Wondering where to stay in El Chalten? The good news is, the town is tiny so you can’t really go wrong location-wise.
I stayed in El Chalten for 5 days to tackle some of Argentinian Patagonia’s best hiking. In between hikes, I explored the town in-depth, oo-ing and ah-ing at some of the stunning hotels with insane views that I hadn’t chosen.
El Chalten has budget hostels with great atmospheres to meet other hikers. It also has luxurious hotels with amenities like hot tubs and massage to relax after long hikes. There are also a few hotels with perfectly angled windows to admire Fitz Roy when you’re resting in your room.
In this guide, you’ll find a complete list of the best places to stay in El Chalten for whatever budget or amenities you are searching for.
My Top 3 Picks:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Great for meeting people
✅ Well-equipped kitchen and common spaces
✅ Great views of Mount Fitz Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montana
✅ Spa and hot tubs for relaxing
✅ Large and comfortable rooms
✅ Extensive breakfast buffet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel
✅ 5 Star Hotel Experience
✅ Luxury spa on-site
✅ Gourmet restaurant
Budget Hostels in El Calafate
1. Aylen Aike – For Connecting With Other Hikers
⭐️ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, breakfast available (for a fee), tour desk, luggage storage, bar, full kitchen | ✅ Book it!
Location: 20 minute walk to Laguna de los Tres trailhead, 14 minutes from Cerro Torre, 10 mins from tourist info centre.
Aylen Aike is located just off the main street in El Chalten. Its name translates to “warm place” and that is exactly what it provides. Aylen Aike has room for 30 guests in 4, 6, or 8 person domes and gives a homey vibe that is perfect for meeting other travellers.
Pros:
- Communal spaces have massive windows with views of Fitz Roy
- Super social and welcoming atmosphere, so great for solo travellers exploring Patagonia alone.
- Clean, comfortable beds and generously supplied kitchen
Cons:
- Only one stove, so it can get busy during cooking periods
- Social evenings can run late/noisy
“Nothing but amazing things to say about this hostel! Sebastian is absolutely fantastic – helpful and funny!! The amenities are basic but it felt so homey and it was very easy to find people to hike with. Would absolutely stay here again if I ever find myself in El Chalten.” Chelsea from the USA (Read more reviews)
2. Rancho Grande Hostel – For the Cozy Ranch-Style Vibe
⭐️ RATING: 8.4/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, 24-hour restaurant, free breakfast, kitchen, airport transfers available, bar, luggage storage, 24-hour reception, laundry | ✅ Book it!
Location: 7 minutes from Laguna del Los Tres trailhead, 13 minutes from Cerro Torre, 18 minutes from tourist centre.
Rancho Grande Hostel has a cozy, ranch-style atmosphere. It has large communal spaces with great views of the mountains. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a more rustic vibe.
Rancho Grande has mixed dorms and private rooms with en-suites. There are spacious lockers to keep your belongings. It’s a really practical spot if you want a convenient and comfortable stay.
Pros:
- Free breakfast and 24-hour restaurant for early or late meals after hiking
- Comfy beds and spacious dorms and private rooms.
- The staff are super helpful
Cons:
- The kitchen could be better equipped
- Wifi is spotty inside rooms, it works best in communal areas
- A little less cozy compared to El Chalten’s smaller hostels
The location is great to start all the hiking trails. The restaurant is also good cause it’s 24hrs and has super fair prices. There’s enough showers and bathrooms and the lockers are really spacious.” Laura from Germany (Read more reviews)
3. Patagonia Travellers’ Hostel – For the Seamless Experience
⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, restaurant, kitchen, tours desk, luggage storage, fitness centre, laundry | ✅ Book it!
Location: 11 mins from Laguna de los Tres, 12 minutes from Cerro Torre, 13 minutes to tourist information centre
Patagonia Travellers Hostel has been around for decades, so they’ve gotten really good at providing a seamless and comfortable experience. They have brand new amenities and well-heated rooms. The hostel staff are known to be super helpful and knowledgeable, so they can provide you with advice on the local trails and activities.
