I stayed in El Chalten for two weeks in March 2025. The trails and mountains in El Chalten are one of the most stunning I have ever seen. The town itself is even more cozy, fun, with a lot of good spots to hang out, drink a coffee, read a book or just relax and do nothing. In this blog, I will share the spots I have been in town and provide some inspirations on where you can hang while in El Chalten when not on the hiking trails.
Favorite Bread and Empanadas cafe: BANNETON Panaderia
I passed by BANNETON after hiking Laguna Torres dying hungry. This little spot was on the corner of the main street with people sitting outside under the sun, chatting, eating empanadas and drinking coffee. Unable to resist, I walked in and joined the vibe. It turned out to be so good. The empanada was bigger than the ones in the other places in town and filled with real veggies and meats (try chicken and tuna ones). I also ordered some sweet pastries and they were absolutely delicious. What turned out to be the best in town is their fresh baked bread. I had taken their nut breads on the treks, picnics or just as snack on the buses. The service is really lovely too. I went back several times including one morning doing some work inside the cafe. My No.1 favorite spot in El Chalten.
Favorite coffee spot: PAISA High Mountain Coffee
I went to PAISA in a cold rainy morning when waiting for the weather window to go Cerro Huemul. The inside of the cafe is warming, intimate. I ordered a latte and the stuff who worked there recommended the cheese scone. The drink and the food was so good, especially felt homy when I worked there for an hour with others reading or just chatting. I went back again on a sunny day after Cerro Huemul and was able to sit outside in the lower chair just enjoying the sunshine.
Favorite cafe for dinner: La Esquina Chalten – desayunos, almuerzos, cenas. Viandas, lunch box
I saw this corner spot with little starring lights in the evening and walked in. The cafe was decorated with books and a yoga studio upstairs. Here was what I ordered. Locro and Calafate cheesecake. Locro is a comfort, warm stew with meat and veggies – it tasted even better with their home made sauce. I recommend anyone to try this restaurant for a special date night with easy and chill vibe.
Gallery cafe to get work done: Kaulem Cafe
I went to Kaulem cafe on my first day in Chalten after hopping off the bus. The cafe was part of Kaulem hotel. It was decorated with a taste from sittings to the paintings. I felt lucky to find this place on my first day in Chalten. The place is relatively quieter than other spots on the main street and I spent two hours there doing some writing and enjoying the afternoon. Recommend their Terere Frozen, made of Mate and grapefruit (pomelo).
Ice cream day: Heladeria Domo Blanco
The only ice cream I have tried in Chalten. First time eating in and second time taking out for picnics. I love their vibe and nice stuff who work there. All the flavors are delicious but the Pomelo and Calafate surprised me. They open after 2pm and have plenty of seating inside to hang out after a day hiking.
Get some gourmet cheese: the one next to Banneton on the right with the white wall.
Yes, I do not know the name of the cheese shop and cannot find it on google map either. But it’s the one on the righthand side when facing BANNETON. The entrance door is small and it’s easy to miss it. If you are in Chalten, you have to try their cheese and salami. I got their oregano and heard the basil one is really good. The basil one is in green!
Go-to grocery: Supermercado Chalten (al lado de la farmacia)
There are two main groceries people go, Lo de Lourdes supermercado (more inside of the town near Fitz Roy) and this one closer to the entry of the town. I personally love this one because it has freshers veggies and fruits and better prices.
Where to picnic: cross the bridge next to the river – Las Vueltas (near Sendero Mirador del Pardon)
I came here for a picnic with friends from Cerro Huemul. I love it because we had special memories maybe. The river is fast moving but you can still jump in to have a dip to let the river carry you. It’s cold, but niceeeee! I also went back the other day for some yoga and meditation.
Other places I tried
La Roti. I went based on some recommendations. I would say the empanadas are not the best I had but it’s a good one if you happen to be there.
La Cerveceria Chalten. It has good beer but very crowded to get in. I went with the friend from Huemul trek. We sat in the back patio and they gave us blankets to keep warm. We got a pizza over beer and it was a nice night just chatting and enjoying.
Andreas Burgers For Adventurers. Went after Huemul with 8 of us. Food was good but nothing impressive. Just for a good time!
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