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El Calafate Travel Guide

We put together this El Calafate Travel Guide to help you plan your trip to El Calafate, Argentina. We spent four months in El Calafate during the pandemic and got way more out of our experience than we could have hoped! For a list of things to do in El Calafate besides visiting the glacier, check out our other posts: Hidden Gems of Calafate and Things to Do in Calafate in the Winter . This post will focus on all aspects of your trip, such as Where to Stay and Where to Eat, and the main to-do: visiting Perito Moreno glacier.

If you’re exploring Patagonia, El Calafate is a MUST on your itinerary. Whether you’re bouncing between national parks or enjoying a more relaxed Patagonian experience, El Calafate cannot be missed.

A few days in El Calafate offers the perfect rest for the weary traveler. This small Patagonian town buzzes with tourists during high season (November – March). Most tourists are lured to El Calafate by the famed Perito Moreno glacier, which sleeps in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Many even zoom through El Calafate, allotting only enough time to visit the glacier before zipping to El Chalten for more extensive hiking within the park.

This, in my opinion, is a huge mistake. There are a bijillion things to do in El Calafate: from watching (or playing!) the national Argentine sport of pato to taking advantage of sports out on the bay to visiting 4,000-year old cave paintings. IF you’re on a tight schedule, perhaps zipping up to Chalten is good for you; for all others with a bit more flexibility, a few days in El Calafate are sure to be worth your while. 

Things to Do

Most people zoom through El Calafate, stopping only long enough to visit the reknowned Perito Moreno glacier. Due to the pandemic, we were in El Calafate for five months (!!), and we learned more about this town than we could have ever hoped.

From watching (or playing!) the national Argentine sport of pato to taking advantage of sports out on the bay to visiting 4,000-year old cave paintings, there are a bijillion things to do in El Calafate! Make sure to check out our other posts for details: Hidden Gems of Calafate and Things to Do in Calafate in the Winter .

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno glacier lives in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. You can go on your own or as part of an excursion.

The park has various walkways to admire the glacier from different angles. To go on your own, simply purchase a bus ticket from the bus terminal or your hotel/hostel.

For a more hands-on experience, book a Minitrekking or Big Ice expedition with Hielo y Aventura that takes you on the actual glacier. The Big Ice expedition is a full day experience that suits you up with crampons to climb on the glacier! We didn’t get to do either due to the pandemic, but look forward to doing the Big Ice when we return. Hielo y Aventura excursions depart from within the park.

For another unique experience, Southern Spirit offers full-day and hourly boat tours to admire the glacier from another perspective. The Mayo Spirit Trek is a full-day excursion that includes 3 hikes and time to explore the walkways in the park on your own. They also offer a shorter boat tour that visits only the Perito Moreno glacier. Southern Spirit excursions depart from a small port nearby called Punta Bandera. The boat route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains that those simply visiting the park don’t get to enjoy.

Where to Eat

El Calafate offers many eating options. Some of our faves were:

SAVORY NOMZ

  • Viva la Pepa : café with sweet and savory options
  • La Zorra : burgers, fries & beer
  • Almacen de Pastas : all things pasta (see note below!)
  • Mako : while we didn’t visit, we’ve heard from many that this is the best and most expensive restaurant in town

A tip on cooking at home: You can dine-in at Almacen de Pastas or buy some of their stuff and cook at home! Our go-to’s are the gnocchi de verduras (veggie gnocchi) , fideos de huevo (egg noodles) , and salsa de hongos (mushroom sauce). They also offer lasagna, ravioli, and soup.

SWEETS N’ TREATS:

  • Ovejitas : Best ice cream in town!! To my chocolate lovers: you MUST try the Chocolate Patagonico and the Chocolate Superdelicioso. You’re welcome.
  • Guerrero : Calafate’s first chocolate factory. They also offer chocolate made of calafate !
  • Olivia : Calafate’s one and only dedicated coffee shop. Coffee afficionados: temper those expectations, as in general, Argentinians drink mate.
  • Viva la Pepa : Their merienda special is a STEAL: coffee or tea with cake for ~$2.50 USD!

**HALT WHO GOES THERE?!** Che, If you don’t know what merienda is, then you have to read our post, “How to be Argentine” [coming soon!].

Where to Stay

El Calafate is a tourist-centered town and accommodation options abound. I’ll be brief and recommend two:

If you’d prefer a hostel, America del Sur is as good as it gets. The common area is wonderfully lit and spacious with couches, tables and games. Outside, there are hammocks and additional seating. There is an on-site bar that is well-stocked and the service was on point during our visit. Also, if you’re a longterm traveler, the common kitchen was our favorite hostel kitchen so far! If you usually opt for hostels, choose America del Sur!

