Two short climbs straight out of the village: one to watch condors ride the wind over the river valley, the other to look east across Lago Viedma and the steppe.
The trail starts behind the national park ranger station at the entrance to the village, which makes it the easiest walk to fit in on the afternoon you arrive.
The first branch climbs to the Mirador de los Cóndores, a rocky shoulder above the village. Andean condors use the wind over the Río de las Vueltas valley, and on a clear day the Fitz Roy massif stands behind the rooftops.
A second, slightly longer branch continues to the Mirador de las Águilas, which looks the other way: east over the turquoise sweep of Lago Viedma and the brown Patagonian steppe.
Both are short, but they're exposed, and Chaltén's wind can be strong enough to knock you off balance.
Up, along and back to the village.
Pick up park information and take the signed path behind the building.
A short, steady climb on a stony path above the village.
Watch the river valley for condors and look up the valley to Fitz Roy.
Follow the branch to the second viewpoint over Lago Viedma.
Retrace your steps for dinner in Chaltén.
Walk from anywhere in the village to the ranger station at its southern entrance.
Late afternoon light is best, and the walk leaves the morning free for the long trails.
Photographs from Wikimedia Commons under their licences.
