We love camping on our travels. Not only is it a great way to keep accommodation costs down, it’s also the purest way to experience the outdoors. And in El Chaltén, on the Argentina side of Patagonia, there is oodles of outdoors to explore! This guide to camping in El Chaltén details all the campsites in the town and on the hiking trails in Los Glaciares National Park.
Just in case you need any more convincing… the only way to see *that* sunrise image of Mount Fitz Roy is by camping overnight . Read on to find out how, and everything else you need to know about camping in El Chaltén.
To learn about the nearby hiking trails, check out our guide to trekking in El Chaltén. For elsewhere in the region, our guide to trekking in Patagonia features 25 of the region’s best trails.
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Map of campsites, refugios and hostels in El Chaltén
This map the locations of the El Chaltén campsites, refugios and hostels that are detailed below in our guide:
Free campsites in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
The most popular trekking routes from El Chaltén are to the west of the town in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. This is where you will find iconic sights like Mount Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres, Cerro Torre and Glaciar Torre.
Throughout this area there is a choice of free campsites located close to the natural landmarks along the hiking trails.
Campamento Poincenot
This is is the main camping spot for trekkers who want to see the famous image of Mount Fitz Roy at sunrise over Laguna de los Tres.
It’s about a 10-kilometre hike from El Chaltén town, and located conveniently close to the starting point for ascending to Laguna de los Tres.
The site is set in a forested area, which provides some respite from the strong Patagonian winds. There are two toilets on site. A short walk away, in the clearing towards Mount Fitz Roy, a stream provides perfectly safe natural drinking water.
From Campamento Poincenot, the climb to Laguna de Los Tres is roughly 2 kilometres and around 400 metres’ elevation gain. If you’re going for sunrise, allow at least an hour for the ascent. We set off at 5am for a 6:15am sunrise, and made it just in time!
View Campamento Poincenot on map
Camping de Agostini
This is the campsite closest to Laguna Torre. The tent pitches are just a couple of minutes’ walk from a fantastic view of Cerro Torre over the lake.
Camping de Agostini is about a 9-kilometre hike from El Chaltén, clearly signposted all the way. There are kilometre markers, making it easy to pace your trek.
If you’re taking on a multi-day hike, it’s approximately 17 kilometres’ hiking distance from Campamento Poincenot.
The camping area is under cover of trees, and not far from a flowing river for drinking water. Toilets are provided.
From Camping de Agostini you can also take a 2.5-kilometre walk around Laguna Torre to Mirador Maestri, where you will find spectacular views of Glaciar Torre, part of the South Patagonian Ice Field. We made sure we had time to fit this into our itinerary and we would highly recommend it.
View Camping de Agostini on map
Campamento Laguna Capri
Laguna Capri a short distance from the main trail, and a good option for multi-day hikers who want to explore the area in depth. The lake offers a picturesque alternative view of Mount Fitz Roy over its blue-green waters.
Campamento Laguna Capri is a small, free campsite situated among a sprout of trees close to the shore of the lake. Like the other camping spots in the area, a toilet is provided, and clean natural water nearby.
You can find Campamento Laguna Capri by taking a short detour from the route between El Chaltén and Campamento Poincenot. About an hour into the trail from the town, after 3 kilometres or so of steep uphill gradient, you will see a signposted diversion to Laguna Capri.
If you don’t want to make the early morning hike up to Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Capri is a great way to see the sunrise on Mount Fitz Roy from afar.
View Campamento Laguna Capri on map
Campsites around El Chaltén town
Many trekkers prefer to stay in hostels or hotels in El Chaltén for an injection of comfort either side of a strenuous hike. For ultimate outdoor types, though, there are options for camping in the town.
The Argentina peso has been one of the world’s most volatile currencies for several years and is constantly changing. To try and give accurate prices, I have stated the in approximate US dollar amounts. You can check the latest currency exchange information at xe.com.
Camping El Relincho
- Price in low season: approx $13 per person plus $1.50 per vehicle
- Price in high season (from 23 December): approx $15 per person plus $3 per vehicle
- View on map
Camping El Relincho is located conveniently on Avenida San Martin, the main road in El Chaltén. It is not far from the starting point of the main trekking route to Laguna de los Tres.