AirBnB is another good option, if anything for the experience of interacting with locals. Calafateños embody both the ruggedness of Patagonia and the warmth of living in a small town. If you are interested in getting to know the real Patagonia, I highly recommend staying in an AirBnB or at least seeking out an AirBnB experience with a local host.

Furthermore, El Calafate is a relatively young town. Most locals were not born here, but moved from another part of Argentina. So if you are at all interested in getting to know the real Argentina , I would again highly recommend staying in an AirBnB and interacting with your host.

How to Get There

El Calafate is just on the other side of the Argentina-Chile border from Puerto Natales (the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park). To get between El Calafate and Puerto Natales, take a bus. It’s a 5-6 hour journey including a stop at the border.

For travel to or from anywhere within Argentina, you will likely be flying. El Calafate has an airport with domestic flights to any destination within Argentina. Depending on the length of your trip, you can head further south to the bottom-of-the-world Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego . For less rugged, higher-end travels (think more spas), fly north to Bariloche.

Finally, if you have extra time, we’ve got an epic road trip planned for you: From El Calafate, head east to Camarones, then north to Puerto Madryn, then back west to the Swiss-like villages of Villa La Angostura, San Martin de los Andes, and finally Bariloche. Enjoy!!

That’s it for now! Make sure to check out our other posts mentioned above, and let us know your thoughts on this El Calafate Travel Guide post in the comments.

From us to you, Happy Adventuring!

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19 Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina

If you’re planning your trip to El Calafate, I’m sure you’ve heard of Perito Moreno.

But maybe you’re wondering what else there is to see and do here. 

This post is a complete and easy to use guide on all of the best things to do in El Calafate. 

By the end, you’ll be ready to plan the perfect itinerary filled with all of the top El Calafate attractions.

Snow capped mountains and a blue sky are in the background of rolling plains and pasture land.

QUICK NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and Sol Salute may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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Things to do in El Calafate

I’ve been to El Calafate two times (so far) while living here in Argentina.

To say it is beautiful would be an understatement.

Glaciers, the Andes, historic estancias, wildlife, and crystal clear turquoise lakes and rivers, the beauty here is expansive.

I’ve grouped these El Calafate activities in an easy to understand format to help you construct the perfect itinerary.

First are the best ways to see Perito Moreno, then the tours of the other glaciers in the area, then estancia day trips, followed by all the other exciting things to do in El Calafate.

For an example itinerary, here is my 3 day El Calafate itinerary detailing everything we did on our most recent trip.

El Glaciar Perito Moreno 

The first and more important of all the attractions in El Calafate is Perito Moreno.  

But, how? 

You can do-it-yourself with no tour for more freedom and less expense, go on a guided tour for less stress, or get active on a more adventurous tour. 

This first batch of things to do in El Calafate includes all the different ways to see Perito Moreno.

All are full-day activities, so you can choose just one.  

Or you can go all out and spend more than one day at Perito Moreno if you’d like to spend one day on your own and another on an active tour like kayaking or trekking. 

1. Perito Moreno Glacier Day Tour (Guided or DIY)

This massive glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in a world where most are in decline.

Its stunning beauty and accessibility make Perito Moreno one of the biggest tourist attractions in El Calafate (and Argentina, overall). 

It’s even one of the official  7 Natural Wonders of Argentina . 

How to See Perito Moreno With No Tour

You can easily visit Perito Moreno on your own with no tour guide.

Take the bus from the terminal in town.

You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance but for peace of mind (especially during the busy season) swing by the night before and get them for the next day. 

Buses typically depart at around 8:30 in the morning and will pick you up at Perito Moreno to return to El Calafate at 4 in the afternoon.

This gives you enough time to explore the trails, footbridges, and viewing decks.

You can also easily book a two-hour boat excursion once in the park.

There is a restaurant but I recommend packing a picnic to enjoy from the viewing decks (you’ll never find a better lunch view!). 

A wall of turquoise blue ice covered with dirt.

Perito Moreno Organized Tour

If you’d rather have the logistics taken care of for you (rather than handle public transport, schedule, etc on your own), book this small group tour or this private tour.

These tours offer basically the same as above, giving you free time to enjoy the trails and viewing decks and an optional boat tour, but handle everything for you (also a good option if you’re worried about not speaking Spanish).

In summary: Is Perito Moreno worth it?

