Where to Stay in El Chalten, Argentina

Patagonia is one of my favorite places in the world.  The hikes are some of the most iconic & photogenic I’ve ever done!  And of the region’s three major hubs: Puerto Natales, El Calafate, & El Chalten ~ El Chalten is my favorite. Why? Because the town is insanely beautiful, being SO close to the mountains.  And some hotels give up up-front views of those incredible moutains….like the dining room at El Chalten Suites!  To get the best value for your money, let’s learn where to stay in El Chalten…

A quick overview of Patagonia’s three major cities:

• 1) Puerto Natales = The gateway to Torres del Paine National Park;
• 2) El Calafate = The gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier & other Patagonia adventures;
• 3) El Chalten = Gateway to epic Mount Fitz Roy hike (the tallest mountain in the photo above).

Map of El Chalten Hotels

I stayed in El Chalten for over a week, & tried out several different accommodations.  My biggest tip: go HIGH or LOW here!!  Meaning, either splurge for a nice hotel, such as Destino Sur ~ or go budget at a hostel, where you can meet fellow travelers to hike with.  I was not impressed with any of the town’s mid-range lodgings, & found them overpriced (& many with tiny rooms).

Overview of El Chalten Hotels

• Hotel Destino Sur ($170+) = Best Value for Luxury in El Chalten!  And you’re super-close to the Fitz Roy trail head here, plus many other great El Chalten hikes. But also just a 5-minute walk to town. Rooms are spacious, their breakfast buffet is the BEST in town, & their spa is a little larger & more luxurious than the one at Los Cerros.
• Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa ($308+) = High-End, Cozy Lodging with Amazing VIEWS: Sitting on top of a small hill in town, Los Cerros has cozy rooms ~ many with incredible valley views. They also have a small spa, hot tubs, nice breakfast buffet, & a common room with more incredible views. 
• Patagonia Travellers Hostel ($48) = Warm & Cozy Hostel with Bike Rentals: There’s a free breakfast offered here, laundry facilities, a bar/lounge, bike rentals, & horseback riding offered. Rooms are basic but clean, & staff can help you get organized to hike, etc.
• Aylen Aike Hostel ($60+) = Hostel with Panoramic Mountain Views + Friendly Feel: Here’s the scoop straight from a recent visitor….”Absolutely perfect place to stay. Clean, warm, welcoming, perfect atmosphere & people. Located in the middle of town, not far from anything. The owner, Sebastian, is a story of his own, you have to love this guy. Super chill, helpful, friendly, you name it. I spent one week here & will come again in the future!” 
• Chalten Suites Hotel ($172+) = One of the Only Luxury Hotel Options Right in Town: I stayed here for 3 nights, before & after the epic Fitz Roy hike. I HIGHLY recommend splurging after your longest hike: it’s SO nice to take a hot shower & sleep in a comfortable bed after hiking. Chalten Suites offers an amazing breakfast, with fantastic views of El Chalten’s major mountains. And their rooms are among the largest & most modern in town.

“El Chalten Suites has a great location, nice rooms that are very clean, large, & one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever sleep on. Front desk staff are very nice & helpful, the restaurant team is very polite, & serving great food. Location is very central & views of the mountains are breathtaking.”

 

– Eugenia Dunn

Photos of Hotel Destino Sur

When you stay at Destino Sur, you'll enjoy the following: a delicious breakfast buffet, coffee bar, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, massages, & some of the best Wi-Fi in town (Wi-Fi is notoriously bad in El Chalten)!  You're also located at the end of town, very close to the Mount Fitz Roy trail head.

"We had a wonderful stay at Destino Sur. The staff was super friendly, they helped us plan our hikes, & even let us borrow some hiking sticks! Our room was huge & clean, with a very comfortable bed. Breakfast was great, tons of options: a perfect start to a long day of hiking. They have a spa, with massages available! El Chalten is a small town, so everything is within walking distance.

 

This was our favorite hotel during our stay in Argentina. I hope to return again someday. Absolutely lovely."

 

- Brandon Godward

Check prices at Hotel Destino Sur.

 

Photos of Los Cerros Hotel

Los Cerros sits up on a small hill in town, which gives it amazing views of the mountains & town below.  There's also a good breakfast buffet, a restaurant & bar, guest lounge with comfy chairs + amazing views, & a small spa with sauna & hot tub.

"I was really surprised by Los Cerros! Great location, great food, great VIEWS, sweet staff. The bed was enormous & perfectly comfortable, a must after long travel & hiking days. Plus, we had a huge jetted tub which made for extra-special relaxing. I would absolutely recommend staying here for an El Chalten adventure!"

 

- Logan Hitchcock

Photos of Great Hostels in El Chalten

xoxo Noelia

Read Next: How Much Does a Trip to Patagonia Cost?

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