Transporte Don Atilio
Don Atilio Transporte offers two types of transfer service for independent travelers, groups, and travel agencies:
- Regular Shuttle (door to door): shared trip with departures at regular times from El Calafate, El Calafate Airport, and El Chaltén.
- Private transfers: non-shared trip (vehicle exclusive to your group) from the place and time you choose, with intermediate stops by arrangement.
We have more than 15 years of experience in Patagonia. If you're looking for transfers to other destinations in the region, we'll take you there. Our modern fleet, with Starlink WiFi, is at your service for a comfortable trip: minibuses for 24, 19, and 15 passengers, and a 4x4 vehicle for 3/4 passengers.
Contact us and let us know which flight you're arriving on, and we'll take you straight to El Chaltén!
We also run transfers to Lago del Desierto and Hostería El Pilar so you can enjoy the majestic Mount Fitz Roy. Book your trip or chat with us on WhatsApp directly.
Good to know
We speak: Spanish and English.
Business hours: 24 hours.
WiFi internet on board.
Extra baggage allowance depending on the trip.
Vehicles
We have a wide fleet of late-model vehicles, equipped with Starlink WiFi, heating, air conditioning, and USB charging ports for your mobile devices. Capacity for 4, 15, 19, and 24 passengers. Our vehicles have ample cargo holds and a trailer for extra luggage.
- 4 x Mercedes Benz Minibus: Up to 19 passengers.
- 1 x Mercedes Benz Minibus: Up to 15 passengers.
- 1 x Iveco Daily Citybus: Up to 24 passengers.
- 1 x Renault Master Minibus: Up to 15 passengers.
- 1 x Chevrolet Trailblazer 4x4: 3/4 passengers.
Regular Shuttle bus
We offer a shared door-to-door transfer service with daily departures from El Calafate and the International Airport to El Chaltén and back. We pick you up at your accommodation of origin or at the airport, and drop you off at the destination accommodation.
Schedule from El Chaltén to the Airport & El Calafate
| El Chaltén | Airport (approx.) | El Calafate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 05:30 hs* | 08:00 hs | 08:30 hs |
| 09:00 hs | 12:30 hs | 13:00 hs |
| 12:30 hs | 15:00 hs | 16:00 hs |
| 15:00 hs | 17:30 hs | 18:00 hs |
* The 05:30 hs departure leaves only from the El Chaltén bus terminal; for the other departure times we pick up passengers at their accommodation.
Schedule from El Calafate & the Airport to El Chaltén
| El Calafate | Airport (approx.) | El Chaltén (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 hs | 10:00 hs | 12:20 hs |
| 13:00 hs | 13:30 hs | 15:50 hs |
| 16:30 hs | 17:00 hs | 19:20 hs |
| 19:30 hs | 20:00 hs | 22:20 hs |
You can find us at:
Office 1 at El Calafate Airport, open from 7:00 to 21:00 hs.
Office 1 at the El Chaltén bus terminal, open from 5:00 to 21:00 hs.
Private transfers
Private transfers for groups, school trips, and families. We connect the most important destinations in southern Argentine and Chilean Patagonia: El Chaltén, the city or airport of El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park (Chile), Puerto Natales (Chile), Cueva de las Manos, and Ushuaia, among others. Contact us about other destinations.
Lago Viedma Area
- El Chaltén.
- Hostería El Pilar.
- Estancia Los Huemules.
- Estancia Bonanza.
- Hotel Explora.
- Lago del Desierto.
- Aguas Arriba Lodge.
Lago Argentino Area
- City of El Calafate.
- Armando Tola International Airport (FTE).
- Perito Moreno Glacier.
Trailheads
- Chorrillo del Salto.
- Río Blanco: Hostería El Pilar, Fitz Roy trail.
- Río Eléctrico: Piedra del Fraile trail, Vuelta al Hielo circuit.
- Estancia Los Huemules: Lagunas Azul y Verde trail, Laguna Diablo.
- Lago del Desierto: Huemul glacier trail, Punta Norte trail, and Candelario Mansilla (Chile).
Chile
- Puerto Natales.
- Torres del Paine National Park.
- Punta Arenas.
Frequently asked questions
About Transporte Don Atilio
To contact Transporte Don Atilio directly, use the "Book your trip" button, the "Chat on WhatsApp" button, or call anytime at +54 9 2966 67-6776 or +54 9 2902 45-1633.