Yes! It’s one of those few, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, check out this photo diary of Perito Moreno for more motivation.

5 men with ice picks climb a snow bank on a glacier in El Calafate Argentina

2. Go on a Glacier Trek

One of the best ways to experience Perito Moreno is with a glacier trek. What better way to see it than to be right there, on it!?

There is one tour company offering two different excursions: Big Ice (full day, more demanding) and Minitrekking (less time on the ice, easier and more age-inclusive).

I did the Big Ice Trek back in 2010 on my first trip to El Calafate and it remains one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. 

Full disclosure: it’s not cheap and it may one of your main splurges when it comes to things you do in Argentina but it really is worth it. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. 

The tour is a complete day and you get to see Perito Moreno from various vantage points.

First, they give you some time to walk on the footbridges and viewing decks.

Then you also see it from the water as you take a boat across the lake to reach the glacier to start your hike.  

Once on the ice, your guides will choose a path, guiding you across the ice, using pick axes to hack makeshift stairs into steep inclines. 

It really is one of the best travel memories I have from Argentina, so far.  

The whiskey served on glacial ice at the end didn’t hurt either. 

Four red kayaks paddle through the water next to a gigantic iceberg.

3. Kayak Perito Moreno

Another unique way to see Perito Moreno is on this kayak tour.

There are boat tours in catamarans but you can’t beat seeing it from water level, in the free air on your own in a kayak.

No prior experience is needed, the guides will conduct a complete safety briefing and provide equipment.

We watched one tour group start their trip in the morning and I have to admit I was a little (very) jealous.

We had to cool it on the adventure this trip since we were there with our baby, but next time I’m definitely doing this.

They were in a small group and kayaked meters from enormous icebergs that had broken off the glacier. We left as they were paddling towards Perito Moreno.

The tour includes transport from El Calafate and time to walk the footbridges as well.

Reserve your kayak tour here. (Then come back and tell me how it goes in the comments!)

A grey mountain is blanketed in a turquoise blue glacier that climbs down from the peak to meet the water below.

More El Calafate Things to do: See The Other Glaciers

That’s right, there is more than Perito Moreno here in Argentina’s  Tierra de Glaciares .

It’s called Los Glaciares National Park for a reason, after all! 

Seeing the Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers is another excellent thing to do in El Calafate. Since they can only be reached by boat it requires a tour. 

Here are the best options. 

4. Todo Glaciares with Solo Patagonia

On our most recent trip we spent a day on the Todo Glaciares excursion with Solo Patagonia, book it here.

We really enjoyed it! It was a full day on the water with their catamaran navigating Lago Argentino.

We saw Upsala and then Spegazzini, where they have a base camp where we docked for lunch.

There’s a restaurant there but we had a picnic that we enjoyed on the rocky beach with a view of Spegazzini just across the water.

It was a great day and we enjoyed our time on the water just as much as when we were viewing the glaciers.

A man in a blue coat leans against the rail of a catamaran watching the mountains in the distance.

5. Usala & Estancia Cristina

Estancia Cristina offers this full day tour to visit Upsala that is more active, including a hike and a visit to their historic estancia.

This ranch has a coveted location on the northwest coast of Lago Argentino by Upsala so their itinerary is unlike any other.

The excursion departs from Punta Bandera and includes a navigation across Lago Argentino. From there you’ll sail through the icebergs, view the glacier, go on a beautiful hike, and visit the historic ranch and learn about Patagonian sheep farming.

I think visiting an estancia here in El Calafate is a must, so if you don’t have time to dedicate a separate day to it then this is the perfect way to squeeze it all into one day.

Book your Estancia Cristina Excursion here.

Estancias: Traditional Attractions in El Calafate

If you didn’t go to an estancia, did you even go to Argentina?  

These ranches are plentiful all across the country, particularly near Buenos Aires, but estancias in Patagonia are particularly extraordinary.  

Here a couple of things to do in Calafate that allow you to visit their beautiful ranches by day or as unique accommodation. 

A group of horses look at the camera in a corral in front of the mountains in Patagonia

6. Go Horseback Riding

I’ve gone on a few horseback rides (or cabalgatas in Spanish) in Argentina, but none has surpassed my experience horse riding in El Calafate.

Estancia Nibepo Aike offers these half-day dia de campo experiences that include a 3-hour horseback ride and a lunch of traditional Patagonian lamb.

Since this ranch is located within the borders of Glacier National Park it offers incomparable views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

I’ve visited Nibepo Aike on both my trips to El Calafate and can’t recommend it enough!

