Hiking Trails: El Chalten
El Chalten is famous for demanding full-day treks, but it also offers excellent easy trails that deliver stunning Patagonian scenery without the physical intensity. These beginner-friendly hikes are perfect for families, rest days between bigger treks, or afternoons when weather keeps you off the high mountains.
Updated for 2025–2026 Season8 min readOverview
El Chalten's easy trails radiate from town in all directions, making them accessible without any vehicle. Most take 1-3 hours and involve minimal elevation gain, yet still provide views of the Fitz Roy massif, condor-watching opportunities, waterfalls, and riverside walks. These trails are especially valuable on days when cloud covers Fitz Roy — the lower-elevation viewpoints, waterfalls, and forest walks remain enjoyable regardless of summit visibility. A rental car extends your options to trailheads slightly outside town, including the road toward Lago del Desierto.
All trails in this guide are rated easy, with gentle grades and well-maintained paths. The longest hike (Lago Capri) covers 12 km round-trip with only 200m of elevation gain. These trails are suitable for children aged 5+, older adults, and anyone without hiking experience. No technical skills or special equipment are required.
Trails
Mirador de los Condores & Mirador de las Aguilas
easyloopDistance
6 km
Elevation Gain
+150m
Duration
2-3 hours
Type
loop
Two short, interconnected viewpoint trails that climb gently from the south end of El Chalten. Mirador de los Condores is a popular spot to watch Andean condors soaring on thermals above the Rio de las Vueltas valley. Mirador de las Aguilas offers a broader panorama of the town, the river valley, and distant mountain peaks. Excellent for a first afternoon in town or a sunset walk.
Highlights
Waypoints
National Park Visitor Center
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
The trail starts near the park visitor center at the southern entrance to El Chalten. Pick up a free trail map here.
Mirador de los Condores
1.5 km from start · +70m · 0h 30min
A hilltop clearing where condors frequently soar at eye level. Best viewing is during thermal updrafts in the late morning and afternoon.
Mirador de las Aguilas
3 km from start · +100m · 1h 0min
A broader viewpoint offering vistas of the town below, the Rio de las Vueltas winding through the valley, and distant peaks on clear days.
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Light windproof jacket
- • Binoculars for condor watching
- • Camera
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: A 5-minute walk from the center of El Chalten to the National Park Visitor Center. No vehicle needed.
Water Availability: No water sources on the trail. Carry a water bottle from town.
Camping Options: No camping. This is a short day walk. Return to town for all accommodation options.
Best Months: October, November, December, January, February, March
Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall
easyout-and-backDistance
6 km
Elevation Gain
+50m
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Type
out-and-back
A gentle, flat walk through a peaceful lenga forest to a beautiful 20-meter waterfall. The wide, well-maintained path follows the Chorrillo del Salto stream and is ideal for families with young children. The waterfall is most impressive in November-December when snowmelt increases the flow. A perfect morning or afternoon activity that pairs well with a picnic.
Highlights
Waypoints
Trailhead (Ruta 23)
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
Located along the main road north of El Chalten. A short walk from town or a 3-minute drive with a small parking area.
Forest Path
2 km from start · +20m · 0h 45min
A wide, flat trail through a pleasant lenga forest following the stream. Shaded and peaceful.
Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall
3 km from start · +50m · 1h 0min
The waterfall drops 20 meters into a pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks. A picnic area with benches is nearby.
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Light jacket
- • Camera
- • Picnic supplies
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: A 15-20 minute walk north from El Chalten along Ruta 23, or a very short drive with parking available at the trailhead. A rental car is convenient but not necessary.
Water Availability: Stream water is available but should be filtered. Bring drinking water from town.
Camping Options: No camping at the waterfall. Return to El Chalten for accommodation.
Best Months: October, November, December, January, February, March
Mirador del Fitz Roy (First Viewpoint)
easyout-and-backDistance
8 km
Elevation Gain
+150m
Duration
2.5-3 hours
Type
out-and-back
This is the first section of the Laguna de los Tres trail, turning back at the first major Fitz Roy viewpoint. It offers a clear, framed view of the entire massif without the demanding moraine scramble. The trail passes through lenga forest on a well-maintained path, making it accessible to anyone who can walk for 2-3 hours. An ideal way to see Fitz Roy if you cannot or choose not to do the full Laguna de los Tres hike.
Highlights
Waypoints
Trailhead (El Chalten north)
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
The same trailhead as the full Laguna de los Tres hike, at the northern end of town.
Forest Ascent
2 km from start · +80m · 0h 45min
Gentle climb through lenga forest with occasional clearings. Well-signed with red blazes.
Mirador del Fitz Roy
4 km from start · +150m · 1h 30min
A clearing with a clear, unobstructed view of the Fitz Roy massif. This is the turnaround point for the easy version of the hike.