Patagonia Travellers Hostel has private rooms or dorms with up to 4 people. They have a large shared kitchen on-site and a restaurant. Their showers are warm and the rooms clean, so it’s a practical place to stay if you don’t want to worry about anything in between hikes.
Pros:
- Very social atmosphere with communal lounge, board games, and on-site bar
- Warm and friendly staff
- Have a gym
Cons:
- Bathrooms could be better. They aren’t the most private and sometimes smell.
“Excellent, cozy stay! Well run hostel, brand new amenities and construction, great insulation from the cold. Clean room and super hot shower with strong stream of water. Staff are super helpful and engaging and glad to share information and answer any questions. Great location, close to the trailheads and best restaurants in town. Highly recommend!” – Elad from US (Read more reviews)
4. Camping El Relincho – For the Tiny Cabins/Camping
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Kitchen, indoor communal spaces, showers | ✅ Book it!
Location: 9 mins to Laguna de los Tres, 14 minutes from Cerro Torre, 15 minutes from tourist information centre.
Camping El Relincho has campsites and basic tiny cabins. The cabins are simple with clean, comfortable beds inside and nothing else. There is a large communal kitchen and some indoor space to relax in and socialize. You can get immersed in nature and meet other hikers.
Pros:
- Hot 24/7 showers
- Camping and cabin-camping experience
- Spacious communal kitchen and indoor lounge which are great for socializing or bad weather
- The staff are really friendly and attentive
Cons:
- The internet is spotty and not reliable
- As can be expected, the cabin amenities are basic, you need your own sleeping bag.
“A very pleasant camping site. Hot water available 24/7. The bathrooms are cleaned several times a day. There is a very large communal and kitchen area available. There is also an option to leave your luggage for an additional fee. A downside is the internet, which, despite being available, hardly works as it is constantly overloaded.” – Tomasz
Mid-Range Options in El Chalten:
1. Nothofagus Bed and Breakfast – For the Food
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, delicious breakfast, luggage storage, common fridge, packed lunches, games room. | ✅ Book it!
Location: 23 minutes from Laguna de los Tres, 7 mins from Cerro Torre, 8 mins from tourist information centre
Nothofagus Bed and Breakfast is a charming retreat known for its delicious breakfast. There is homemade yogurt, fresh pastries, and heartier options to fuel you up for a day of hiking. The hotel rooms are comfortable and have great views of the mountains.
The host is incredibly accommodating and helpful, which makes for an overall pleasant time. If you’re looking for a homey, welcoming atmosphere, this is it.
Pros:
- The breakfast is delicious and has a great variety of yogurt, pastries, regional james, and heartier options for hiking.
- Has a woodsy alpine décor with views of the mountains
- The host is really responsive, flexible, and gives trail advice.
Cons:
- No kitchen to do your own cooking for lunch or dinner.
- The rooms are on the smaller side.
“A wonderful B&B with a kind and helpful host, super clean rooms, lovely breakfast with cake and fresh coffee every morning, a common fridge to keep own food items, and most of all a perfect location (pretty quiet, walking distance from bus station as well as all hikes around el chalten!)” Lana from the Netherlands (Read more reviews)
2. Senderos Suites and Apartment – For the Apartment-Style
⭐️ RATING: 8.8/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, Kitchenette with hot plate and fridge, work desk, breakfast, bike rentals and tourism, packed lunches available | ✅ Book it!
Location: 19 minutes from Laguna de los Tres, 14 minutes from Cerro Torre, 9 minute from tourist information centre
If you’re looking for a more equipped apartment, Senderos Suites and Apartments is great. They have equipped kitchenettes so you can pack your own lunches and cook your own meals. The suites have a more homey vibe with proper dining tables and couches. It’s also really central to everything in town, like the best restaurants and gear shops.