Book here to be a Patagonian gaucho for a day.

Mountains in the background are bathed in the sunset behind a fence at an El Calafate ranch.

7. Stay at an Estancia

If you have the budget, staying at an estancia is always an unforgettable experience.

Nibepo Aikes Estancia is located next to the shores of El Lago Argentino inside Glacier National Park and on our most recent trip we spent one night there. I loved it!

Its proximity to Perito Moreno and Punta Bandera makes it the perfect base for El Calafate (being closer to the glaciers and national park than the city center itself).

So, while we spent one night there, I recommend staying for at least 3-4 nights to take full advantage of the area.

Estancia Cristina is the other powerhouse estancia in El Calafate.

They offer the aforementioned day tour of Upsala, however, you can reserve a room in their guesthouse.

Estancia Cristina is more isolated than Nibepo Aike and there is no shortage of activities there!

Click here to read all about our stay at Nibepo Aike, one of my favorite estancias in Argentina!

More Things to do in El Calafate to Fill Your Itinerary 

Here are more El Calafate attractions to fill out your itinerary with. 

Personally, I recommend choosing one activity from each section above: one visit to Perito Moreno, one to Upsala & Spegazzini, and one horseback ride or estancia.

Pick and choose from the below to round out those days or fill a fourth and fifth and…so on.  

Flamingos stand in a laguna surrounded by ducks swimming in Argentina

8. Bird Watch at Laguna Nimez

I’ll tell you one thing I did not expect to see when I landed in El Calafate, and that is flamingos!  

Laguna Nimez is an ecological reserve right in the heart of El Calafate.

Around 80 species of birds call it home but, of course, that depends on the season as many are migratory.

Spring and Summer are the best seasons for birdwatching here. 

There’s a self-guided trail with markers explaining the ecosystems and wildlife that live here.

It takes an hour and a half (more if you’d like to take advantage of the special access to Lago Argentino’s beach). 

It’s not free and as with most things in El Calafate it is pricier for non-residents, but it’s worth the cost.

Pay and get more information at the visitor’s center. They have picnic tables and a restroom available as well. 

Pro-tip: Bring  travel binoculars  to be able to see the flamingos up close. 

Since this only takes a couple of hours, you can easily do this after or before another day trip. We went in the morning before an afternoon horseback ride. 

Lamb grilling over a fire hung from a metal cross in Patagonia

9. Try Patagonian Lamb 

Save the beef for Buenos Aires, in Patagonia, it’s all about the lamb.  

Traditionally lamb, or cordero, is cooked “a la cruz,” hung from a large metal cross over a low fire (see above). 

The lamb is slow-cooked this way for hours resulting in meat so tender and buttery you could cut it with a spoon.

Head to La Zaina or Don Pichon for the best lamb in El Calafate. 

In fact, I never liked lamb before trying the lamb at Estancia Nibepo Aike. There is something special about the grass-fed Patagonian lamb you can try here. So, even if you’re a lamb skeptic, give it a try! I never thought I’d like it. 

And, insider tip? The man in charge of the grill at Nibepo Aike first worked at Don Pichon for years before moving on to the estancia.

The cooks at Don Pichon were all trained by him! It’s easy to see why they have the best lamb in town. 

calafate travel opiniones

10. Eat Calafate Berries (in Ice Cream & Alfajores!)

Legend has it that if you eat the calafate berries you’ll return to Patagonia again one day. 

And the best way to try this tiny berry? In sweets, obviously! 

Acuarela is an artisanal ice cream shop in downtown El Calafate  on Avenida Libertador. All of their flavors are great, but their specialty is the calafate and you won’t find it anywhere else in Argentina.  

Alfajores are a traditional Argentine sweet made up of two cookies that sandwich a slab of dulce de leche and then bathed in chocolate. But the best alfajores are handmade, not industrial, and usually feature regional flavors. 

In Patagonia, that means berries and  the best alfajores in El Calafate are at Dulce Lugar  (just a couple blocks from Acuarela, also on Libertador). 

They have calafate alfajores as well as calafate chocolates! Raspberry is also one of my personal favorites when it comes to alfajores and Dulce Lugar did not disappoint. 

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11. Visit the Glacarium

The Glaciarum & Ice Bar is located 6 kilometers from El Calafate en route to El Perito Moreno on Ruta 11.  

There are free shuttles departing from the parking lot of The Tourism Bureau of the Province of Santa Cruz. 

If you want to spend a full day at Perito Moreno and the Glaciarum  this tour  includes a visit in its Perito Moreno itinerary. 

