EL CHALTEN

TOURIST SERVICES
The social and economic driving force behind El Chaltén is tourism, due to which the offer of services is diverse and always growing. There are diverse lodging options, but the younger people prefer the hostels. For meals, forbids modern facilities as cyber-coffeehouses and the use of cellphones. There are no cash machines either.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Before traveling

• Book your lodging and tours to avoid surprises. Make sure you have at least 3 days to explore this interesting place.
• The high season - when most tourists get here - is during January and February. That is why it is a good idea to book your lodgings in advance.
• Basic tourist services such as lodging and transport operate regularly from October to April (Easter week).
• Other services, such as organized tours, vary according to the accessibility of the service suppliers.
• If you come by car, you should bear in mind that the access road is a gravel track, so you should drive carefully and at low speed, with all lights on, and wearing a seatbelt.
• Do not fail to remember to take a spare tire and extra fuel in a portable tank.
• In winter don't forget to check on road surface condition, and for driving on ice or snow use snow chains or spiked tires.
• Although the village can be visited all year round, in winter one must make allowances for roadblocks due to snowdrifts, so plan some extra time for possible delays on your way in or out of the village.
• Check on available lodging for this time of the year.

What you should take with you

• A heavy coat and a raincoat are essential to provide for the vagaries of the Patagonian weather. Useful tips on gear and clothes.

This is a forget-me-not list:

• Trekking shoes (if possible, waterproof)
• Polar-style anorak or parka-type coat (polo-necked is much better)
• Rainproof wind-cheater (if possible, with a hood)
• Sunglasses with UV sun filter.
• Sunburn protector cream with UV filter (factor 30 at the least).
• Snug cap.
• Gloves.
• Warm socks.
• Spare batteries (cold temperatures reduce their life)
• Photo film.
• A basic first-aid kit (bandages, Band-Aids, gauze strips, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, etc.)

If you are going camping:

• Gas heater and gas cylinders (bonfires are forbidden at all free campsites).
• Rubbish bags.
• Frontal oil pressure lamp (suggested).

Once you arrive at the village
El Chaltén and most of the excursions that start there are in the middle of the Los Glaciares National Park; you should know the rules about all activities there.

• Visit the National Park Information Desk for information connected to your stay.
• Know the state of tracks and campsites.
• Get fishing permits.
• All mountaineering expeditions must be registered.
• Visit the Information Center of the Promotion Committee to learn details on the services and products available in the village.
• If you don't have your return ticket already, check on transport availability for the date you wish to return on.

During your stay

• Help to keep this place clean and beautiful so that future generations may find the same magic you have found.

On treks

• Try to go accompanied and to be aware of the difficulties you may face.
• Bear in mind the total time of the trip so that nightfall won't catch you unaware.
• Only take the approved tracks.
• Never stray from your trail or try to take a short cut.
• Pay attention to the indications you find along the way inside the National Park.
• Even though the sun may be shining take a waterproof coat.
• When observing glaciers close up always use UV glasses.
• Always use sunburn protection cream, even on cloudy days.
• Keep tracks and visiting areas clean.
• Stay away from contact with the wildlife.
• Do not light bonfires anywhere or for any reason whatsoever.
• Take your waste bag back to the village.
• Collect no "souvenirs" from nature.
• If you come across litter that others have left on the track, remember it will help if you can take it back with you to the village.

At the free campsites:

• Keep them tended and clean.
• Only camp where allowed and at a distance of more than 50 m from the water.
• Make no bonfire at any campsite.
• Avoid leaving food within reach of rodents or other inhabitants of the Park.
• Empty no litter, sewage or washing water into streams or lakes.
• Wash no dishes or clothes in the waterways (do this in a bowl).
• Keep soaps and detergents away from rivers and lakes.
• Respect the night resting time of other campsite users.

This area is a habitat of the puma (South American cougar or mountain lion), and although its tracks are rarely visible, you must bear in mind the following rules:

• Do not walk alone, or let children wander away from the group.
• Take no pets along-
• If you come across one, make sure you remain calm and don't run.
• When facing one, make yourself look bigger - extend your arms, and do not bend down
• Retreat slowly without turning away from the animal.