Where to stay in southern Argentine Patagonia
El Chaltén and El Calafate are the two bases for Los Glaciares National Park, but they serve different purposes. The useful question is not which to choose, but how many nights to spend in each.
Comparison
El Chaltén or El Calafate: where to stay in Patagonia
El Chaltén vs El Calafate: hiking or glaciers, distances, how many nights in each and how to keep costs down in Argentine Patagonia.
Photo: Gagea · CC BY-SA 3.0
Short answer
It is rarely one or the other: most travellers stay in both. Base yourself in El Chaltén for the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre hikes (the trails start in the village) and in El Calafate for Perito Moreno Glacier and the airport. They are about three hours apart by road.
Reviewed: November 2026
Side by side
| El Chaltén | El Calafate | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for | Hiking: Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre and more, on foot from the village. | Glaciers: Perito Moreno, boat trips and ice mini-trekking. |
| Size | Small village, everything walkable. | Bigger town with an airport and more services. |
| How many nights | 3 to 4, to do the big hikes with room for bad weather. | 2 to 3, for the glacier and a boat trip. |
| Staying on a budget | Hostels and self-catering apartments in the village. | Self-catering apartments near the centre. |
| Season | October to April; many services close in winter. | The glacier is open all year; winter is very quiet. |
Choose El Chaltén if…
- You are travelling to hike and want the trails at your door.
- You want to see Fitz Roy at sunrise.
- You like small villages with a mountain vibe.
Choose El Calafate if…
- Your priority is Perito Moreno and other glaciers.
- You are flying in or out and want to move around little.
- You are travelling in winter, when El Chaltén has fewer services.
FAQ
Can I visit El Chaltén as a day trip from El Calafate?
It is possible, but it is about three hours each way and not enough for the big hikes. Plan at least two or three nights in El Chaltén.
Where is it cheaper to stay?
Both have hostels and self-catering apartments. Buying food in El Calafate before heading to El Chaltén helps, as there is less choice there.
How do I combine it with Torres del Paine?
El Calafate connects overland with Puerto Natales, the base for Torres del Paine. It is one of Patagonia’s most popular routes.