Chorrillo del Salto

The basics

The 4-mile (6.6-kilometer) out-and-back Chorrillo del Salto trek starts in El Chaltén and typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete, depending on how long you want to stay at the waterfall. There’s a cycling trail along with the relatively flat hiking path, but bikes are not permitted on the last section of the trail leading to the falls. Some sightseeing tours of El Chaltén combine a brief stop at the waterfall with other natural wonders such as Lago Argentino, one of the great Argentinian lakes.

Things to know before you go

• Dogs aren’t allowed on the Chorrillo del Salto trail.

• After rain, the trail can get very slippery and muddy, so wear shoes with good grip and take hiking poles to maintain balance.

• Part of the trail is on a gravel road shared with vehicles, so be mindful of traffic as you walk.

How to get there

The Chorrillo del Salto trail starts at the end of Av. San Martín, on the same trailhead as the Laguna De Los Tres hike; you need to take the path that leads to the right. To shorten the hike, you can also drive to the parking lot near the entrance of the waterfall, from which it’s only a 10-minute walk to the cascade.

When to get there

For the highest chance of pleasant weather, the best time to hike to Chorrillo del Salto is during Patagonia’s spring and summer months (October through February), though this remote region can experience four seasons in one day at any time of year. During the winter—June to September—the falls can freeze completely and are popular with ice climbers.

The best easy treks to do in El Chaltén

El Chaltén might be the trekking capital of Argentina, but hikes here aren’t just limited to challenging, multi-day adventures. As well as the Chorrillo del Salto trek, you can embark on other easy trails such as the Mirador del Torre, which features gentle ascents leading to a viewpoint that reveals the iconic Mt. Fitzroy and the lagoon below it.