Explora

El Chaltén is approximately 137m (220km) north of El Calafate, on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park. Explora provide a shared shuttle service for the 3 hour journey, or we can arrange a private transfer if you prefer.

Yes. Explora El Chaltén welcomes children of all ages, although it is best suited to families with an adventurous spirit and a love of the outdoors.

• Children of all ages are welcome, with preferential family rates available for guests aged 2–17. Children under two stay free when sharing with their parents.
• Family accommodation – One child can usually share their parents’ room on an extra bed, while families with two children are typically accommodated in an additional room at a reduced family rate.
• Tailored explorations – There is no children’s club or organised entertainment. Instead, families can enjoy guided walks and excursions adapted to suit the ages, interests and abilities of younger guests where possible.
• Best for older children – We think Explora El Chaltén is particularly rewarding for children aged 12 and above, who can make the most of the hiking, wildlife encounters and spectacular mountain scenery.

Sustainability is central to Explora’s philosophy, with the emphasis on protecting fragile landscapes by encouraging low-impact exploration rather than high-volume tourism. Explora El Chaltén was designed to sit lightly within its surroundings, allowing the spectacular Patagonian landscape to remain the focal point.

• Private conservation reserve – The lodge sits within the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, where access is carefully managed to help protect native forests, wildlife and fragile mountain ecosystems.
• Sensitive architectural design – Built using sustainable principles, the lodge has been carefully positioned and designed to minimise its visual and environmental impact while making the most of the surrounding landscape.
• Long-term conservation – Explora supports the protection of thousands of hectares of wilderness across Patagonia, working with conservation organisations and scientific partners to safeguard biodiversity and restore natural habitats.
• Responsible operations – The company continues to reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management and recycling, and minimise the environmental footprint of its lodges through more efficient resource use.
• Supporting local communities – Explora employs local staff wherever possible, partners with regional suppliers and showcases local produce, ensuring tourism delivers lasting economic benefits to the surrounding communities.

Rather than treating sustainability as a separate initiative, Explora has woven it into every aspect of the guest experience, helping to preserve Patagonia’s remarkable landscapes while allowing travellers to experience them in a thoughtful and responsible way.

A stay at Explora El Chaltén is designed to be as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus entirely on exploring Patagonia.

• Luxury accommodation in your chosen room or suite.
• Daily guided explorations, with a choice of hikes, scenic walks and overland excursions led by expert bilingual guides.
• All meals, showcasing seasonal Patagonian ingredients and regional flavours.
• Open bar, including a carefully selected range of wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks.
• Shared transfers between Comandante Armando Tola International Airport and the lodge at scheduled times.
• Use of spa facilities, including the sauna and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the mountains.
• Trekking equipment, including hiking poles and gaiters, for use during your stay.
• Entrance to the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, providing access to exclusive trails within the private reserve.

Please note that premium wines and spirits, private explorations, massages, boutique purchases and gratuities are not included.