All units feature Starlink roaming WiFi so you stay connected during the trip, since for example about 95% of the route between El Calafate and El Chaltén has no mobile data or public WiFi coverage. They also have heating, air conditioning, and USB chargers for your mobile devices.
Regular Shuttle bus (door-to-door transfers) between El Calafate and El Chaltén
The regular Shuttle service is transportation you share with other passengers: it includes a vehicle licensed for tourist passenger transport, a professional local driver, fuel, and space for regular luggage (suitcases and trekking backpacks), with no mandatory intermediate stops. It does not include meals or park entrance fees. Intermediate stops (viewpoints or points of interest) can be arranged depending on availability and road conditions.
Transporte Don Atilio departs at 9:30hs, 13:00hs, 16:30hs and 19:30hs door to door, meaning that starting at those times we begin picking up passengers at their accommodation in El Calafate. Once all passengers are on board we head to El Chaltén, stopping at the Airport. Departure times from El Calafate Airport are: 10:00hs, 13:30hs, 17:00hs and 20:00hs. Once we arrive in El Chaltén, we'll drop you off at your accommodation's door.
Transporte Don Atilio departs at 05:30hs from the El Chaltén bus terminal, heading straight to the Airport and El Calafate. Then, at 9:00hs, 12:30hs and 15:00hs it departs door to door, meaning that starting at those times we begin picking up passengers at their accommodation. Once we arrive in El Calafate, we'll drop you off at your accommodation's door.
The Shuttle bus trip between El Calafate and El Chaltén takes approximately 2.5 hours from the International Airport (FTE) and 3 hours from the city of El Calafate, under normal road conditions. Travel time can vary depending on road conditions such as strong winds or fog banks, and possible photo or rest stops requested by the passenger. In winter, with snow or ice, the trip can take longer. Our drivers assess the day's conditions and prioritize safety at all times.
To book your trip, just press the "Book your trip" button and enter the date, number of passengers, pickup point, and destination. In the "Additional comments" field, let us know which service you'd like (regular Shuttle bus). You can also use the "Chat on WhatsApp" button with the same details. We confirm availability and send you the final price and payment terms. We recommend booking in advance during high season (November to March), especially for flight-linked pickups.
Private transfers (non-shared trip)
In a private transfer the vehicle is exclusive to your group (you don't share the trip with others), whether it's 1 or several passengers, with as many stops as you'd like along the way, at the time you need, door to door to wherever you indicate, and the driver often acts as a tour guide during the trip. Regular Shuttles, on the other hand, mean sharing the vehicle with other passengers, with fixed departure times (with several frequencies in high season), picking you up at your accommodation and taking you to the place you indicate to the driver.
To book a private transfer, just press the "Book your trip" button and enter the date, number of passengers, pickup point, and destination. In the "Additional comments" field, let us know which service you'd like (private transfer). You can also use the "Chat on WhatsApp" button with the same details. We confirm availability and send you the final price and payment terms. We recommend booking in advance during high season (November to March), especially for flight-linked pickups.
Yes. The private transfer service runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: we coordinate pickup according to your actual flight time or your accommodation's check-in, whatever the hour. Our phone and WhatsApp support hours for inquiries and bookings are 24 hours.
Yes, we run private transfers in the area year-round, including winter. Our vehicles are equipped for the area's conditions and our drivers are experienced on snow- and ice-covered roads. On days with bad weather the trip may take longer and, in extreme cases, may be rescheduled for safety. We always prioritize making the transfer under the best possible conditions.
Location
423 Lago del Desierto Ave., Z9301 El Chaltén, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Location and access map
You can also find us at:
Office 1 at El Calafate Airport, open from 7:00 to 21:00 hs.
Office 1 at the El Chaltén bus terminal, open from 5:00 to 21:00 hs.
What our clients say
Useful information for your trip
Argentina
Official language: Spanish (castellano). In Buenos Aires and tourist areas, English is fairly well understood. Demonym: Argentine / Argentinian.
Currency: Argentine peso (ARS). Symbol: $. ISO code: ARS. US dollars are accepted at many hotels and tourist businesses (always ask about the exchange rate). There are official and parallel exchange rates ("dólar blue"). Recommended: exchange money at official exchange houses, banks, or Western Union. Bring clean, low-denomination cash dollars. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in cities; cash is essential in small towns and for tips/taxis.