Pros:
- Full apartment style with kitchenettes and sitting areas
- Amazing views of Mount Fitz Roy right outside your bedroom window.
- Free breakfast and on-site restaurant is really convenient.
Cons:
- Could use some maintenance
- Some say it could be a little cleaner
“The room was very clean, modern and spacious. it was in a great location with easy parking. the shower was great with hot water and good drainage. the kitchen was well equipped. the staff at the front desk was very helpful. the breakfast was great and the packed lunches available to take on hikes were also really good” – Kendra from the US (Read more reviews)
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3. Cabañas Austral – For the Cabin Vibes
⭐️ RATING: 8.9/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, kitchen, terrace with views, BBQ, tour desk, bike rentals, luggage storage | ✅ Book it!
Location: 8 mins from Laguna de los Tres, 13 mins from Cerro Torre, 17 mins from tourist information centre
Cabañas Austral has wood cabin-style rooms with full kitchens to make your own meals. Each cabin has a terrace with mountain views, which is great for relaxing on after hiking all day. The rooms are clean, warm, and comfortable. The host, Claudia, is also super responsive and attentive.
Pros:
- The cabins are well-equipped with kitchens, heating, and mountain views
- Cozy cabin experience that can fita small group
Cons:
- No exciting extras like a spa, restaurant or hot tub
Location and cooking facilities were awesome. Basic accomodation but all you need after a long day of hiking. Heating worked well” Thomas from Australia (Read more reviews)
4. Chalten Suites Hotel – For the Amazing Dinner Views
⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, airport shuttle, restaurant with great views, bar, breakfast | ✅ Book it!
Location: 17 mins from Laguna de los Tres, 12 mins from Cerro Torre, 7 mins from tourist information centre
Even if you don’t stay here, you’ll definitely notice Chalten Suites’ restaurant that is made from glass walls elevated above their front entrance. They offer big rooms with great views of Fitz Roy. The on-site restaurant is super convenient and has high-quality dining. The hotel is perfectly central and the staff are helpful and professional. Some guests note that the room temperatures can be difficult to adjust, but overall, the experience remains positive.
Pros:
- On-site restaurant is convenient for meals
- Spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy from the rooms and the glass-walled restaurant
Cons:
- Temperature control is a bit tricky in the rooms
- Rooms are a bit small for the price
Love the view of the mountains. Clean and spacious room. Great breakfast. Staff were exceptionally helpful and available.” Mary from the US (Read more reviews)
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5. Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña – For the Relaxation
⭐️ RATING: 8.8/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, indoor pool, hot tub, on-site spa, restaurant, room service, bar, breakfast | ✅ Book it!
Location: 7 mins from Laguna de los Tres, 11 mins from Cerro Torre, 20 minutes from tourist information centre
Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montaña is perfect if you envision yourself relaxing in a hot tub after long days of hiking. They have an on-site spa with massages, jacuzzis, steam rooms, and saunas. The rooms are big and clean, plus they have an extensive breakfast buffet.
Pros:
- Spa and hot tubs for relaxing after long day hikes
- The rooms are large and comfortable
- The extensive breakfast buffet is great before hiking
Cons:
- Wi‑Fi can be a bit slow in the rooms
“We had a great stay, in a comfortable room. The hotel is well located, close to the start of the hiking trails, restaurants and pubs. It also has a lovely spa which was perfect for after our hike. Great breakfast buffet which starts early which was helpful given most residents are there to hike. Highly recommended.” Christopher from the UK (Read more reviews)
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6. Cabañas El Puesto Sur – For Mountain-View Cabins
⭐️ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, kitchen, BBQ, mountain views, entire cabin rental, luggage storage | ✅ Book it!