If you’re driving yourself, it’s easy to stop in on your way back to El Calafate from Perito Moreno.  

Personally, we never made the effort to visit. I didn’t feel like being inside a museum after a gorgeous day outdoors.

However, if it’s rainy or extremely windy (as is very common here) this is a great way to get out of the elements and learn about Argentina’s glaciers. 

12. See 4,000 Year Old Cave Paintings at the Walichu Caves

The Walichu Caves are about 10 minutes outside of town on Ruta 11 on the way to the airport.

You’ll see the sign from the road. It’s very easy to visit with your own car, by taxi, or with  this guided tour.  

Walichu is the name of a Tehuelche deity and their predecessors were the original inhabitants of this land.

They were nomadic hunters who would leave evidence of their passing with cave paintings like the ones you’ll see here in Walichu, which depict their hunting methods. 

The visit will last around 2 hours so it’s easy to squeeze a visit to Walichu in with other El Calafate attractions. 

A highway leads from the photographer to a mountain range of rocky peaks and a bright blue sky.

13. Go Hiking in El Chalten

El Chalten is Argentina’s hiking capital. It’s 3 hours north of El Calafate and in reality, it deserves more time than just a quick day trip from El Calafate.

We spent 6 days there and I already want to go back for more! 

However, if you really want to go (and you should, it’s GORGEOUS) and you don’t have the time to spend a few nights there, you can take  a day trip to El Chalten from El Calafate.  

Keep in mind that this will be a LONG day for just one hike. It’s a 3-hour drive there so you’ll have 6+ hours in the bus.  

Once there you’ll do one hike, very likely to Laguna Capri. This is a moderate 4-kilometer hike (8 km total there and back).

On a clear day you’ll see Mount Fitz Roy towering over the laguna. 

In full honesty, I really think you should spend at least a few days in El Chalten rather than fly through in one hurried day.

But if one day is all you have and you’d regret not going,  this day trip  will give you a quick El Chalten experience you’ll never forget. 

Read More: El Chalten Trekking: Everything You Need to Know

A dry desert landscape covered in boulders and wind worn stones.

14. La Leona Petrified Forest

La Leona’s other-worldly terrain is covered with rock formations and petrified trees (some up to 70 million years old measuring up to 1.2 meters across) that would be right at home on the moon.

Also, did you know that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were in Argentina? They fled the authorities after a heist and went all the way to Argentina’s Patagonia to start fresh. And they stayed right here in the historic Hotel La Leona.

It’s only possible to visit La Leona Petrified Forest with a guided tour and this full day tour begins with a visit to the infamous bandits’ hotel but the highlight of the tour is the petrified forest.

It includes a moderate 7-mile hike across the moon among a forest of countless petrified trees and distinctive geological formations.

Click here to reserve your La Leona tour.

Pro-tip: La Leona is in between El Calafate and El Chalten. If you’re planning on going to El Chalten it is very easy and common to do this day trip on your way to or from El Chalten.

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15. See Torres del Paine

For another long day trip from El Calafate, cross the border into Chile to see the famous Torres del Paine National Park.

I must warn you that this will be an exceptionally long day if you choose to do it.

I went to El Calafate with a group of friends and one of these friends had his heart set seeing Torres del Paine.

Not knowing if he’d ever be this close again, he opted to take this trip and swears it was worth it.

I can see why he says it was worth the time and effort. But like the El Chalten day trip, I still have my doubts that nearly 4 hours in a bus each way is worth it when there’s so much beauty right there in El Calafate.

But if you’re like my friend and are dying to see this natural wonder, then go for it!

This popular full day Torres del Paine tour will bring you to the park, stopping at viewpoints along the way.

The day includes hiking and is highly customizable due to the sheer number of trails to choose from.

Don’t forget to check immigration requirements for crossing the border to Chile.

16. Trek through Cañadón de los Fósiles

A lot of fossils have been discovered all across Patagonia and El Calafate is no exception.

Accessible on this day trip to Estancia Cristina, trekking through the Cañadón de los Fósiles will take you across terrain littered with marine fossils.

The trek lasts for 14 kilometers through the canyon, constantly descending.

The tour also includes a boat ride through the lake in front of the Upsala Glacier.

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17. Visit Cerro Frias 

Cerro Frias  is 23 kilometers from downtown El Calafate on the way to the Glacier National Park and Perito Moreno on Ruta 11.  

This ranch offers a wide range of adventure actives including a 4×4 excursion in one of their Land Rovers, zip lining and horseback rides. 

