Planning a trip in some of the Summer, Fall, Winter, Winter or Spring seasons in El Calafate? See what you can do in each season in this article.
The city is located on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, in the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz.
It is one of the most visited destinations in Argentina. It receives tourists from all over the world and stands out for being the “National Capital of Glaciers”.
El Calafate offers various proposals to enjoy throughout the year.
Learn about the activities that can be done in El Calafate according to the date you visit the city.
What are the main attractions in El Calafate?
The great attraction of the destination is the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, which is located in Los Glaciares National Park, where it is also possible to enjoy various activities and other outstanding giants.
It also offers adventure activities, trekking, navigation, rural tourism in several ranches, museums and historical sites.
What to do in El Calafate in summer?
Summer is a great opportunity for outdoor activities in El Calafate.
The days are endless and the temperature is pleasant, which makes it possible to visit its attractions in long days.
Discover what to do in the summer in El Calafate.
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
Without a doubt, a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier is the ideal option to enjoy in summer.
Located in Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno glacier can be seen from the different viewpoints and walkways that the place has.
It is also possible to sail close to it, observing the famous landslides that amaze visitors.
Another adrenaline-filled proposal is to live the experience of walking on the glacier.
There are two options for walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
One is a mini trekking of an hour and a half and the other alternative is called “Big Ice” and is three and a half hours long, where you also have lunch on the glacier.
Both excursions are full day tours.
Navigation to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
The excursion called “Río de Hielos” (Ice River) is an ideal proposal to enjoy during the summer days.
This is a journey through the different branches of Lake Argentino, where you can see the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
During the trip, you can observe blocks of ice coming off the glaciers and marvel at the different shades of blue they possess.
Rural tourism on ranches
The city of El Calafate offers the possibility of enjoying rural tourism activities through visits to its estancias.
Both in the city and its surroundings, many estancias have an exclusive panoramic view of Lake Argentino or the Andes Mountains.
Those who wish may stay at the ranches or visit the establishments and witness or participate in sheep herding, a shearing demonstration, horseback riding and bird watching, among other activities.
In addition, a typical Patagonian barbecue and Argentine folklore shows are offered.
What to do in El Calafate in Fall?
Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
During autumn, the vegetation of Los Glaciares National Park turns different shades of green, yellow, orange and reddish.
Although the star of the destination is still the Perito Moreno Glacier, the contrast of colors that explodes in the park is a beautiful spectacle.
For this reason, all the ways to enjoy the glacier are exceptional.
Observing from the viewpoints, walking on the glacier or sailing the waters of Lake Argentino.
A detail to highlight is that on cloudy days the glacier’s tonalities can be observed more intensely.
Sailing to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
Sailing Lake Argentino in autumn and appreciating the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers is a beautiful experience to be enjoyed to the fullest.
The excursion called “Río de Hielos” (River of Ice) allows you to observe the blocks of ice that break off the glaciers and photograph this great spectacle.
Touring Downtown El Calafate
The city of El Calafate has a picturesque downtown, which during autumn is tinged with ocher and reddish colors and its attractions have a special charm.
The main tourist attractions to be visited on a leisurely walk are:
- The “Paseo de los Artesanos”, where you can find numerous handicrafts.
- The “Plaza de los Pioneros”, a meeting point to enjoy with the family.
- The “Plazoleta Héroes de Malvinas”, located at the foot of Lake Argentino, where the monument in homage to the heroes of Malvinas stands out.
What to do in El Calafate in winter?
The main attractions of El Calafate can also be enjoyed in winter and there are also proposals and activities related to this season.
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
When visiting Los Glaciares National Park, in order to appreciate the outstanding Perito Moreno Glacier, you should be careful to come early in the morning, taking into account that the day is shorter in terms of the amount of sunlight.
A walk through the park by means of the system of footbridges that connect the place and offer the best views is a great proposal to enjoy well sheltered.
The excursions that offer hiking on the glacier and sailing on Lake Argentino are also unmissable in winter.
Navigation to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
The excursion called “Río de Hielos” (River of Ice) offers a tour of the different
branches of Lake Argentino, where the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers can be appreciated.
Do not let the cold of winter prevent you from making this excursion, it is worthwhile to appreciate this great natural wonder.
Touring Redonda Bay and Punta Soberana
In winter it is possible to enjoy the Bahía Redonda in a special way.
This bay belonging to Lago Argentino freezes during the winter and transforms into a huge ice skating rink.
In addition, during the month of July, the “Ice Festival” is held, featuring figure skating, ice hockey, ice sculpture tournaments and sled races, among others.
Punta Soberana also offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Visit Glaciarium Ice Museum
This modern glaciological interpretation center is dedicated to the dissemination of southern Patagonian ice and glaciers.
A sensory experience is lived in the bar located in the basement of the Museum, where you can enjoy drinks at an ambient temperature of -10ºC.
The great surprise that amazes visitors is the particularity of being built entirely with blocks of ice.
Visit the Historical Interpretation Center of El Calafate.
The Historical Interpretation Center of El Calafate allows visitors to learn about the history of the city and its development over time.
In this precinct there are exhibits of fossil remains of the dinosaurs that inhabited the area and the memory of the native peoples is also rescued.
What to do in El Calafate in spring?
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
In spring, the landscape greens up in El Calafate and the colors of the vegetation are totally captivating.
The visit to Los Glaciares National Park will be a beautiful walk to hike and get the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier and its surroundings.
It is a great season for sailing excursions and walking on the glacier.
Sailing to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
Navigation through different branches of Lake Argentino allows us to appreciate the Upsala, Spegazzini and Onelli glaciers.
During the navigation, you can observe ice blocks in the lake and learn about the characteristics of each one.
Rural tourism on ranches
Spring is an ideal season for rural tourism in El Calafate.
The destination offers the possibility of staying or visiting ranches. There you can go horseback riding, bird watching and participate in activities related to the countryside, among others.
In addition, a typical Patagonian barbecue lunch is offered, accompanied by other delicacies with local products and folklore shows.
Walk through Laguna Nimez Reserve
A hike to the Laguna Nimez Reserve is an unmissable proposal to enjoy in springtime in El Calafate.
It is located very close to the center of the city, and there you can make different circuits of low difficulty to appreciate the flora and fauna of the place, where flamingos, ducks, teros and coots stand out.
The vegetation takes on a special color and makes a beautiful contrast with the beautiful colors of the lagoon.
The landscape that accompanies the tour allows a panoramic view of the city and Lake Argentino.
In this way, the city of El Calafate can be enjoyed all year round. With the classic proposals that have the glaciers as protagonists and other equally attractive.
