Things you must never forget!

During day walks

It's very important to have proper shoes, for long walks in an uneven soil (light trekking boots are the best option), preferably already worn before.
You mustn't forget taking drinkable water. Although you can find water during your walk, you'll need it in places where there isn't any. It is very important to take in liquids during the walks, not to run any dehydration risks.
It's also recommended to take enough food for lunch (and some more), because days are generally longer.
Sunglasses are also very necessary, even though the day can be cloudy, as the sun rays' reflex on the glaciers is very dangerous for your eyes.
You must also wear many clothes, one over the other, in order to be comfortable in cold and warm temperatures. Keep in mind that temperatures in this area vary a lot, and climate may vary considerable in only a few hours' time.
We recommend using suntan lotion, for the same reason as the sunglasses.

In your Camping Place

Besides walking shoes, it's also necessary to take any comfortable shoes (flip-flaps or sandals/rope-soled sandals) for your feet to rest when you're not walking along the area.
Don't forget: a heater (remember that it's forbidden to make FIRE within the Park), food (always a little bit more than what you'll need), biodegradable soap, a bucket or similar to wash up away from streams, and bags to throw away any waste.
Always take more clothes than the ones you'll need; consider that in bad weather conditions it can get wet and not dry for a long time.

Advice inside the National Park

Fire

It is forbidden to make fire within the National Park, and this is why we recommend, if it is necessary, the use of heaters. We also ask smokers to pay special attention. Please put out your cigarettes properly, and carry the ends in your waste bag, so as not to leave any traces of you stay.

Water

In order to keep it drinkable, without any kind of pollution, we ask you to keep in mind the following rules:
Make use of the latrines, which are located in every campsite within the walk circuits
In case of urgent need, you may do what you have to do at a 100 feet distance from any stream, digging it together with the toilet paper (which will be disgusting, but we'll have to see it everyday for many years if it's not underground).
For washing up, of hygiene, take the water and move more than 10 feet away from the stream, as its decantation on Herat Hill then filtrate it again to the stream where it came from.

Rubbish

Have in mind that EVERYTHING you carry with you and do not make use of is part of your rubbish. When you go back town, please take with you every paper, cigarette ends, cans, bottles, toilet paper, towels etc
Think about the following: if you were able to enjoy the landscape without noticing any other visitor's waste, the ones to come will thank you for being as careful as the former ones.
El Chaltén is one of the very few places in Patagonia where rubbish is processed, and that's why, when you throw your rubbish away in the dustbins, you must attach to the rules as to classification into glass, metal and batteries.

No Traces

Don't leave any traces of your stay. This is why we ask you not to dig any hotels within campsites; they are not necessary. Don't build anything using logs, nor modify the place where they are.
Use latrines, or bury your excrements and toilet paper. Although they are disgusting, more disgusting are they for passers-by!

Our plan is that we can all experience the feeling of being in an isolated place!

Emergency Telephone Numbers

If you're not in El Chaltén, dial 02962, from any foreign country: 54 2962 - National Park: 493-004

• Sanitary Department: 493-033 VHF:
• National Park: 155.675
• El Chaltén Andine Centre: 155.835

High and Low Seasons

High Season

It occurs during summer, from October to March. It's the best-recommended season to visit this town, as the road taking you there is in good condition, and all shops are open. Daylight is longer, which will allow you to enjoy your walks within the National Park.

Low Season

Most shops and services are not available, as the number of tourists is very low, and snow and ice make it difficult to travel on National Road N*40 from El Chaltén to El Calafate. This is why we recommend you to plan your visit to El Chaltén for the summer.

Information Centre

Av. Costanera y A.M.M. de Guemes