Chorrillo del Salto

Chorrillo del Salto is one of the most accessible points of interest in the El Chaltén area. It is a waterfall that fits naturally into the local landscape, serving as an ideal destination for those seeking direct contact with nature without requiring significant physical effort or technical ascents. Its value lies in offering an exploration alternative when weather conditions prevent access to high-mountain trails, while maintaining a connection with the river and forest environment of the region.

The route through steppe and forest

The route begins at the same starting point as other well-known trails in the area, including the one leading to Laguna de los Tres. The trail follows the road toward Lago del Desierto, crossing it at various points along the way. As you advance, the landscape shifts between the characteristic vegetation of the Patagonian steppe — drier and thornier — and small lenga beech forests that line the riverbanks.

The terrain is mostly flat, allowing for an easy passage through a scenic environment. The path runs parallel to the river, making it possible to observe how the water shapes the local geography before reaching the endpoint. The walk offers an opportunity to observe the hardy flora of Patagonia, adapted to the climatic conditions of Santa Cruz.

Reaching the waterfall

The final destination is the waterfall itself. On arrival, the sound of the water and the presence of other visitors mark the end of the route. Although this is a place that often receives traffic from people traveling to Lago del Desierto by public transport, the space allows for quiet moments of observation of the waterfall.

Chorrillo del Salto stands out as a natural feature within this low-difficulty circuit. Since it does not depend on panoramic views of snow-capped peaks — which can be hidden by clouds — the focus of the place rests on the movement of the water and the surrounding plant composition, making it an essential component of El Chaltén’s river ecosystem.