Location: 17 mins from Laguna de los Tres, 9 mins from Cerro Torre, 9 mins from El Chalten tourist info centre
Cabañas El Puesto Sur has charming and comfortable cabins with windows looking out to the mountains. It provides lots of space to hang outdoors like in their BBQ area. If you want to cook all your own meals, the cabins are fully equipped for it. The owner Damien is super kind and provides awesome insight into El Chalten and its hikes.
Pros:
- Incredible host that gives advice and is available to help you with whatever you need
- They have a breakfast delivery service for early hikers
- The cabins are charming, with views and an outdoor hangout area
Cons:
- The cabins are one-bedroom only, so they don’t work well for groups.
Mario is the Best man! He had a Solution for every Problem. The view to the Fitz Roy Mountain is Perfect. The house was very nice and clean. We got breakfast from Mario. I recommend this very much!!” Franz-Joseph from Germany (Read more reviews)
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The Best Luxury Hotels in El Chalten
1. Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel – For the 5 Star Experience
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Wifi, hot tub, on-site spa, concierge, yoga classes, luggage storage, restaurant, bar, breakfast, laundry, daily housekeeping | ✅ Book it!
Location: 18 mins to Laguna de los Tres, 7 mins to Cerro Torre, 14 mins to El Chalten tourist info centre
Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel provides the ultimate luxury experience in El Chaltén. The staff provide personalized attention and there are daily activities and tours included so you won’t have to worry about driving into El Chalten on your own. They have hot tubs, a spa, and a restaurant serving gourmet food. It’s the perfect home base if you want a meticulously curated experience to enjoy El Chalten’s natural beauty.
Pros:
- Amazing views of Mount Fitz Roy and El Chalten
- Full relaxation at their spas
- Personal service that comes with a 5-star hotel experience
Cons:
- No mini-fridge in the rooms for storing packed lunch ingredients
The moment you step into the building, you’re surrounded by care and attention. With a fantastic location, stunning views, superb food, and professional, attentive staff, every detail is thoughtfully curated. To top it off, the fellow travelers were engaging, friendly, and a pleasure to meet.” Kristjan from Estonia (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
2. Explora El Chaltén – For the Luxurious Location
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Front-row views of Marconi Glacier and Eléctrico Valley, all-inclusive with meals, activities, round-trip airport shuttles, and spa facilities, guided tours | ✅ Book it!
Location: 30 mins drive outside of El Chalten
Set on the banks of the Eléctrico River under the massive Marconi Glacier, this 20-room lodge offers dramatic views, a spa, and guided excursions in a private nature reserve. Explora is a global chain of luxury boutique accommodation and El Chalten is one of their more recent additions.
Explora is an all-inclusive experience so you’ll get gourmet meals, activities, and guided tours off the property. The local guides are super knowledgeable so you can learn a lot about the area and get tailored advice on what to do. It’s a modern, private, and peaceful place to stay.
Pros:
- All-inclusive curated experience with meticulous attention to detail
Cons:
“Attentive and friendly staff. Guides knew the surroundings very well. Friendly and interesting conversations. This is a boutique hotel with just about 20 rooms. Feels and looks new, modern facilities in a private setting. There is literally nothing around which makes the experience great.” Manuel (Read more reviews)
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3. Aguas Arriba Lodge – For the Remote Immersion
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars | ⏳ AMENITIES: Guided day excursions, airport shuttle, horseback riding, packed lunches, on the water with mountain views, yoga, guided tours, fly fishing | ✅ Book it!
Location: 1.5 hours outside of El Chalten
Aguas Arriba Lodge is a remote and luxurious escape about 1.5 hours away from civilization. The lodge is set on a bright blue lake with mountains and forest surrounding it. It has everything you could need for your stay near El Chalten, like guided excursions, horseback riding, and even yoga classes to balance the adventure with relaxation. The lodge has a really personal touch, with meals tailored to your needs and private guides.
