El Chalten, Argentina: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for El Chalten, Argentina? If you're planning to go to El Chalten, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to El Chalten, Argentina

Based on the climate and weather in El Chalten, Argentina, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for El Chalten, Argentina

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in El Chalten, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for El Chalten, Argentina by month

January

January in this region is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost sometimes. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

February

February can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost sometimes. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the right type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

Traveling to El Chalten in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

April

If you go to El Chalten in April, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

May

May here can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

June

Traveling to El Chalten in June, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 30s F (single digits C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

If you go to El Chalten in July, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

August

August in this region can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

September

September can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you find the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

October

October in El Chalten is cold. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

Traveling to El Chalten in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

Traveling to El Chalten in December, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Argentina has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Chalten. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in El Chalten, Argentina

El Chalten, Argentina is a small town in the Santa Cruz province near the border with Chile. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque views of the Andes Mountains, and a range of outdoor activities. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder El Chalten has become a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in El Chalten that you should not miss.

1. Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

The dramatic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre dominate the skyline of El Chalten, and they're definitely a must-visit attraction for any nature enthusiast. The mountains are in the Glacier National Park, and there are several hiking trails that lead to them. These trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, and you can choose the one that suits your fitness level and schedule. The Laguna de los Tres trek is considered one of the best trails, as it offers fantastic views of Mount Fitz Roy.

2. Glacier Viedma

Glacier Viedma is the country's largest glacier, covering nearly 100 square miles. It is stunningly beautiful and surprisingly accessible to most visitors. Tour companies will take you on boats to the closest point, where you can then go on guided treks across the glacier. The experience of walking on the ice and looking out on the stunning landscapes is truly unforgettable.

3. Lago Desierto

Lago Desierto is a beautiful glacial lake near the border with Chile. It is one of the most scenic locations in Argentina, surrounded by mountains and forests. It is accessible by car from El Chalten, making it a popular day trip. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the lake and its surroundings. If you want to escape the crowds, Lago Desierto is a great option.

4. Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park encompasses more than 2,800 square miles, and it includes some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, including glaciers, mountains, lakes, and forests. Visitors can explore this in high-speed boats, kayaks, or touring the area. Other attractions include the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Upsala Glacier, and the Onelli Glacier, all of which showcase stunning blue ice formations.

5. Bird Watching

El Chalten is a great destination for birdwatching, with more than 100 different species found in the region. The diversity of birds, from the Andean condor to the white-throated caracara, make birdwatching a fascinating activity, and it can provide another way to appreciate the beauty of the region.

El Chalten is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves nature, hiking or simply enjoys stunning scenery. With so many attractions to explore, you could spend weeks exploring the region without ever getting bored. Whether you prefer trekking through the mountains, kayaking on crystal-clear lakes, or just marveling at impressive glaciers, you're sure to find something that will amaze you in El Chalten. So, come explore El Chalten, Argentina's hidden gem, and create an unforgettable adventure.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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