Discover the best activities to do during your visit to El Calafate and make the most of your time here in the “Land of Glaciers”!
The city of El Calafate is located in the province of Santa Cruz, on the southern shore of Lake Argentino.
It is a world renowned destination because of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.
In the park it is also possible to enjoy other outstanding giants and various activities in contact with nature.
In addition to the contemplation of the glaciers, El Calafate offers proposals for trekking, sailing, 4×4 rides and horseback riding, among others.
Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is the must-see destination. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to El Calafate attracted by its beauty and majesty.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is located within the Los Glaciares National Park, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981, for being an area of exceptional natural beauty and an important example of the geological processes of glaciation.
In the park you can contemplate it from the different viewpoints and walkways, make a navigation where you can get very close or walk on it.
There are two options to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
One is a “Minitrekking” of an hour and a half, and the other is called “Big Ice”, of three and a half hours, where you also have half an hour for lunch on the glacier.
Both excursions are full day trips.
Undoubtedly it is an unforgettable experience to enjoy this great tourist attraction with all the senses.
Sailing to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
The navigation through different arms of Lake Argentino is an excursion called “River of Ice”, where you can appreciate the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
During the navigation, you can observe ice blocks in the lake and appreciate the different shades of blue that the glaciers have.
It is undoubtedly a great experience to admire and learn about these ice giants.
Touring Bahía Redonda and Punta Soberana
All the seasons of the year have their charm in El Calafate, but the winter trip will give us a unique experience in Bahía Redonda.
Thanks to the low temperatures of the season, the entire inlet will be transformed into a large ice rink.
On the other hand, continuing on the tour you will reach Punta Soberana, from where you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Rural tourism on ranches
In addition, a typical Patagonian barbecue is offered, accompanied by other delicacies with local products and Argentine folklore shows.
Many of them have an exclusive panoramic view of Lake Argentino, Mount Cristal or the Andes Mountain Range.
Visit Glaciarium Ice Museum
You can live a special experience in the bar located in the basement, where you can enjoy drinks at an ambient temperature of -10ºC.
This place surprises visitors because it is completely built with blocks of ice.
Visiting the Historical Interpretation Center of El Calafate
In its rooms, it is also possible to appreciate the history of the native peoples and exhibitions of fossil remains of the dinosaurs that lived in the area.
A walk through the Laguna Nimez Reserve
The Laguna Nimez Reserve is located only three kilometers from downtown El Calafate.
The different circuits will offer a unique view of this protected space, where the star is nature.
Of the flora and fauna of the place we can highlight, on the one hand, the flamingos, ducks, teros and coots, on the other hand, the vegetation, especially the grasses, which in combination with the lagoon offer us a wonderful spectacle.
The landscape that accompanies the tour allows a panoramic view of the city and Lake Argentino.
Touring the center of El Calafate
The city of El Calafate has a picturesque downtown and attractions to visit on a leisurely walk.
Among the highlights to visit are:
- The “Paseo de los Artesanos”, where you will be able to acquire numerous handcrafted objects.
- The “Plaza de los Pioneros”, a meeting point to enjoy with the family.
- The “Plazoleta Héroes de Malvinas”, located at the foot of Lago Argentino, where a monument in homage to the heroes of Malvinas stands out.
El Calafate offers multiple activities to enjoy its great attractions: the glaciers and complements the stay with more tours related to nature and the rich history of the place.
