Piedra del Fraile and Río Eléctrico Valley
A remote Patagonian campsite and trekking hub in the Río Eléctrico Valley, offering basic amenities and delicious homemade food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, less wind
Piedra del Fraile and Río Eléctrico Valley
Best Time
Clearer views, less wind
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote Patagonian campsite and trekking hub in the Río Eléctrico Valley, offering basic amenities and delicious homemade food.
"A lovely campsite safe from wind, with lovely and super delicious apple crumble cake!"
🏕️ Camping Fees
Camping costs around 3500 CLP per person per night. Inquire about road conditions and pet policies.
🛏️ Dormitory Basics
Dorms are basic; bring your own sleeping bag for a comfortable stay.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piedra del Fraile Campsite
Río Eléctrico Valley
A remote camping spot with basic facilities and a surprisingly good restaurant, perfect for trekkers.
Gateway to Iconic Treks
Río Eléctrico Valley
Access point for renowned hikes like Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres, offering breathtaking Patagonian landscapes.
Homemade Delights
Piedra del Fraile Campsite Restaurant
Enjoy delicious homemade cakes, pasta, and pizzas prepared with care by the campsite staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Camping & Trekking Hub
Trekker's Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏕️ Camping Fees
Camping costs around 3500 CLP per person per night. Inquire about road conditions and pet policies.
🛏️ Dormitory Basics
Dorms are basic; bring your own sleeping bag for a comfortable stay.
El Chalten 2-day hikes
Hi, can anyone recommend a nice 2-day hike in the area of El Chalten? We want to camp one night somewhere now that the nights are getting warmer. It is also ok if it requires taking a short bus somewhere. What we already did in the last days: - Laguna Torre - Laguna de los…
🍰 Delicious Homemade Food
Don't miss the amazing homemade cakes, pasta, and pizzas at the campsite restaurant.
💧 No Showers Available
Be prepared for limited facilities; there are toilets but no showers at the campsite.
Free El Chalten Hike Recommendations?
Anyone have any recommendations for easy-moderate El Chalten hikes that don’t require a park pass/payment? I am not concerned about buying the pass for longer hikes, but looking for some information on shorter hikes that can be done on a whim in the AM/PM on more chill days. I…
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from all over the internet
🏕️ Camping Fees
Camping costs around 3500 CLP per person per night. Inquire about road conditions and pet policies.
🛏️ Dormitory Basics
Dorms are basic; bring your own sleeping bag for a comfortable stay.
🍰 Delicious Homemade Food
Don't miss the amazing homemade cakes, pasta, and pizzas at the campsite restaurant.
💧 No Showers Available
Be prepared for limited facilities; there are toilets but no showers at the campsite.
💰 Cost Considerations
Camping and food can be expensive. Compare prices with hostels in El Chaltén.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piedra del Fraile is praised as a remote camping hub with surprisingly delicious homemade food, offering a great base for Patagonian treks. While facilities are basic, with no showers, the friendly atmosphere and scenic location are highlights. Some visitors find it expensive compared to El Chaltén, particularly for food and drinks.
"A nice little place for camping in the middle of nowhere, with bunk beds to sleep and a restaurant. This camping is a hub from which to go to different great treks around the area.
The girl that was running the place was really nice and prepared great food, all made by her: cakes, pasta, pizzas (all much better quality than you would expect in a place like that)."
Ruben Ruiz
"Lovely campsite 🏕️ safe from wind 💨 lovely and super delicious apple crumble cake 🍰
Toilets and a common room. No showers…
Still lovely people and a great stay!"
Leo Fotografie
"Very expencive site. You can get food there and so on but staying in the tents will cost the double price of the hostel in Chalten. They pretend to charge you as well for going up the trail to Paso Marconi and Piedra Negra but there are no info about prices and all that looks like a fraud. We did not pay."
Alex Trubachev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piedra del Fraile is located in the Río Eléctrico Valley, accessible by car or bus from El Chaltén. The journey offers scenic Patagonian landscapes.
The road condition can vary. It's advisable to check with locals or the campsite for the latest updates, especially after heavy rain or snow.
Some TikTok videos suggest inquiring about pet policies beforehand, as it's a natural reserve.
While private transport is common, inquire about local bus services or shared shuttles from El Chaltén for access to the Río Eléctrico Valley.
Piedra del Fraile is approximately 20-30 kilometers from El Chaltén, a manageable drive or a longer bike ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Camping fees are around 3500 CLP per person per night. It's recommended to confirm current prices upon arrival.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended during peak season to secure a spot, especially if you plan to use the dorms.
Generally, there are no specific entrance fees for the main trails originating from Piedra del Fraile, but some users have reported unclear pricing for certain routes.
The campsite is typically open year-round, but the restaurant hours may vary seasonally. It's best to check on-site or with previous visitors.
It's advisable to carry cash (Chilean Pesos) as card facilities might be limited or unreliable in such a remote location.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The campsite offers basic flushing toilets and a common room. There are no showers available, so be prepared for a rustic experience.
Yes, the campsite has a restaurant that serves delicious homemade food, including cakes, pasta, and pizzas. However, prices can be higher than in town.
Piedra del Fraile is a hub for several stunning treks, including routes to Laguna Torre, Laguna de los Tres, and towards Paso Marconi and Piedra Negra.
Yes, overnight camping is a popular option for trekkers looking to extend their hikes and experience the Patagonian wilderness.
Pack essentials like a warm sleeping bag, layers of clothing, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, and any personal medications. Cash is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The valley offers dramatic mountain vistas, glacial rivers, and lush forests. Early morning and late afternoon light provide the best conditions for landscape photography.
While not the primary viewpoint, the surrounding peaks and the valley itself offer stunning photographic subjects. For direct Fitz Roy views, treks like Laguna de los Tres are more renowned.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for the surrounding mountains and the valley. Midday can be harsh but still offers opportunities for capturing the river and flora.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in national parks. It's crucial to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions and long exposures.
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