From Buenos Aires to the Base of Mount Fitz Roy: My Exact Itinerary
Ways to Get to El Chalten and the Base of Mount Fitz Roy
Because El Chaltén has no airport, every trip starts in the nearby city of El Calafate. First, you must fly into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE). From there, you have three main ways to reach the mountain village, plus a final step to reach the iconic peak:
By Bus:
This is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Regular buses depart daily from both the El Calafate Airport and the downtown bus terminal. Additionally, the scenic ride takes about three hours along Ruta 40 and Ruta 23.
Where to Catch the Bus to El Chalten
You can catch the bus from two main spots in El Calafate. First, most routes depart from the downtown El Calafate Bus Terminal (Terminal de Ómnibus).
- Terminal Address: Calle Antoine de Saint Exupéry 87, El Calafate.
- Estimated Ticket Price: Around AR$ 70,000 ($40 to $47 USD) one way.
However, you must pay an estimated AR$ 4,000 terminal fee in cash at the desk before boarding. Because this mandatory tax funds station maintenance, drivers require the receipt.
Alternatively, you can board directly at El Calafate International Airport (FTE) on Ruta Provincial 11. Since buses stop there 20 minutes after leaving town, this option saves time after your flight.
By Rental Car:
Renting a car gives you total freedom to stop at viewpoints along the way. However, remember to fill up your tank in El Calafate because gas stations are scarce on the road.
By Private Transfer:
If you are traveling in a group, hiring a private driver offers door-to-door convenience. Therefore, it saves time if your flight arrives late in the day.
Reaching the Base of Mount Fitz Roy:
Once you arrive in El Chaltén, you do not need any extra transport to see the mountain. Instead, you simply walk to the northern end of town, where the Laguna de los Tres trailhead begins.
Where the Mount Fitz Roy Hike Starts
The official trailhead to Mount Fitz Roy (Laguna de los Tres trail) sits at the northern end of Avenida San Martín, right where the paved road ends in El Chaltén. Because the town is small, you do not need a taxi or bus to get there. Instead, you simply walk 10 to 20 minutes north from any hotel in the center.
Starting Point:
Northern end of Avenida San Martín, El Chaltén.
Estimated Park Fee: Around AR$ 50,000 ($30 to $35 USD) for foreign visitors.
However, before hitting the trail, you must stop at the ranger checkpoint to pay the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee. Alternatively, some hikers take a short taxi ride 14 km north to the Río Eléctrico trailhead to start from a different angle and walk back into town.
Hat I Did to Reach This Amazing Place
My journey began in Buenos Aires, where I boarded an Aerolíneas Argentinas flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). After a smooth three-hour flight south, I landed at the international airport in El Calafate.
However, instead of rushing straight to the mountains, I decided to spend a few days exploring El Calafate first. Because the town is famous for its massive glaciers, taking this extra time allowed me to acclimatize and enjoy the local culture before heading to El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy.
The Transportation Method I Chose
After spending a few days in El Calafate, I decided to book a shared round-trip transfer with other travelers heading to El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy. First, I researched both online platforms and local tour agencies in downtown El Calafate, where several shops offer this convenient service.
Because this option usually includes hotel pickup, I did not have to worry about walking to the bus terminal early in the morning. However, I recommend confirming that pickup is included before booking. Once we agreed on an early departure time, the driver picked me up right at my hotel door, and our journey began stress-free.
Why This Option Worked So Well
The road from El Calafate to El Chaltén is stunning, filled with dramatic Patagonian landscapes along the way. Because local companies are well-prepared for this route, the entire journey takes around three hours each way. Additionally, having the bus pick me up early at my hotel was a crucial convenience. Although the driver stops at several hotels in order of distance to collect other passengers, staying comfortable inside the bus instead of walking to the terminal made it completely worth it.
During the outbound trip, the bus makes a scenic stop near a glacial river that turns a vibrant turquoise color in the summer. Here, you can stretch your legs, take photos of the icy mountain waters, and buy local souvenirs before continuing to El Chaltén. However, keep in mind that this scenic break usually happens only on the way there. On the return trip, the bus drives straight back to El Calafate so the driver can drop everyone off at their hotels on time.
What I Did After Arriving in El Chalten
El Chaltén is not a large city, but rather a small, charming mountain village located right next to one of South America’s most famous natural landmarks. Because of its incredible scenery, it is the ultimate destination for sightseeing and trekking. Even if you only have a single day, the town offers plenty of great activities:
- Visit Local Waterfalls: Walk the easy trail to Chorrillo del Salto, a stunning waterfall hidden in the forest.
- Explore Scenic Viewpoints: Hike up to Mirador de los Cóndores or Mirador Fitz Roy for panoramic views of the valley.
- Enjoy the Village: Relax at cozy local cafes and mountain restaurants after your walks.
For my visit, I chose to explore the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, which is a gorgeous spot to admire nature and take amazing photos. Afterward, I hiked to the Mirador Fitz Roy viewpoint, where you can see the entire village below with the massive peak standing right in front of you—truly a cinematic town.
However, if you have more time to stay overnight, you can tackle the full Mount Fitz Roy trek to see famous glacial lakes like Laguna Capri and Laguna de los Tres. Since that longer route requires a full day, make sure to check your schedule and choose the best option to enjoy this unforgettable place.
During the outbound trip, the bus stops near a stunning turquoise glacial river. Here, you should take the opportunity to buy your souvenirs on the way there.
My Final Verdict on This Trip
Learning how to get to El Chalten and Mount Fitz Roy proved to be much easier than I expected, especially by booking a shared transfer with local companies in downtown El Calafate or online. However, remember to ask carefully beforehand to confirm that hotel pickup and all conveniences are included. Whether you have a single afternoon for easy hikes in El Chalten or an entire week to explore Los Glaciares National Park, this small village delivers unforgettable scenery at every corner. Additionally, pack layers because El Chalten weather can change in a matter of minutes.
Before finalizing your itinerary, visit the official El Chaltén tourism portal to check park rules and trail conditions. Ultimately, standing in front of Mount Fitz Roy was a dream come true, and I highly recommend adding this magical destination to your bucket list.
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