Opening its doors at the end of 2021, El Chalten is the latest of Explora’s luxurious lodges, where adventure is the name of the game and disconnecting from the modern world is encouraged - and with a setting in the private 14,000-acre Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, neither of those are hard to achieve! Within easy reach of the iconic peaks of Mount Fitz Roy, it's the ultimate HQ for exploring this incredible, glacier-filled corner of Argentina and a great base for exploring the Southern Ice Field. The all-inclusive model means endless excursion opportunities with the world-class guides and puts some of the wildest corners of Patagonia at your fingertips.
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Sitting on the north bank of the Electrico River, the lodge is surrounded by beautiful lenga and ñirre forests. The modular building was constructed in Mendoza and assembled on stilts to reduce environmental impact, its soothing earth tones and clear wood seamlessly blending with the forests around it. Common spaces are sophisticated yet cosy, and the bar and lounge have gorgeous views of the Marconi glacier through enormous picture windows. In the restaurant, you'll find a menu designed by famed Argentinian chef Pablo Jesús Rivero that makes a point of using locally-sourced products that pay tribute to the surroundings, whilst the spa is an ideal bolthole for some R&R after a long day on the ice.
There are 17 rooms and 3 suites in the hotel, all designed with functionality in mind but with an elegant, pared-back style that shines the spotlight on the real star: the stunning views of the Electrico Valley, the Marconi Glacier, and the incredible mountain range. Featuring wood-panelled walls and soothing earth tones, all rooms come with a comfy King-size bed, AC and heating, plenty of storage space for all your hiking gear and even Jacuzzi-style tubs in the ensuites. There’s no TV, but trust us, you certainly don't need one with that view and these activities...
The possibilities are almost endless at Explora El Chalten! The bespoke explorations are focused on providing everyone that stays with an in-depth experience of the spectacular region and every evening, you'll get to plan your day with one of Explora’s passionate guides. From hikes to overland adventures, rock climbing and mountain biking, there’s something in store for all levels and requirements. Overnight expeditions to the Southern Ice Field are also on offer, while thrill seekers may be seduced by a high mountain ascent adventure to Cerro Masden. Whatever you choose, you’ll want to go back for more.
Explora’s privileged location away from the masses means you’ll get to enjoy hiking trails to the glaciers with only a handful of other guests from the hotel. Priceless!
Make the most out of your time in El Chalten and consider booking a minimum of four nights - there’s just so much to see and do.
It comes as no surprise that many excursions are subject to favourable weather conditions, so be prepared to be a little flexible if hurricane-strength winds are forecast.
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Lace up your boots and set out to explore Argentina’s dreamy hiking capital