Their ideal location on the Patagonian steppe also offers opportunities to see native wildlife like guanaco.  

Cerro Frias is a great way to spend half a day if you’re short on time on a travel day or want to try a different sort of El Calafate sightseeing from the usual glacier tours or hikes  

18. CENTRO DE INTERPRETACIÓN HISTÓRICA  

The history museum in El Calafate is a great way to spend some time indoors on a poor weather day.  

It’s also an excellent educational activity if you’re visiting with children (and also for us big kids too!). 

This museum is designed to display the rich archeological history of the region (dinasours!) up until more modern history, such as the impact of European settlers on the indigenous communities here. 

Pro-tip: The museum’s café serves mate and is an excellent place to try it since mate isn’t typically served in restaurants.   

19. Try Local Artisanal Beer and Patagonian Wine

Artisanal beer is huge in Argentina, especially in Patagonia.

Relax at the end of your day of El Calafate activities with a pint at Cerveceria Artesanal Chopen or La Zorra Taproom. Both offer a wide selection of beers to choose from.

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of beer. I always wind down with a glass of Malbec. If you’re like me, try this El Calafate Wine Tour.

It may surprise you to hear that Patagonia has excellent wine. The harsh winds make for a hearty Pinot Noir. If you love wine, don’t leave without giving it a try!

Read more: How to get from El Calafate to Patagonia

Where to Stay in El Calafate

Here are my favorite places to stay for all budgets in El Calafate.

It is very close to downtown and Laguna Nimez and is just steps from the best place in town to eat Patagonian Lamb (a major bonus in my book). It’s affordable, social, and has both shared dorms or private rooms. Chcek prices & availability here.

  • INTERMEDIATE | Design Suites Calafate | This hotel is in a quiet, remote location with gorgeous views of the lake. I would have stayed here if we hadn’t needed more space with the baby. Check rates & availability here.
  • LUXURY | Estancia Nibepo Aike | If you’re budget allows, stay at Nibepo Aike, a traditional estancia located right in the national park. It’s very close to Perito Moreno (with boat excursions leaving from its own dock). You won’t get better views than here, rooms are very cozy, food is top-notch and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We stayed here for one night and I did NOT want to leave!
  • AIRBNB | As always, Airbnb is a good option if you want more space. We stayed at this Airbnb for 3 nights. The hosts are tour guides in the area and can answer any questions you have while you’re there.

Argentina Travel Resources

  • TRAVEL INSURANCE | It is always a good idea to travel insured. It protects you in so many cases, like lost luggage and trip cancellations, medical emergencies and evacuations. It’s very affordable with the potential to save you thousands in the case of an emergency. I recommend SafetyWing.
  • PHONE PLAN | These days, traveling with data is essential. Especially in Argentina where everything is managed on Instagram and WhatsApp. I recommend this E-SIM card . It’s hassle-free and affordable, for more read how to get an Argentina sim card.
  • ACCOMMODATION IN ARGENTINA | booking.com is the most common hotel site used in Argentina and it’s where you’ll find the most options.
  • RENTAL CARS | I love to travel Argentina via road trip, check out Booking.com’s Rental Cars (formerly rentalcars.com) for the best rates for rental cars here.
  • BUS TICKETS | I like Busbud for long distance bus routes and tickets.
  • VPN | If you’ll be using a public WiFi connection and want to secure your data, I highly recommend using a VPN, I personally use and have had a good experience with ExpressVPN . I also use it to access Hulu and American Netflix from Argentina.
  • FLIGHTS | Always check Google Flights and Skyscanner for flights to and within Argentina. Aerolineas Argentina is the local airline with the most routes. FlyBondi and Jetsmart are two budget airlines with dirt-cheap prices (but expect to pay for every add-on like luggage).
  • NEED HELP PLANNING? | I offer one-on-one travel consultations to help you plan your trip to Argentina. Pick my brain to get a local’s insight. Click here for more information.

Continuing through Patagonia?

The nearby town El Chalten is a great way to continue your trip.

It’s great for hikers and offfers some of the best views in Patagonia.

You could road trip through the lake district from Bariloche or see whales and penguins in Puerto Madryn.

If you’re staying longer in Patagonia, then check out this two-week classic Patagonia itinerary and this complete guide to hiking traveling in Patagonia .

27 thoughts on “19 Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina”

Wow that looks like an amazing trip! I went glacier hiking in Iceland, but your pix are even more spectacular than mine. Totally wanna go to Argentina now, especially to try those grilled meats and onions.

I’ve definitely been debating putting Patagonia on my list, but after your post I have to add it! Such amazing pictures too! Would love to visit one day.

