Like many hikes in El Chaltén, you can walk right from your cabaña or hotel to the trail head. Head to the top of the main street, Av. San Martin. Turn right onto the road to Laguna/Lago (Lagoon/Lake) del Desierto. You’ll walk 5 Km on this winding gravel road to reach the trail head. Around the 5 Km mark, you will find a small clearing and a sign marking the Chorrillo del Salto trail. The trail passes through native lenga, (nothofagus pumilio), and ñire, (nothofagus antarcticus), forests, and is well formed from years of hiking. The trail leads uphill alongside the Chorrillos del Salto River (gain of 10 m). It then flattens out for a brief walk, leading you to the Chorrillo de Salto waterfall. The trail is marked with indicators on the trees alongside, and with rock cairns (small piles of rocks) with arrow indicators. This hike is an out and back, returning along the same trail. Depending on time spent at the waterfall, the total hike will take about 2 hours.
Activity Type: Hiking
Sector: El Chaltén
Starting Point: Northern end of Av. San Martin
Ending Point: Northern end of Av. San Martin
Considerations: The trails in El Chaltén are all very well marked and only for hiking. If you passion is mountain biking, there are separate options just for you, nearby this trail. Check for details in town.
Distance: 11 Km
Duration: 2 hours.
Seasonality: October – April
Difficulty: Easy. Great for everyone.