Chalten Camp
Staying at Chalten Camp
Our Camp offers a unique glamping experience that combines stunning views of Fitz Roy with minimal environmental impact. Blended with the native forest, each dome provides shelter and comfort with panoramic “windows” to the mountain range.
ACCOMMODATION AT CHALTEN CAMP
Chalten Camp Domes
Aiming to find a balance between comfort and low environmental impact, the domes are built on stilts within the native forest. Each unit is 27 square meters, housing a bedroom and a private bathroom. They are equipped with a wood-burning salamander, 220-volt electricity, queen-size beds, generous blankets and cozy décor. These geodesic structures are the starting point for a simple but memorable stay.
Chalten Camp offers a secluded wilderness experience, with just only 8 domes: six doubles and two triples. All domes enjoy panoramic “windows” onto Fitz Roy.
Main Dome
Like the simple houses of “Old Patagonia”, the dining dome is the heart of the camp, providing shelter and the ideal space to relax, the eighty square meters house the dining area and a panoramic living room with views of Fitz Roy.
Three antique tables with six place settings each, give room to enjoy dinner by candlelight, either in the company of your loved ones or sharing stories and anecdotes with other travellers.
A pre-set three-step (breakfast, lunch and dinner) menu that changes daily and includes an option for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. Each menu has been carefully designed based on available ingredients and culinary techniques that can be applied in context of energy efficiency and responsibility.
Lunch is not a served meal; you are provided with delicious options to take with you on the trails around camp.
You are encouraged to disconnect from routine and connect with nature. For this reason and looking for balance, the main dome is the only place in the camp where you will find wi-fi connection. Keep in mind that Chalten is a remote area with very poor communications coverage.
For more information on Chalten Camp and to make a booking, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@satc.com.au.
EXPLORING FROM CHALTEN CAMP
Chalten Camp offers accommodation and meals only (i.e. there are no guided activities included like at Explora, Tierra Patagonia, Patagonia Camp and Eco Camp properties). We can arrange local guides if you would like, please ask when enquiring about Chalten Camp.
The following experiences can all be arranged for an additional cost:
• Hiking in the National Park: El Chaltén is a paradise for climbers and hikers, as it offers a wide range of self-guided trails that can be done in half a day or a full day. Access to them is really easy, starting in town.
• Climbing classes: There are few places in South America where you can feel, see and breathe rock climbing. Immerse yourself in this intrepid world and take private lessons, learning the basic skills that will allow you to enjoy this mountain adventure.
• Full day kayaking: Explore lakes and rivers, getting a full sense of nature, which definitely enriches your visit to the , this excursion is for people with good physical condition but not necessarily with kayaking experience.
• Salmon fishing: Go in search of huge king salmon in a breathtaking scenery, choosing the fishing technique that best suits your tastes and expectations
• Bird watching: The richness and diversity of the surrounding landscapes make it a fantastic place for bird lovers. Los Glaciares National Park has 10% of the species found in Argentina.
• Madsen House-Museum: Enjoy a gentle stroll along the magnificent granite wall that leads to the camp, and discover all about Andreas Madsen, pioneer of El Chaltén.
• Mountain biking: Enjoy and explore the curvy trails of route number 41 that runs alongside the river towards the Lago del desierto. Duration and level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the group.
Weather in Patagonia
If you are considering venturing into the remote wilderness of Patagonia but you are unsure of when to go, this quick guide will give you an insight into what each season offers.
Autumn (March – May)
The temperature drops (average high 17ᴼC / low 3ᴼC) but so do the number of visitors. The autumn leaves and their beautiful colours make Patagonia in autumn a delight for photographers and hikers alike. The contrasting colours light up the landscape as the mountains soar above. A pleasant surprise when visiting during this season is that the winds drop-back again making the temperature quite pleasant for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Winter (June – August)
Most of the hiking trails and main attractions are closed in winter so you may wish to avoid visiting during this time. However for photographers winter presents an opportunity for incredible images. The mountains and glaciers are covered in snow and the National Parks are often considered their most picturesque during this time. It is extremely cold (average high 15ᴼC / low 0ᴼC) so you will need to ensure you have the right clothing to keep you warm, the wind also adds an additional chill factor. The days are short with between 8 & 9 hours of daylight – plenty of time to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the many excellent lodges.
Spring (September – November).
The temperature is cool (average high 17ᴼC / low 3ᴼC) but if you desire a more private experience and are prepared with suitable gear you will find springtime exceptional. You will be spoilt with colourful spring bloom and a greater possibility of spotting some of the more timid animals due to fewer visitors. The winds are often not as strong as they can be during other seasons and accommodation is priced to reflect the ‘shoulder’ season.
Summer (December – February).
Summer is the peak season when Patagonia has the highest number of visitors. Summer offers the warmest weather (average high 22ᴼC / low 5ᴼC) and long days (17 hours of daylight), it is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the wilderness as well as the spectacular views. However as this is aptly called the ‘peak’ season you will find that you will be sharing the parks with many other visitors and be subject to peak season accommodation prices. Another element worth noting is that the wind is particularly strong during the summer months and can reach up to 120 kilometres per hour.
When planning your trip you can use this as a guide but please be aware that the weather fluctuates greatly from day to day so you may experience snow, rain, sleet, sun any day during any season and sometimes all in one day.