- • Comfortable hiking shoes
- • Layered clothing
- • Water bottle (1L minimum)
- • Snack
- • Camera
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: Walk from any accommodation in El Chalten to the trailhead in 5-15 minutes. No vehicle needed.
Water Availability: A few small stream crossings provide water if filtered. Carry at least 1 liter from town.
Camping Options: No camping at this viewpoint. Campamento Poincenot is further along the trail for those continuing.
Best Months: October, November, December, January, February, March
Lago Capri Trail
easyout-and-backDistance
12 km
Elevation Gain
+200m
Duration
3-4 hours
Type
out-and-back
A slightly longer easy hike that branches off the Laguna de los Tres trail to reach Lago Capri, a small lake surrounded by lenga forest with postcard-perfect reflections of Fitz Roy on calm mornings. The trail is well-marked and mostly flat after the initial gentle climb. Lago Capri is a popular camping spot and an excellent destination for a half-day hike with a lakeside picnic.
Highlights
Waypoints
Trailhead (El Chalten north)
0 km from start · +0m · 0 hours
Same starting point as the Laguna de los Tres trail. Follow signs initially toward Fitz Roy.
Lago Capri Junction
3.5 km from start · +120m · 1h 15min
A signed junction where the Lago Capri trail branches off from the main Laguna de los Tres route.
Lago Capri
6 km from start · +200m · 2h 0min
A serene lake in a forested setting. On calm mornings, Fitz Roy reflects beautifully in the water. A designated camping area is nearby.
- • Comfortable hiking shoes
- • Layered clothing with wind protection
- • Water bottle (1.5L)
- • Lunch or snacks for lakeside picnic
- • Camera for reflections (best early morning)
Permit Required: No
Trailhead Access: Walk from El Chalten, same trailhead as Laguna de los Tres. No vehicle needed.
Water Availability: Lake water and stream crossings available; filter before drinking.
Camping Options: Free designated camping at Lago Capri. Basic facilities, first-come, first-served. A quieter alternative to Campamento Poincenot.
Best Months: October, November, December, January, February, March
Drive to the Trailhead
Browse Car RentalsSafety Tips
- 1Even easy trails in El Chalten are subject to strong Patagonian winds — always carry a windproof layer.
- 2Patagonian weather can shift from sunshine to rain in minutes; a waterproof jacket should always be in your daypack.
- 3Trails can be muddy after rain, especially in forest sections. Water-resistant shoes are preferable to sneakers.
- 4Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days; UV radiation is strong at these latitudes.
- 5Carry at least 1 liter of water for any hike, even short ones. The dry air causes faster dehydration than you might expect.
- 6If you see a condor, maintain distance and avoid sudden movements. They are harmless but can be startled.
Emergency Contacts
Rescue Service
105 (Local Emergencies / Civil Defense)
Park Rangers
+54 2962 493004 (Los Glaciares National Park Ranger Station El Chalten)
Nearest Hospital
Hospital Rural de El Chalten
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Drive to the Trailhead
Rent a car to access the best hiking trails near El Chalten
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which easy hike has the best view of Fitz Roy?
Mirador del Fitz Roy (the first viewpoint on the Laguna de los Tres trail) offers the most direct and unobstructed view of the massif for the least effort. On calm mornings, Lago Capri adds the bonus of Fitz Roy's reflection in the lake.
Are these trails suitable for young children?
Yes. The Chorrillo del Salto waterfall trail is flat and wide, suitable for children as young as 3-4 years old. The Mirador de los Condores loop and Mirador del Fitz Roy are manageable for children aged 5+ who are used to walking for an hour or more.
What should I do if Fitz Roy is covered in clouds?
The Chorrillo del Salto waterfall and the Mirador de los Condores trails are enjoyable regardless of mountain visibility. Save the Mirador del Fitz Roy and Lago Capri for a clear day when the mountain is visible. Cloud typically lifts in the evening, so a sunset walk to the Miradores can be rewarding.
Can I do multiple easy hikes in one day?
Absolutely. The Condor/Aguila viewpoints and Chorrillo del Salto can easily be combined in a half day. Add the Mirador del Fitz Roy for a moderate full day covering three different easy trails. All trailheads are within walking distance of town.
Do I need hiking boots for these trails?
Proper hiking boots are not strictly necessary for these easy trails. Sturdy sneakers or trail shoes with good tread are sufficient in dry conditions. However, after rain, the forest trails can be muddy, and water-resistant footwear is recommended.
Is a rental car useful in El Chalten?
For the easy hikes listed here, a car is not needed since all trailheads are within walking distance. However, a rental car is valuable for the drive between El Calafate and El Chalten (3 hours), for reaching Lago del Desierto, and for flexibility if you want to explore the wider region.