Things to do in El Chaltén without the long hikes

El Chaltén is known as the trekking capital, and it is easy to think that if you are not going to walk for ten hours there is no point going. That is not true. There are viewpoints a few minutes from town, a waterfall you reach with almost no climbing, and trips to lakes and glaciers that do not ask much of your legs. Here is what you can do.

Mirador de los Cóndores (and de las Águilas)

This is the classic short walk: it starts at the park visitor centre at the entrance to town, and a short climb leaves you with all of El Chaltén below and Fitz Roy behind it. There is no entry fee. It is ideal at sunset or on the day you arrive.

A few minutes before the viewpoint, a side trail goes to Mirador de las Águilas, about thirty minutes more, looking out over Lago Viedma. If you have the energy, add it.

Chorrillo del Salto

A waterfall over 20 metres high in the middle of lenga and ñire forest, less than 4 km from town. The path is almost flat and takes about three hours round trip at an easy pace. It starts at the end of Avenida San Martín, on the same side as the Fitz Roy trail. You can also drive or cycle to a car park and walk the last stretch. It is inside the national park, so you pay the entry fee. In winter, when it is very cold, the waterfall freezes.

Laguna Capri: if you want to walk a bit

Half a day, little climbing and Fitz Roy in front of you. It is the best option if you are not doing Laguna de los Tres. It is all explained in Laguna Capri.

Lago del Desierto

About 37 km north of town on provincial route 23, a gravel road through forest with the Río de las Vueltas alongside. You go on a tour or with a shuttle. On the lake there are boat trips and a short walk to the lagoon and the Huemul glacier. It takes a full day, but not much effort.

Boat trips and glaciers

There are boat trips on Lago Viedma to the front of the Viedma glacier, and some add a guided walk on the ice. You book them in town; they leave and come back the same day.

In town

• The park visitor centre: maps, a talk from the rangers and the state of the trails. Worth a stop on your first day.
• Watching Fitz Roy at sunset from town, if the sky clears.
• A rainy day: a bakery, a brewery and a book. In El Chaltén that is part of the trip too.

To pick your season and know what is open when: best time to visit El Chaltén. And to stay close to everything, see the places to stay with direct booking.