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Direct Assistance
Contact Information
Get in touch directly with our local team based in El Chaltén.
Office
Receptivo Chaltén
Av. San Martín 55, esq Trevisan
El Chaltén, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions
The most common questions before booking or visiting El Chaltén.
General
Our office is at Av. San Martín 55, esq Trevisan, El Chaltén, Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia. You can message us via WhatsApp or email to plan your trip, or visit us in person.
El Chaltén is located 220 km north of El Calafate. You can arrive by regular bus or rental vehicle along Provincial Route 23. Buses depart from the El Calafate terminal multiple times daily during high season. There is also border access from Chile along the Carretera Austral via Lago del Desierto.
We operate primarily during high season: from October to April. Some private services may be available out of season. Please contact us directly for specific travel dates.
Booking 1 or 2 days in advance is usually sufficient for our regular services. You can book online or message us on WhatsApp to confirm your spot directly and quickly.
Weather & Preparation
Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable. A single day can bring blazing sunshine, gale-force winds, and cold rain. Summer temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). Always bring layered clothing, wind- and waterproof outerwear, and warm fleece regardless of the forecast.
It depends on the activity. Transfers and the Nautical Getaway are suitable for everyone. Great Vespignani Glacier involves ~6 km of hiking with moderate elevation gain. Consult us and we will gladly recommend the best fit for your fitness and hiking experience.
Excursions & Crossing
One Shot Vespignani is a half-day program (~6:30 hrs with transfer or 2 hrs at the glacier reserve) with navigation, self-guided trails, and snacks at the dome. Two Glaciers is a full-day program (~9 hrs with transfer) that also combines Vespignani with free time at Punta Sur to explore Huemul Glacier and Lagoon.
Yes, you can choose With Transfer (pick-up at our El Chaltén office and round-trip transport along RP 41) or Without Transfer (meeting directly at Punta Sur dock on Lago del Desierto with your own vehicle).
With transfer, meeting is at our central office (Av. San Martín 55, esq Trevisan, El Chaltén), 15 minutes before the departure time. Without transfer, meeting is directly at Punta Sur Dock on Lago del Desierto 15 minutes prior to boat departure.
Yes, we operate in both directions: from El Chaltén (Argentina) towards Villa O'Higgins (Chile), as well as from Chile towards El Chaltén welcoming travelers entering Argentina.
Yes, a valid passport is mandatory for international border crossing between Argentina and Chile. Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity before your travel date.
Lunch is not included in standard excursions. You can add a gourmet Box Lunch when booking, or bring your own provisions. There are also bakeries and markets in El Chaltén to pick up snacks before departure.
Yes! Nautical Getaway and Regular Transfers are open to all ages. For Great Vespignani Glacier, basic hiking capability is recommended. Let us know if you are traveling with kids and we will help you plan.
Bookings & Payments
Excursions are booked and paid online via the secure Turitop booking engine using major credit/debit cards. Custom private transfers, guides, and camp packages can be arranged via bank transfer or cash.
For excursions and services: cancellations more than 48 hours prior = full refund; 24–48 hours = 50%; less than 24 hours = non-refundable. Cancellations due to official severe weather closures (both lake navigations and Fitz Camp) are rescheduled at no extra charge (subject to availability) or refunded 100%.
Yes, subject to availability. Contact us as soon as possible via WhatsApp or email and we will gladly reschedule your date.
Groups & Special Services
No, we do not offer special group discounts. Published rates apply equally to all passengers.
Yes. We collaborate with international travel agencies, inbound DMCs, and tour operators. If you represent an agency, email us at info@receptivochalten.com to receive our B2B commercial terms.
Yes! Our team speaks English and Spanish. We welcome international travelers from across the globe and are happy to assist you in English via WhatsApp, email, or in person at our office in El Chaltén.
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Design your Patagonian adventure
Our local team is ready to help you select and customize the perfect excursion for you.