous for: world-class hiking.
Sources & References
- YPF Argentina - Official YPF network information
- Municipalidad de El Chaltén - Local government tourism information
- Parque Nacional Los Glaciares - National park official site
Looking for a vehicle for your Patagonia adventure? Browse our rental options with trusted partners who know these roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the El Chalten gas station accept credit cards?
Sometimes. As of late 2022, the YPF began accepting cards, but the terminal is unreliable and often fails. Always bring cash (Argentine pesos) as backup. The town's only ATM (Banco Santa Cruz) frequently runs out during high season.
What time does the El Chalten gas station open?
Hours vary between 8:00 AM and 7:00-10:00 PM depending on season and staffing. In high season, expect lines forming before opening. Verify current hours locally as they change frequently.
Can the El Chalten gas station run out of fuel?
Yes. During peak season (December-February), the station can run out of fuel, especially diesel. The fuel truck delivery schedule isn't always reliable. Always have a backup plan.
Image Generation Prompt
Create a focused photograph for a travel guide about the gas station in El Chalten, Argentina. Show a small town gas station with Mount Fitz Roy visible in the background and a queue of vehicles waiting to fuel. Style: Professional travel photography, high quality, 16:9 aspect ratio. No watermarks. Include subtle 'patagoniahub.travel' branding in the bottom right corner.
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