Hiking and viewpoints in El Chaltén

El Chaltén serves as Argentina’s trekking capital, offering a network of well-marked trails within Los Glaciares National Park. These paths lead to vantage points overlooking the Fitz Roy and Torre massifs, Viedma Lake, and the meandering Río de las Vueltas. Most routes start directly from the village edge, ranging from short ascents to multi-day valley treks. The terrain features southern beech forests, glacial moraines, and granite outcrops characteristic of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Viewpoints & Hiking — Map

Liam Quinn from Canada / cc-by-sa-2.0

A

Mirador Las Águilas

Offers a panorama of Lake Viedma, Tunel Bay, and Pirámide hill. The trail starts from the National Park Visitors’ Center and crosses a transitional forest zone.

M M from Switzerland / cc-by-sa-2.0

B

Mirador Cerro Torre

Located 45 minutes into the Laguna Torre trail, this point provides the first clear view of the Fitz Roy River valley and the granite needle of Cerro Torre.

C

Mirador Cascada Margarita

Overlooks a waterfall on the opposite side of the Fitz Roy River valley. It is the first significant stop on the path toward Laguna Torre.

D

Mirador De Los Cóndores

The closest viewpoint to El Chaltén, providing a 360-degree view of the town and the Fitz Roy massif. Andean condors frequently use the thermal currents here for flight.

E

Mirador Río de las Vueltas

A roadside vantage point overlooking the zig-zagging curves of the Río de las Vueltas as it flows through the glacial valley toward the steppe.

F

Dos Condores

A specific vantage point along the southern trails of the park, named for the frequent sightings of Andean condors nesting in the nearby cliffs.

G

Rio Negro

A mountain refuge providing basic shelter and a base for local mountaineering and trekking routes near the river confluence.

H

Upper Mirador (De Los Cóndores)

An elevated extension of the main Cóndores trail, providing a higher perspective of the Fitz Roy range and the surrounding Patagonian steppe.

Other Lists

El Chaltén Essentials Editor's Choice