Mirador de los Cóndores

The basics

The Mirador de los Cóndores trail takes you from the visitor center in El Chaltén to the overlook; there’s a gentle slope leading up to it, so you might need to stop a couple of times to catch your breath. Tours of El Chaltén’s highlights nearly always include the Mirador de los Cóndores, and usually combine it with the Chorillo de Salto waterfall, a cascade surrounded by ancient woodlands.

Things to know before you go

• The trail is well-signposted and has some information panels and a map along the way; entry is free.

• Many sections of the trail feature loose gravel, so wear shoes with good grip and consider taking hiking poles.

• There’s nowhere to buy food or water along the way, so bring all of the supplies you need.

• Take any trash away with you—there are no garbage cans at the viewpoint.

• Dogs are not allowed on the trail, so as not to disturb the wildlife.

How to get there

The trailhead starts at the National Park Visitor Center; from there, you’ll need to keep on the path to the left (taking the one to the right leads to a different viewpoint). Many people visit El Chaltén from El Calafate, which has an international airport and regularly departing buses; the drive takes around 3 hours.

When to get there

While Patagonia’s weather is known for its changeability, the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (October through February). Winter sees heavy snow and many of the trails become inaccessible. The region experiences year-round strong wind, so come prepared.

More El Chaltén viewpoints nearby

About 10 minutes before you reach El Mirador de los Cóndores, you’ll see a wooden sign for the Mirador de las Águilas (Eagle’s Viewpoint), which is a 30-minute walk away. From here, you can admire the landscapes of El Chaltén from a different perspective. As the name would suggest, you might even spot eagles flying alongside condors here.