I am in LOVE with Perito Moreno! This gives me sooooo many memories of this gorgeous place! I was there a year ago and wish I was back. Thank you for sharing your lovely memories!

Amazing photos! The post is very informative and atmospheric. It will definitely help me to plan my trip there! Thanks so much for sharing!

I’d love to visit Patagonia one day – both sides 🙂 Thanks for sharing! It looks like there is so much contrast in this area, it would be great to just get a little glimpse of all the things Patagonia has to offer!

I know, I feel like I’ve only had a tiny glimpse! And I’m DYING to go to the Chilean side.

I hope you get to go, Patagonia is such a gorgeous landscape!

Thanks, I hope you’re able to go and see Patagonia!

Wasn’t Perito Moreno incredible!? I’m glad you loved it! I want to go back now, and this time also go to El Chalten and go on hikes!

Definitely add it to your list! It’s so hard to get to but worth it!

Oh Iceland must have been an amazing trip! It’s definitely high on my list!

Oh my god I am in love with this post. It has everything that my bucket list involves for Patagonia! So envious of your trip, it looks spectacular.

I`ve been to Argentina many times but Patagonia is still on my list… On the top of it!!!Great post with a lot of detailed information!

Pinned it for the future!

I’m so glad you found it helpful! There’s so much to see in Patagonia that still remains on my own bucket list 🙂

OMG I’m dyinggg to go to Argentina and this makes want to go there so badly 😭

Come come come!! You’ll love it, it’s such a huge country with so much to offer!!

Hey Erin, I was too late in #BPS to comment back on your comment, sorry! But I’m glad you found me – because I actually found your blog a few months ago as I was researching for our trip to Marfa and Big Bend. Loved your Terlingua post and that actually encouraged us to stop there while we were staying nearby. Have signed up to get your blog posts by email, and pinned this as well 🙂

Hi Rebecca!! I’m so glad my Marfa and Big Bend posts helped you!! I loved it there so much, I want to go back again next time I’m home in Texas. I’ve been going through your posts about Texas and am getting seriously homesick, eat some queso for me if you can!! haha I signed up for your emails now as well 🙂

Flying to BA on November 3 and arriving in El Calafate a few days later, your pictures got me charged up for our tour of Perito Moreno Glacier!

Amazing, you’re going to have an amazing trip!!

Aah, I want to do all of this! I’ve been feeling sort of burned out on Central and South America lately and have planned my year around traveling elsewhere, but this got me feeling all warm again about making it back there (hopefully in 2020). Seriously, thank you for such a thorough list! I’m bookmarking for (very) future reference 😉

I totally get that and hope you come back again in the future refreshed and ready for more!!

Is there a season to see the flamingos?!

I think the best time of year is the summer during breeding season.

This is such a great resource, Erin! Thank you so much for putting all this together, we are currently using this and WanderRambleRoam.com to pan our 2 week trip in November.

Hi! So interested in staying at Estancia Nibepo Aike, but struggling to find prices. Do you know were I might be able to locate that?

Send Nibepo Aike an email directly for up to date rates and availability.

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calafate travel opiniones

Hola, I'm Erin!

I'm a Texan expat based in Buenos Aires for over 13 years. I write about Argentina, Texas, and everywhere in between. My goal is to help you discover my favorite places like a local via my detailed guides and itineraries. Read more about me and my travels.

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TripTins

El Calafate Itinerary: Best Things To Do with 1, 2, 3, & 4 Days

By: Author Charles

Posted on December 4, 2023

El Calafate Itinerary: Best Things To Do with 1, 2, 3, & 4 Days

This overview will focus on how to put together a complete El Calafate itinerary for your trip. Whether you have just one day to spare, or are looking to travel for 2, 3, or even 4 days, we will cover it all and more.

When it comes to El Calafate, there are just so many fun & exciting things to do around the area. You can visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, explore further into Los Glaciares National Park, walk around town center, or visit some other nearby highlights.

Read on to learn more on how to put together an itinerary as you visit one of the best places in Patagonia.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Overview & Things to Know

To get things started, below is some high-level information about El Calafate that I will be diving deeper into throughout the remainder of this itinerary.

Location : El Calafate is located in the heart of Patagonian Argentina within the Santa Cruz Province. It sits right alongside Lago Argentino, which extends further to many of the region’s top highlights.

Highlights : Throughout El Calafate’s surroundings, you will find plenty of glaciers, lakes, mountains, waterways, and of course Los Glaciares National Park. The main attraction here is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the top places to visit in South America.

