Explora El Chaltén
Enjoy one-of-a-kind access to the solitude, Andean mountains, alpine waterways and stunning glaciers of Argentinean Patagonia. From the all-inclusive Explora El Chaltén Lodge, choose from a daily selection of over 30 guided, small-group explorations.
Explora El Chaltén is a lodge-based exploration of Argentinean Patagonia, witin four zones: Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, Los Glaciares National Park, Desert Lake and Argentina’s Southern Ice Field. This remote, modern lodge sits 11 miles northwest of El Chaltén, looking onto the Electric Valley and Marconi Glacier.
This customizable wilderness adventure offers more than 30 activity options, including hiking, climbing, high mountain ascents and overland trips by van. Choose from half-day or full-day adventures for activity levels spanning from easy to moderate, advanced and expert. While a 4-day itinerary exists (inquire for pricing), we recommend a longer 5-, 6- or 7-day itinerary as an ideal way to experience Explora El Chaltén, or we can customize your experience.
This tailored-to-you trip offers numerous highlights in a world-renowned destination for those who love nature, climbing and trekking. Take in the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park—a unique and renowned glacier per its ability to grow at the same rate as its loss, therefore maintaining its relative size. Los Glaciares National Park hosts over 100 bird species, including the Andean condor. Desert Lake, on the border of Chile and Argentina, features amazingly pure water hemmed in by mountains and is thus a popular ecosystem for a substantial amount of varied wildlife. And the Southern Ice Fields are not only stunning but also source the network of brooks, streams, lakes and rivers around which life unfolds and thrives.
Your wilderness headquarters is Explora El Chaltén Lodge, a modern 20-room wilderness lodge with a feel that complements the unique natural beauty of the area. After a long day exploring Argentinean Patagonia, relax in this intimate property and its onsite spa amenities. Each evening, sit down with your guide to plan the next day’s explorations. This lodge’s remote, very private location offers a privileged jumping off point for an unforgettable Argentinean Patagonia experience.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Chile tours, Patagonia tours and Patagonia trips.
Explora El Chaltén Itinerary
The Explora El Chaltén trip is a choose-your-own-adventure experience in Argentinean Patagonia that begins and ends at the airport in El Calafate on the border of Argentina and Chile.
Be greeted at the airport by Explora staff who will take you on the 3.5-hour overland journey from El Calafate to the Explora El Chaltén Lodge nearby to the village of El Chaltén, in the private Los Huemules Conservation Reserve. Stop at a restaurant en route for a light meal.
Each evening during your stay at the El Chaltén lodge, select from 30+ explorations for the next day, to get you out exploring in small groups with a bilingual guide. Activities range from easy to moderate, advanced and expert, and self-guided options also exist. Choose off-the-beaten-path adventures, from four different zones, including hiking, high mountain ascents, climbing, overland travel, or a combination. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days.
Featured Hiking Explorations
Mirador Fitz Roy
This moderate, full-day, 5.2-mile hike in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 5.5. hours. Take a van from the lodge to the Los Glaciares National Park. Cross the forests to get a great view of the Los Andes Mountain Range’s massifs. On clear days, watch Mount Fitz Roy and the Agujas Mermoz and Poincenot in all their glory. Finally, reach the viewpoint to Mount Fitz Roy, with a unique perspective of this rock formation and all the mountains around it.
Lago del Desierto
This advanced, full-day, 8.1-mile hike in the Desert Lake zone takes about 7.5 hours. Take a van from the lodge to the south shore of the Desierto Lake. From there, cross this historical lake while enjoying the view of the Vespigniani Glacier. Land on the northernmost tip of the lake and take a rugged track through the forest, reaching some of the most unexplored parts of this area. Reach the southern edge of the lake and finalize the exploration taking a van back to the lodge.
Featured High Mountain Explorations
Paso del Cuadrado
This advanced, full-day, 13.7-mile high-mountain experience in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 12 hours, is subject to availability, and is an ideal exploration for travelers wishing to have a different experience and perspective of the Patagonia. Surrounded by mountains, hike along the Eléctrico River through a Patagonia forest while enjoying a view to the Marconi Glacier. Then hike up a steep slope, leaving the forest behind and approaching the impressive mountains that seem to grow in height upon approach. The north side of Mount Fitz Roy is waiting from a lookout that is the highest point of this exploration.
