What to pack for hiking in El Chaltén
The list we give every hiker. Tick what you have: it stays saved in this browser.
Month by month
Temperatures are for the town, at 400 m. Up at Laguna de los Tres it is about 5° colder and you feel the wind much more. Tap a month to see it day by day.
| Month | High / low | Days with gusts over 60 km/h | What changes in the list |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15° / 7° | 10 | The list above |
| February | 16° / 7° | 8 | The list above |
| March | 13° / 6° | 8 | The list above |
| April | 10° / 3° | 6 | The list above |
| May | 7° / 0° | 4 | The list, plus crampons, poles and gaiters (required in the Park) |
| June | 4° / -2° | 4 | The list, plus crampons, poles and gaiters (required in the Park) |
| July | 3° / -3° | 6 | The list, plus crampons, poles and gaiters (required in the Park) |
| August | 5° / -2° | 7 | The list, plus crampons, poles and gaiters (required in the Park) |
| September | 7° / -1° | 7 | The list, plus crampons, poles and gaiters (required in the Park) |
| October | 9° / 2° | 10 | The list; there is still snow up high |
| November | 12° / 4° | 11 | The list above |
| December | 14° / 6° | 10 | The list above |
Average 2016 to 2025 (ERA5 reanalysis, Copernicus). Grey rows: the Park’s winter.
Why
- Layers, not one thick jacket
In one day you can go from 5 °C and wind at the lake to 20 °C in the sun in the forest. Walk light and add warmth at stops.
- Wind rules
Gusts can top 60 km/h. A hooded waterproof jacket, hat and gloves always go in the pack, even when the sun is out.
- Broken-in boots
The Laguna de los Tres moraine is loose rock: good grip and footwear you know, so no new blisters.
- Stream water
The Park says river and stream water is pure: a bottle you refill on the way is enough.
- No cash at the Park
The entrance is paid by QR or card, and town has a single ATM with a low limit.
Everything else before you go, like the park fee, the best season and the trails: the El Chaltén trekking guide →
Questions
What clothes to bring to El Chaltén in summer?
Layers: a thermal base layer, a fleece or light down and a waterproof jacket with a hood. In January highs in town are around 15°C and lows around 7°C, but up at Laguna de los Tres it is about 5° colder and the wind makes it feel much colder. Hat and gloves in summer too.
What to bring to El Chaltén in winter?
Everything on the list, plus crampons or microspikes and poles, which the Park requires in winter (May to September), and gaiters for the snow. In July highs in town are around 3°C and lows around −3°C.
Do you need poles for Laguna de los Tres?
They are not required in summer, but on the loose rock of the last moraine they help a lot, especially going down. In winter they are required.
Can you pay the park entrance in cash?
No: at the booth you pay by QR or card. Bring your ID or passport too, they ask for it.