El Chaltén is the most recent city in Argentina. Founded in 1985 to maintain Argentina's sovereignty over territories on the disputed Patagonian border with Chile.
This city, which in winter has 500 inhabitants, is one of the top destinations for mountaineers and trekking lovers from around the world in the summer season.
Elected the trekking capital of Argentina, it attracts tourists through the magnificent mountains, lakes and glaciers. But it is even more important to attract mountaineers. Its mountains, since the 1940s, have attracted the most distinguished practitioners of this sport, who, fascinated by its walls of rock and ice, came to this point in the Andean cordillera without a city of close support.
The most wanted mountains of the region are: Mount Fitzroy, or El Chaltén, that gave the name to the city; and Cerro Torre, considered by many the most difficult mountain in the world.

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El Chaltén is a small tourist town founded at the northern end of the Los Glaciares National Park. Behind the colossal granite walls that dominate the view, there is the famous "Patagonian Sur Ice Field", the most important continental ice mass of the planet after Antartica. Masses of ice come from these eternal Ice Fields, feeding the region's great lakes.
One of them is the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, at the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park. To reach this paradise of pure nature, you will first have to reach the nearest city, El Calafate, by plane or by bus. Afterwards, it is 215 km through the Patagonian steppes on the recently paved roads along the shores of Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma.
The region, also called Trekking Capital of Argentina, offers privileged landscapes for the multiple alternatives of outdoor activities and mountaineering. In the area it is possible to make dozens of walks: from small walks, reaching viewpoints with a minimum degree of difficulty, or for expeditions of several days or even climbs of large vertical walls, reserved for experienced climbers.
The most popular activities in the area are: trekking, climbing, camping, horseback riding, excursions, photography, climbing courses, bird watching, fishing and visiting the legendary "estancias" in Santa Cruz. For all this, El Chaltén was proclaimed Trekking Capital of Argentina.
Around this small town, there are many places of great natural beauty to visit. One to be mentioned is Lago del Desierto about 37 km from the locality, which, in contradiction to its name, is a natural paradise of centuries-old forests, glaciers and waterfalls. At the same time, it is possible to go fishing, camping or hiking, among other activities.

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The climate in El Chaltén, due to its low altitude and near the sea, has a micro-climate with pleasant averages of temperature during the day, which in the summer go from 12ºC to 24ºC and in the winter from 2ºC to 16ºC. During the year average temperatures during the day can vary from 2ºC to 23ºC.
It is noteworthy that both in Patagonia, the climate is unpredictable. The winds can make the four seasons live on the same day.

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Spanish

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Argentinian peso

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Citizens of border countries (Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil) only need the national identity document to enter the country.
Visa requirements for the rest of the world depend on each country in particular. It is suggested that you consult the consulate or embassy of the Argentine Republic of each country to know the requirement or not of them.

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The gastronomy in El Chaltén, could not be different. With temperatures so low, the most requested dishes in the region come from stoves and wood-fired ovens like those prepared with boar and pork, and fish such as trout and salmon. However, the highlight is the traditional "Patagonian lamb" roasted on skewers on rocks. The menu has a variety of options including pizzas, tapas and regional specialties such as Patagonian lamb. After midnight some restaurants turn into bars where drinks and music are imposed.

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The following recommendations are for short trips, originating in North America or Europe and limited to Buenos Aires.

All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic for 4-8 weeks prior to departure.

Vaccination is advisable in the following cases:

hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers

Typhoid - For travelers who can eat or drink great restaurants and hotels outside.

Measles, and Rubella - Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.

Tetanus-diphtheria - The recommended revaccination every 10 years

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