Cerro Madsen
This expert, full-day, 13.5-mile high-mountain experience in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 11 hours and is subject to availability. The ascent to Cerro Madsen, in the Fitz Roy area, is a perfect challenge for beginners in the mountains or for those who want to make their first summit in Patagonia and treat themselves to one of the most wonderful views in the world.
Featured Climbing Explorations (must be booked on site)
Conexión vertical
This easy, half-day climbing tutorial experience in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve zone takes about 2.5 hours and is subject to availability. El Chaltén is one of the best places in the world for rock climbing, so start by learning more about the sport and local hot spots. Take in a rock climbing briefing that covers the main places to climb in El Chaltén, history, how to control your body and the importance of trusting partners.
La Roca
This moderate, half-day climbing experience in the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve zone takes about 3 hours and is subject to availability. El Chaltén is known worldwide for rock climbing. Many of the world’s top climbers have gone up the Fitz Roy, Torre, and La Guilloumet mounts, among others. For those with the appropriate experience, take on beginner climbing routes and others that are more demanding, always being mindful of safety.
Featured Overland Explorations
Río Arriba
This easy, half-day overland exploration in the Desert Lake zone takes about 4 hours. Leave the lodge by van, going through the different curves and beautiful waterfalls that are formed thanks to the geography of the Río de las Vueltas valley, to go into the deepest and most humid forests of the Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve. Stop for a panoramic vista and after reaching the lake, return along the route to the lodge, stopping at a small waterfall to enjoy lunch.
Colonos
This easy, half-day, 2.4-mile overland exploration in the Los Glaciares National Park zone takes about 4 hours. This exploration is a trip in time, including a guided visit to the house of pioneer Andreas Madsen, a Danish man who arrived in 1901 to work with Perito Pascasio Moreno and built the first houses in El Chaltén. Learn about their history, the challenges faced by Madsen and his family, and everyday life in an estancia over a century ago.
While this extraordinary time in Argentinean Patagonia has come to an end, you will take your Explora El Chaltén memories with you for a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your included transfer takes you to the airport, or to the next leg of your adventure.
Included
Transfer from and to El Calafate airport on a preset schedule; accommodations and guided explorations; all meals, plus snacks and open bar; trekking poles; tickets to nature reserves and Los Glaciares National Park; access to the hot tubs and leisure areas; WiFi in common areas.
Exclusions
International airfare, insurance of any kind, discretionary gratuities, spa or massage service, laundry, premium wines or other items of a personal nature such as phone calls; peak season/holiday surcharges (please contact AdventureSmith for details).
Payment & Cancellation
Shoulder & High Season:
25/26 Season: Oct 1-Dec 22, 2025; Jan 2-Apr 30, 2026
26/27 Season: Oct 1-Dec 22, 2026; Jan 2-Apr 29, 2027
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 30 days – full refund
29 to 15 days – 50% of total trip cost
14 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Peak Season:
25/26 Season: Dec 23, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
26/27 Season: Dec 23, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 60 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Peak Season cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 60 days – full refund
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Explora El Chaltén adventure begins and ends in El Calafate, Argentina (FTE). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to El Calafate in time for the 12:00pm or 4:30pm scheduled pick-ups (or 11:00am & 3:30pm pick-ups from local El Calafate hotels). Plan flights to depart El Calafate anytime after airport drop-off at 11:30am (or local El Calafate hotels drop-off at 12:00pm) on the final day. (With advanced request, a half-day guided exploration may be available when checking out by 7:00am and leaving bags at the front desk; inquire with your Adventure Specialist for appropriate departure flight timing.) Transfers are accommodated in comfortable Sprinter vans. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Arrival and departure transportation can also be arranged from Explora Torres del Paine Lodge (8-9 hours), at various times. Pick-up outside of scheduled days and times will incur an additional fee. Please inquire for details.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities cover all areas in Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, either by foot or van. Prior climbing experience is required for actual climbs (must be booked on site). Hikes range from easy to expert all-day expeditions and mountain ascents. A bilingual English or Spanish guide will accompany each small group. Provided gear includes walking sticks for hikes, and all the necessary equipment for climbing (rock climbing shoes, helmet, harness & all security equipment such as ropes & carabiners).
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at one of the following supplements of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability:
– Shoulder (34%): Oct 1-31, 2025; Apr 1-30, 2026; Oct 1-31, 2026; Apr 1-29, 2027
– High & Peak (100%): Nov 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026; Nov 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Christmas program has a fixed check-in date (Dec 23) with a required stay of 5 days.
New Year program has a fixed check-in date (Dec 27) with a required stay of 7 days.
