In 1987, 2 years after El Chaltén was founded, Tomás Fernandez came to El Chaltén to work as a guide. Soon he started the first Refugio in town, offering just 1 room with 6 bunk beds. Over the years the "Refugio" was turned into "Albergue" and in 2004 was turned into the "Hostería" it is today. It was named after the Ñire, a tree which is very common in the area.
The owners, the Argentinian/Paraguayan couple Tomás Fernandez and Sirley Santander, still run the hostel themselves and attend to their guests personally, in a very friendly and informal way. The hostel has a familiar atmosphere, as their three children are around as well. The hostel is well-organized, but also managed in a flexible manner. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate specific needs if you talk to the owners.
Los Ñires is one of the biggest hostels in town, offering 33 rooms (double, twin or triple). The spacious and clean rooms all have heating, comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms with hot water (24 hrs). An extension was completed in 2010 to offer several additional rooms. A continental breakfast with fresh homebaked bread and good coffee is included in the overnight price.
There is a small cafeteria that offers coffee, tea, beer, soft drinks and wine for reasonable prices (e.g. coffee/tea AR$ 5, beer AR$ 8, soft drinks AR$ 6). Lunch boxes are offered for AR$ 30.
Luggage can be stored for free and valuables can be guarded in the owners safe. The owners will let you use their computer to check your emails (internet is slow though in El Chaltén).
Because of Tomás´ extensive experience as a guide in the area, good information can be provided about all possible activities and good guides can be recommended.
Reservations can be made via email and should be confirmed 5 days before the arrival date. The front door will be locked for a few hours at night, but will be opened when you knock on the door.
9301 El Chaltén
www.losnireschalten.com.ar
