A Complete Guide to El Calafate

El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
2 December 2024

Santa Cruz is home to Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is synonymous with contemplation and adventure as well. Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Lago Argentino is something worth doing for any traveller. Here's everything you need to know to visit El Calafate.

El Calafate is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. Located in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, this picturesque town serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Get ready to experience unforgettable moments surrounded by stunning landscapes, ancient glaciers, and rich wildlife.

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What to Do in the city of El Calafate?


Explore El Calafate


  • Stroll along Avenida del Libertador: The heart of the city, filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and accommodations.


  • Visit the Laguna Nímez Reserve: Observe a variety of birds and enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon.


  • Learn at the Historical Interpretation Center: Discover the region's history and the origins of the glaciers.


  • Enjoy the view from the Bahía Redonda Promenade: Snap the iconic photo with the "El Calafate" sign.


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Glaciers in El Calafate: Perito Moreno and More


1- Perito Moreno Glacier


This glacier is the main attraction of El Calafate and one of Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders. It is located within Los Glaciares National Park.


  • Activities:


  • Ice trekking:
  • Duration: Between 1 and 2 hours on the ice, plus additional time for transfers and preparation (approximately 6-8 hours total).
  • Starting point: Usually from hotels in El Calafate, with transportation included to the park.
  • Details: Includes specialized guides and necessary equipment like crampons.


  • Boat tour on the Brazo Rico channel:
  • Duration: 1 hour.
  • Starting point: Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, inside the park.
  • Details: Get close to the ice walls and witness ice calving.


  • Panoramic walkways:
  • Duration: Flexible, from 1 to 3 hours depending on the route.
  • Starting point: Main access to the park.
  • Details: Offers spectacular views of the glacier from various angles.




2- Sailing on Lake Argentino


Catamaran excursions to explore glaciers such as Upsala, Spegazzini, and Viedma.


  • Duration: Half-day (4-5 hours) or full-day (8-10 hours), depending on the chosen route.
  • Starting point: Puerto Bandera, located about 50 minutes from El Calafate.
  • Details:


Upsala Glacier:

  • The largest in the national park, surrounded by floating icebergs.


Spegazzini Glacier:

  • With walls up to 135 meters high, it is one of the tallest.


Viedma Glacier:

  • Optional on some itineraries, includes trekking on its surface.




3- Glaciarium – Patagonian Ice Museum


Interpretive center dedicated to glaciers and their ecosystems.


  • Duration: 1-2 hours.
  • Starting point: Just 6 km from El Calafate, accessible by public transport or private vehicle.
  • Details:
  • Interactive exhibits about glacier formation and the impact of climate change.
  • Includes the "GlacioBar," a themed bar made entirely of ice.


Outdoor Adventures


  • Hiking: Explore trails in Los Glaciares National Park and enjoy panoramic views.


  • Camping: Immerse yourself in nature at campsites in privileged locations like Lago Roca.


  • Kayaking: Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of lakes and rivers.


  • Sport fishing: Experience the thrill of fishing for trout in Patagonian rivers.



  • Patagonian ranches: Enjoy traditional barbecues, horseback riding, and rural activities.


Culture and Gastronomy


Discover local cuisine, with the Patagonian lamb as the standout dish, raised from the Andes to the sea. The traditional cooking method is the cross-style barbecue, where the animal is slowly roasted on a spit near the fire but without direct contact. This method results in incredibly tender meat with a delicate, distinctive flavor typical of the region.


For those with a sweet tooth, Patagonian artisanal chocolate is a must-try, offering a variety of flavors and combinations. These chocolatiers have become a popular choice for gifts. Another highlight is the calafate berry jam, which can also be enjoyed in the form of delightful ice cream.

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Travel Tips

  • Best time to visit: November to March during the high season.
  • What to bring: Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • How to get there: El Calafate has an international airport and is accessible by land.
  • Where to stay: A wide variety of accommodations for all budgets.
  • Crafts: Take home a souvenir of your trip with local handmade crafts.



Unique Experiences


  • Wildlife watching: Spot condors, eagles, and other birds of prey.
  • Nature photography: Capture the beauty of Patagonian landscapes.
  • Relax in hot springs: Enjoy a moment of relaxation in nearby thermal baths.



Sustainability


El Calafate promotes sustainable tourism. Respect the environment, avoid leaving waste, and participate in activities that help conserve glaciers and ecosystems.



Don’t miss the chance to experience the unforgettable magic of El Calafate!

Visitors require a minimum of one week to enjoy the highlights. Also, if you want to experience trekking and extend your stay, El Chaltén, the national trekking capital, is 200 kilometres away from El Calafate, and can be a magnificent choice. You definitely shouldn't miss trekking to Laguna de los Tres, the most attractive and most difficult hike in the area. Besides, Laguna Torre, Chorrillo del Salto, Laguna Capri and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado are not to be ignored.

While Los Glaciares is open all year round, it gets quite hostile during winter due to the freezing temperatures in El Calafate. That's why summer is the best time of the year, with clear and longer days. Another very important fact is that during summer, the iconic calving of ice from the Perito Moreno Glacier takes place, so it's a great time to get a ticket to witness this amazing event.


Middle seasons also work perfectly: in spring (from September to December in Argentina), the high season has not yet started, so there are fewer people and prices are more affordable. Autumn, on the other hand, with its characteristic orange colours (March to June in Argentina) also offers a beautiful landscape with pleasant weather (a bit more rainy though). 

You should bring comfy clothing. Hiking among vegetation and some excursions require loose and comfortable clothing to walk without any problems. Accordingly, footwear is of vital importance: it is ideal to have trekking or sport shoes to be able to step on safely. 


Regardless the season you visit El Calafate, it is advisable to bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and a scarf (as well as gloves or thermal shirts if winter is the season). Sunglasses are essential to avoid being dazzled by the reflection of the sun on the ice and to protect yourself from the sun rays.