Heading to El Chalten with kids and wondering about supermarket? Read this first.

Good to Know

El Chalten is a tiny hiking town at the base of Mount Fitz Roy with a year-round population of around 1,500 people. There are no big supermarkets here. Grocery shopping means small general stores along Avenida San Martin, the main street. Selection is limited and everything is more expensive than in El Calafate or Buenos Aires because it all has to be trucked in.

Expect to pay 30 to 50 percent more than Buenos Aires prices for most items. A liter of milk runs around 1,500 to 2,000 ARS. Bread, pasta, and canned goods are available but produce is limited, especially in winter. Fresh fruit and vegetables come in on delivery days and go fast. If your kids are picky eaters, stock up before you arrive.

We learned this the hard way: buy your groceries in El Calafate before driving to El Chalten. The Carrefour and La Anonima in El Calafate have a proper selection at normal prices. The drive is about three hours, so pack a cooler. If you do need to shop in town, the stores on San Martin are your only option. They open around 9am, close for siesta in the afternoon, and reopen in the evening. Check the delivery schedule if you need fresh produce or dairy. Baby food and formula are available but the selection is one or two brands at most.

There's no dedicated baby supply store. The general stores carry basic snacks that kids will eat: crackers, cookies, dulce de leche, and alfajores. For anything specific like a particular brand of formula or specialty baby food, bring it with you.

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Sources: Parques Nacionales - Los Glaciares