220-230 V / 50 Hz. Type C outlets (European, two round pins) and type I (Australian-style, two flat V-shaped pins + ground). Bring a universal adapter.
Valid passport (at least 3-6 months of remaining validity and blank pages recommended). Citizens of most countries in the Americas, Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, etc. don't need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days. Always check with the Argentine embassy for your specific nationality. Additional entry requirements: round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel. Sufficient funds (approx. USD 50/day). Travel medical insurance (recommended/required under recent regulations – check whether Decree 366/2025 is in force; many sources require it with minimum coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation). A sworn declaration in some cases.
Time zone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time – ART) across the whole mainland. Daylight saving time has not been used since 2009. Phone code: +54.
911 (general emergencies – police/ambulance, with English-language support in Buenos Aires City). 100 Fire department. 107 Ambulance (SAME). 101 Police. Buenos Aires also has a dedicated Tourist Police.
Driving is on the right. A valid national license plus an international driving permit is recommended (depending on agreements and the rental company). Legal minimum age is 17 (rental companies usually require 21+).
In Buenos Aires: the SUBE card is used for the subway, buses, and trains. Useful apps: Cabify, Uber, BA Taxi.
Generally safe in major cities (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, etc.). In rural or remote areas, bottled water is recommended.
Not mandatory but expected for good service. Restaurants: 10%. Taxis: round up or leave the change. Hotels: bellhops and housekeeping as appropriate. Guides: 10%.
Good 4G/5G coverage in cities. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy (Claro, Movistar, Personal) with your passport. WiFi is common in hotels, cafés, and airports.
No mandatory vaccines. Recommended: routine vaccines up to date, plus yellow fever if visiting the north (Iguazú and surrounding areas). Medical insurance is strongly advised (and possibly required).
Highly varied: subtropical in the north, temperate in the center, cold/subantarctic in Patagonia. The best time to visit depends on the region (southern summer, Dec-Feb, for most of the country; winter for skiing).
Mealtimes run late (dinner starts around 9 pm). Siesta is common in inland towns. Mate-drinking culture. Asado (barbecue), empanadas, Malbec wine.
Normal precautions apply, as in any big city. Watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas of Buenos Aires. Avoid displaying valuables.
El Chaltén
El Chaltén is located about 210-220 km north of El Calafate (approx. 3 hours via Route 40 + Route 41, fully paved).
Chaltenense (the term used for people from El Chaltén).
High season: October to April (best for trekking). Peak: December-February (longer days, more visitors). Shoulder season: October-November and March-April (fewer crowds, good fall colors). Low season / winter: May-September (many services close, snow, difficult trails; for experienced visitors only).
The closest airport is Armando Tola International Airport, also known as El Calafate Airport (FTE). El Chaltén has no airport of its own. It's only reachable by land: daily buses run from El Calafate, usually departing in the morning, midday, and afternoon during the tourist season. Private transfers and rental cars are also an option. In high season, it's best to book in advance.
Extremely variable (all 4 seasons can happen in a single day). Very strong winds (Patagonia). Summer temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F) during the day, cool at night. Winter temperatures: -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) during the day, very cold at night. Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and a windbreaker are essential.
220V / 50Hz (same plug types as the rest of Argentina: C and I). Internet and cell signal are limited or intermittent (better in the town center). WiFi is available at most accommodations, though not always stable. Satellite internet (Starlink) is being adopted quickly. Mobile service: 4G (Movistar, Claro).
There's a branch of Banco Santa Cruz. ATMs (Banco Santa Cruz / Red LINK) are available, but they can be out of order or run out of cash. It's best to withdraw money in El Calafate beforehand.
There's a local health center with basic care and an ambulance (Puesto Sanitario). Serious emergencies are evacuated to El Calafate. Travel insurance with mountain/rescue coverage is highly recommended.
There's a YPF fuel station (Módulo de Abastecimiento Social, MAS) at the entrance to town, offering diesel and Super gasoline. Postal service: Correo Argentino.
Currency exchange offices.
A small, quiet town, 100% focused on trekking and nature. A backpacker and mountain-lover atmosphere. Meal and business hours are earlier than in Buenos Aires. There's a strong "mountain culture" and respect for the environment.
Since late 2024, there's an entrance fee for the main trails. Tickets are purchased online or via QR code (cash is not accepted at the trailheads). Multi-day passes are available.