Hotels in El Chalten

As the distances from El Calafate shrinks, thanks to highway pavement, El Chaltén is taking a swing upscale. Formerly a destination for backpackers and hostelgoers, it now affords interesting new lodging options. A new Explora hotel, from the legendary Chilean innovators, is set to open in 2010, just north of town, and a handful of other upscale lodges are also in the works.

Deep in the Heart of Patagonia: Hostería Helsingfors

Remote, warm, and widely admired, Hostería Helsingfors, open from October to March, is located on the shore of Lago Viedma about 150km (93 miles) from El Calafate. On a clear day, it has amazing views of FitzRoy. With a lovely main lodge and endless miles of untouched wilderness at its doorstep, Helsingfors offers lodging, horseback riding, over-flights, bird-watching, boat trips, and fine dining. For more information, contact their offices in Buenos Aires at Av. Córdoba 827, 11th floor (tel./fax 011/4315-1222; www.helsingfors.com.ar).