El Calafate Travel Guide: Gateway to Argentina’s Glaciers

Tucked along the southern shores of Lago Argentino in Argentine Patagonia, El Calafate is a small town with a huge reputation. It's most famous as the gateway to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier — one of the few advancing glaciers in the world — but there's far more to explore beyond its icy walls.
 

Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, adventurer, or casual traveler, El Calafate offers jaw-dropping beauty and unforgettable experiences in Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🧭 Quick Facts

📍 Province: Santa Cruz

🌍 Region: Patagonia, Argentina

🧊 Gateway to: Perito Moreno Glacier & Southern Ice Field

🛫 Airport: Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Population: ~7,000

🌡️ Best time to visit: October to April (Patagonian summer)

🌟 Why Visit El Calafate?

❄️ Home to Perito Moreno Glacier, a must-see natural wonder

🥾 Glacier trekking, kayaking, and boat safaris

🌅 Stunning Patagonian sunrises and sunsets

🦅 Incredible birdwatching, including flamingos and condors

🏞️ Easy access to El Chaltén and Torres del Paine (Chile)

🧀 Delicious Patagonian cuisine and local artisan culture

🗺️ Top Things to Do in El Calafate, Argentina

1. ❄️ Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

This is El Calafate’s #1 attraction and one of South America’s top natural sites.

📍 Located in Los Glaciares National Park, ~80 km from town

🧊 Over 30 km long and 5 km wide

🔊 Famous for its dramatic ice ruptures and thunderous cracks

🧍 Walk along well-maintained viewing balconies and trails

⛴️ Optional boat tour for close-up views

✅ Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best light.

2. 🧗‍♂️ Go Glacier Trekking on Perito Moreno

For the adventurous, walk on the glacier itself!

🥾 Mini Trekking – ~1.5-hour hike on the ice (ages 10–65)

🥾 Big Ice Trek – 3–4 hours on ice for experienced hikers

🧊 Includes crampons, gear, and expert guides

🍸 Some tours end with a glass of whisky served over glacier ice!

3. ⛴️ Take a Boat Tour on Lago Argentino

Sail past towering glaciers and floating icebergs.

🚢 Options include:

Todo Glaciares tour (Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno)

Safari Náutico (shorter boat trips from Perito Moreno area)

📸 Panoramic views, perfect for photographers

4. 🦩 Visit Laguna Nimez Reserve

A peaceful, scenic nature reserve just outside town.

🌿 Home to 80+ bird species including flamingos, black-necked swans, and ibis

🌄 Sunset here is magical with a view over Lago Argentino

🚶 Self-guided walking paths, binocular rentals available

5. 🛶 Kayak Near the Glaciers

For an intimate view of Patagonia's icy waters.

🛶 Paddle around Perito Moreno with professional guides

❄️ Marvel at the blue ice from water level

🥶 Dry suits provided to keep you warm and safe

6. 🐴 Horseback Riding with Patagonian Gauchos

Experience Patagonia the traditional way.

🐎 Explore the surrounding steppe and lake regions

🥩 End the ride with an asado lunch at an estancia (ranch)

🧢 Great for learning about local gaucho culture and history

🏨 Where to Stay in El Calafate

💎 Luxury

EOLO Patagonia Spirit – Exclusive lodge in the Patagonian steppe

Xelena Hotel & Suites – Spa, lakefront views, elegant rooms

Los Ponchos Hotel – Boutique with art and indigenous decor

🛏️ Mid-Range

Kosten Aike – Stylish rooms, great service

Hotel Posada Los Álamos – Spa, pool, central location

Design Suites El Calafate – Modern, stunning architecture with views

💼 Budget

America del Sur Hostel – Social, clean, and warm

Hostel Lago Argentino – Good value near downtown

Calafate Parque Hotel – Comfortable and well located

🗓️ Best Time to Visit El Calafate

❄️ Winter months see fewer tourists but some tours (like glacier trekking) pause for the season.

🛫 How to Get to El Calafate

✈️ By Air

Flights from Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Ushuaia, and Trelew

Airport is ~20 minutes from the town center

🚌 By Bus

Long-distance buses from El Chaltén, Río Gallegos, or Puerto Natales (Chile)

Roads are scenic but travel times are long

🚘 By Car

Self-drive is possible; rental agencies available in town

Drive to El Chaltén is ~3 hours and very scenic

🗓️ Suggested 3-Day El Calafate Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1: Explore the Glacier

Morning: Transfer to Perito Moreno Glacier

Midday: Walk the balconies, boat tour

Afternoon: Return to town, enjoy local cuisine

🗓️ Day 2: Ice Trekking Adventure

Full-day: Mini Trek or Big Ice Tour

Evening: Dinner at a traditional Patagonian grill

Optional: Try Patagonian lamb or guanaco meat

🗓️ Day 3: Wildlife & Lakeside Walks

Morning: Visit Laguna Nimez Reserve

Afternoon: Horseback riding or spa

Optional: Explore artisan shops and museums in town

🍽️ What to Eat in El Calafate

Local Specialties

🍖 Cordero Patagónico – Slow-roasted Patagonian lamb

🍝 Pastas and stews – Hearty meals for chilly nights

🥧 Calafate Berry Jam and Liqueur – Local delicacy

🍷 Pair meals with Argentine Malbec or Pinot Noir

🫐 Local legend says: “If you eat a calafate berry, you’ll return to Patagonia.”

🛍️ Souvenirs from El Calafate

🧣 Handwoven wool scarves and ponchos

🫙 Calafate jam, liqueur, and chocolates

📸 Glacier-themed photography prints

🪵 Carved wooden crafts and silver jewelry

🌍 El Calafate vs El Chaltén vs Ushuaia

✅ Final Thoughts: Why El Calafate Belongs on Your Patagonia Itinerary

El Calafate is more than just a stop — it’s a Patagonian highlight that offers awe-inspiring glaciers, crisp mountain air, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Whether you’re trekking on blue ice, cruising past towering seracs, or enjoying a calafate-flavored cocktail at sunset, this magical town will freeze itself into your memory — in the best way possible.