It offers good facilities, including hot showers and an indoor communal area for preparing trekking food and meeting other travellers. There is no wifi.
There is also space for motorhomes with a dump station, water and electricity. Prices are approx $3 in low season $4 in high season.
You can also hire camping equipment from the site, including tents, sleeping bags and mats. So it’s a really good option if you’re backpacking without camping gear.
Camping La Torcida
- Price: $8 US dollars in high season / $6 US dollars in high season
- View on map
Camping La Torcida is located on the south-west side of El Chaltén, close to the starting point for the hiking trail to Laguna Torre. It is in a scenic open setting near the Rio Negro, but vulnerable to strong wind and rain. You may need a good tent!
It is a fairly small, family-run campsite with 20 pitches available. The facilities include hot showers, toilets, electricity points and wifi. There is a kitchen on site but you may need to bring your own utensils.
There is a house in the grounds for common use, with books and board games provided. The staff are knowledgeable about the local trails and happy to provide information and advice.
Eco domes: luxury sustainable camping
A slightly more luxurious option for the sustainably minded traveller is to stay in an eco-dome site. Patagonia Eco Domes is located around 12 kilometres north of the town.
The concept uses geodesic dome lodgings, with shared bathroom spaces and community domes offering charging points. Shared domes are available for solo travellers.
Eco domes are an alternative option for those who prefer to stay in comfort and take day hikes into the national park. Situated north of the town, the hiking route to Laguna de los Tres is easily accessible.
Essential tips for camping in El Chaltén
The local routes are well-suited to people with limited trekking experience. The pathways are well maintained and the routes clearly marked. While there is some uphill work, with a decent level of fitness it is manageable.
If you are planning to camp during your visit to El Chaltén, you may find the following tips useful:
- Most campsites have no lighting. Make sure you bring a torch – you’ll be glad for it when you need the bathroom in the night;
- Don’t camp anywhere in the national park other than in official campsites;
- Avoid lighting fires in campsites – bring pre-prepared meals;
- Water from streams and rivers in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is safe to drink, but visitors need to be respectful to keep it that way. Don’t wash in the natural water sources, and stay at least 30 metres away if you go to the bathroom;
- While the weather can be very cold in Patagonia, the sun is also fierce at times – bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat;
- Unless you are a highly experienced hiker, do not leave the marked trails;
- Hike with a partner or a group. If you get lost or injured, there aren’t many rangers about;
- Keep the campsites and park clean. Take your litter with you;
- Do not feed animals in the park, or wild dogs in the town;
- On the incredibly rare occasion you meet a puma and it becomes aggressive, stay calm, make yourself big, shout, and throw rocks;
- Pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and – most importantly – don’t forget to look around and enjoy the amazing scenery!
Hostels and refugios in El Chaltén
An alternative option for budget accommodation is to stay in a hostel or refugio. These are some of the best in El Chaltén:
| Hostel | Quick info | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Lo De Trivi | Rustic budget hostel with Argentine BBQ and fully equipped kitchen | Dorms $25+ |
| Lo De Guille | Rustic hostel in a popular part of town, shared kitchen, great views | Dorms $30+, privates $70+ |
| Patagonia Hostel | Has the feel of a budget hotel rather than a hostel. Kitchen facilities. | Dorms $25+, privates $50+ |
| Rancho Aparte Refugio de Montaña | Dorm rooms and shared kitchen in the town centre | Dorms $23+ |
| Rancho Grande Hostel | Luxury hostel in large ranch-style building with shared kitchen | Dorms $25+ |
Are you planning on camping in Torres Del Paine during your Patagonia trip? Check out our guide to the W Trek for novices.
Check out our suggested Patagonia itineraries for 28 days and two weeks for help with planning your trip. If you’re arriving in El Chaltén from the south, see our post on the best things to do in El Calafate.
For practical information on the region, check out our articles on how much a Patagonia trip costs, best times to visit Patagonia and how to get around Patagonia by bus.
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