Families & Children
Children under the age of 2 are complimentary when sharing a room with their parents. Additional bed available for children aged 2-12 when sharing their parent’s room. Maximum one extra bed per room. Guests aged 13-17 are offered a special rate in an additional room with a minimum of 2 per room. Please inquire for special rates for children ages 2-17 years old accompanying their parents, which are subject to availability.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
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Deep in the private Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, 11 miles northwest of El Chaltén, Hotel Explora El Chaltén features the best of Argentinean Patagonia. This lodge earns its stripes as a remote, secluded property following a 3.5-hour overland drive from the El Calafate Airport on the border of southern Argentina; the trip is well worth it. Relax and explore among the surrounding dense forests, Eléctrico River and Marconi Glacier. Nearby is the world's third largest fresh water reserve, Southern Patagonia Ice Field.
Explora El Chaltén Lodge Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Explora Lodge El Chaltén review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our Patagonia experts have stayed at similar Explora properties and can provide firsthand knowledge into these properties, as well as compare the Explora hotel El Chaltén with her sister Patagonia properties of Explora Torres del Paine Lodge and Explora Patagonia National Park Lodge, plus other adventure lodging and Chile travel.
Choose Explora El Chaltén Lodge for a remote, modern property that fosters detachment from the everyday. Explore the solitude and remarkable geography shaped by mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers, from an understated property with upscale service. And revel in this unique location within the Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, that provides unique views and explorations of the Perito Moreno and Mount Fitz Roy glaciers.
Design at Explora El Chaltén Lodge
Explora Lodge El Chaltén is designed to put a spotlight on the quiet, remote and vast landscape in which it sits. Light wood interiors contrast with a dark steel exterior and view windows wrap the building so that the great outdoors are always top of mind. Large, open-concept common areas invite both contemplation and community. Skylights throughout the lodge create sun-soaked interiors. And decor reflects the wildlife and woven goods common to this mountainous region.
Common Areas at Explora El Chaltén Lodge
Hotel Explora El Chaltén invites guests to meet likeminded travelers in spacious common areas. Couches and simple chairs line bright windows, wooden coffee tables, a display of reference materials and a crackling fireplace. A central bar lines a simple dining room with modern furniture and continuous views into the valley. A separate spa and outdoor Jacuzzi space encourages further immersion into the surrounding wilds.
Dining at Explora El Chaltén Lodge
Explora Hotel El Chaltén offers elevated food in a relaxed atmosphere. Tastebuds will delight in flavors of the region thanks to a menu of locally sourced ingredients, including wild harvested products, from small farms with agroecological standards. The menu is designed by owner Pablo Jesús Rivero and consulting chef Guido Tassi of “Don Julio,” Latin America restaurant #10 according to the ranking of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021.
Activities at Explora El Chaltén Lodge
Upon arrival, settle in and then meet with a guide to map out your selection of activities during your stay at Hotel Explora El Chaltén. Over 30 activities are on offer, in four unique zones that reach even beyond Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, to Los Glaciares National Park, Lago del Desierto and Southern Ice Fields. All required gear is provided. Opt for explorations that are rated easy, moderate, advanced or expert, and choose to be fully guided, self-guided, or try some of each. Hiking on trails and ice fields, overland trips, high mountain pursuits, climbing and even multi-day expeditions with overnight camping are all exciting options.
After a full day of activity in rugged Argentinean Patagonia, relax with the lodge's spa amenities. Outdoors, five open-air Jacuzzis, a selection of lounge chairs and an outdoor shower look down on a forest of ñirre trees and the Eléctrico River valley. Indoors, two massage rooms and two saunas further encourage you to unwind.
Accommodations at Explora El Chaltén Lodge
With a small property of only 20 rooms (including one accessible Standard Room), guests can form lasting bonds at Explora Lodge El Chaltén. All rooms feature the natural feel that Explora lodges are known for, with steel exterior, soft wood interior and plenty of view windows that put a spotlight on the lodge's incredible natural surroundings. Furniture is minimalist with clean lines and modern aesthetics, with an Argentinean twist. Both Standard Rooms and Suites come equipped with a crib and an extra bed for children (subject to availability), safe deposit box, heating, a hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers. Phone calls and laundry service are available for a fee.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About The Lodge on Your Itinerary
Deep in the private Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, the remote Explora El Chaltén Lodge features the best of Argentinean Patagonia. Relax and explore among the surrounding dense forests, Eléctrico River and Marconi Glacier, with the Southern Patagonia Ice Field nearby.
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