Pros:
- Curated personal experience in a remote location, unlike any other accommodation in El Chalten
The lodge is in an incredibly beautiful location, and the staff extremely hospitable. We felt welcomed into the family. Every meal was delicious, we loved having a personal guide (shout out to Leo) on the Lodge properties, yoga was an evening treat. It was a spectacular experience all around! We are halfway through our 30 day trip in Argentina, and so far, it is our favorite location.” Peter from the US
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Important Considerations When Choosing Where to Stay in El Chalten
When choosing your accommodation in El Chalten, I recommend considering these features and if you need them for your stay:
1. Kitchen –
There are plenty of great restaurants in El Chalten if you’re not someone who cooks on vacation. However, a kitchen or at least a fridge set up can be so useful for making your own packed lunches like sandwiches and snacks for long hiking days. If your hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, you’ll likely want to make your own breakfasts in the morning because many restaurants won’t open before early hiking starts at like 6 or 7 am.
2. Comforting Amenities –
If you plan to do a lot of long hikes and want hot tubs or jacuzzi tubs to soothe your aching muscles, look for hotels that offer these services. Some even have massages.
3. Luggage storage –
On our last day in El Chalten, our bus back to El Calafate didn’t leave until the afternoon. We were able to leave our luggage at our hotel and still use that day to hike and explore. It’s a massive convenience not to worry about what to do with your luggage after you check out. Most hotels provide this service in El Chalten, but its good to check and make sure.
FAQs About Staying in El Chalten
How Many Days to Book in El Chalten?
If you are there for the hiking, I recommend at least 4 – 5 full days in El Chalten. Not only to see all the highlights, but because the weather can vary and your larger Patagonia itinerary allows, you should consider buffer days.
How to Get to El Chalten?
You need to take a bus, rental car, or shuttle from El Calafate. El Calafate has an airport where most visitors fly into Patagonia.
Can I Hike Alone in El Chalten?
Yes! The trails are full of other hikers and easy to follow if you stick to the main routes. Patagonia in general is really solo friendly, I wrote about my experience with it here.
🤩 My #1 Budget Hostel is Aylen Aike, My #1 Mid-Range Hotel is Destino Sur Hotel and Spa, and My #1 Luxury Hotel is Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel
Combining El Chalten With Other Patagonia Adventures
El Calafate:
You already have El Calafate on your radar as the travel hub you use to get to El Chalten. It’s just 3 hours from El Chalten by car or bus. It is the gateway to Perito Moreno glacier, which is one of the top things to do in all of Patagonia. You can walk the viewing platforms to see it, take a boat tour right up beside it, or even hike on top of the ancient ice on a Perito Moreno mini trekking glacier tour.
El Calafate is also home to several Estancias. They are traditional working ranches where you can horseback ride and herd sheep with real Argentinian cowboys and their working dogs. To this day, my stay at one of the Estancias in El Calafate is the most authentic and unique travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine (Chile)
A bus ride across the border from El Calafate is Puerto Natales. It’s a charming ocean-side Chilean town.
Most people visit it to access the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. It’s like the El Chalten of the Chilean Patagonia side, with iconic hikes, towering peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
You can read about the differences between Chilean and Argentine Patagonia to figure out which one is better for you.
The W Trek
Clearly if you’re visiting El Chalten, you like to hike. The W Trek in Torres del Paine is one of the most renowned treks in the world. I hiked the W Trek route over 4 days and am now trying to convince everyone I know to do it. You can hike the W Trek on your own or choose to go with a guide. I personally opted to hike with G Adventures and wrote about my honest thoughts on it here.
Read More about Planning Your Trip to Patagonia:
- The Best Time to Hike in Patagonia: Month by Month
- The Best Horse Riding in Patagonia: Guide and Review
- My Honest Review of Mini Trekking Perito Moreno Glacier
- Where to Stay in El Chalten – Budget to Luxury Hotels
- The 6 Best Estancias in El Calafate: With Reviews
Plan Your Trip - My Favourite Resources
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