Getting There : Arriving in El Calafate is quite simple if you are coming from another major city in Argentina. It is home to the El Calafate airport (FTE), which connects to places like Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Cordoba and Ushuaia. Taking a bus is also a possibility since there are direct routes from El Chalten, Puerto Natales (Chile), among others.

Transportation : Getting around El Calafate can be done in a variety of ways. Rental cars, busses, tours, and taxis are all options. This will all depend on the activity and your preferred method of transport.

Weather : Since Patagonia is located in the southern hemisphere, the best time to travel there will be during the December to March timeframe (give or take). During these months, daylight hours will be at their longest and temperatures at their warmest.

How Many Days in El Calafate : Ideally you can set aside around 3 days for your time in El Calafate to fully take advantage of your time there. This is not a place you want to rush through or risk too short of a weather window.

Learn More : Check out this Patagonia Itinerary that talks through all the other places to visit as part of a longer trip to the region

Things To Do in El Calafate

2) El Calafate Itinerary

Now that you have a better sense about El Calafate, let’s talk through what an itinerary can entail.

As a baseline, below is a what a three-day itinerary will look like. From there, I will mention how to make it shorter (1-2 days) or longer (4+ days).

In my opinion, three days is the perfect amount of time to set aside in El Calafate as you take your time exploring the best things that this area of Patagonia has to offer.

Day 1: Perito Moreno Glacier

On your first full day in El Calafate, you can visit the one and only Perito Moreno Glacier . This glacier is arguably the most famous in Patagonia, as its sheer size, length, and beauty make it a must visit attraction.

It is interesting to note that this is a glacier that is actually not receding (or growing). It melts and grows at a nearly identical rate. This in turn gives visitors a very similar experience year in and year out.

Now, when visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, there are several different ways to go about a visit. This will all depend on what type of activities you are most interested in.

Learn More : Check out this Perito Moreno Glacier overview for more helpful info

Perito Moreno Boardwalks

The most popular way to go about a visit to the glacier is to walk along its various boardwalks. In all, there are five interconnected routes that take you to different vantage points overlooking Perito Moreno.

Some of these routes are just 30 minutes in length, while others can be 90 minutes. At the end of the day, you will be able to mix and match these routes as you see fit.

These boardwalks give you the chance to see an elevated view over the glacier, in addition to walking more in line with the glacier walls.

My recommendation is to head to the boardwalks first thing in the morning. That way you can take a stroll along them before the crowds arrive. Having the walkways to yourself is going to be a relaxing and memorable experience.

You can visit the boardwalks using your own rental car, hiring a taxi, taking the bus, or signing up for a guided tour .

Feel free to learn more about the logistics in this overview about how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier .

Perito Moreno Glacier Rainbow

Perito Moreno Boat Tour

In addition to walking along the boardwalks, there is also the opportunity to take a 1-hour boat ride from the nearby dock. In order to take part, you do not necessarily need to sign up in advance. Tickets are sold on the spot for rides that consistently leave throughout the day.

The boat ride takes you along Canal de Los Tempanos as you get up close and personal to the glacier’s walls. It is a unique and fun experience to take part of as you see the glacier in a whole new way.

Similarly, you can join the boat tour by using your own rental car, hiring a taxi, taking the bus, or signing up for a guided tour .

Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Ride

Minitrekking or Big Ice Trek

Another more immersive experience is to join a guided hike on the ice itself! This is the best way to get up close and personal with the glacier.

These glacier hikes come in two different packages – Minitrekking and Big Ice. Both of these are full day experiences, with the main difference being how much time you spend on the glacier.

The Minitrekking hike includes around 1 hour on Perito Moreno Glacier. In addition, there will be time to walk the boardwalks for an hour, take a short boat ride to the glacier hike starting point, and have some relaxing time by the shore.

The Big Ice trek includes closer to 3 hours on the glacier ice. On top of that, there is a longer hike to the starting point. Altogether, you will need to be comfortable hiking for closer to 6 hours altogether (3 hours on ice and 3 hours of round trip normal hiking). Similar to above, expect time at the boardwalks, a short boat ride, and the opportunity to relax on the shore.

Tour Sign Ups : these hikes do sell out in high season. You can check availability for Minitrekking and Big Ice depending on your interest level.

Big Ice El Calafate

Lastly, you can also decide to visit Perito Moreno Glacier as part of a kayaking trip . This can only be done as a guided day trip tour.

Instead of a boat ride, these kayaks will give you that water level view of Perito Moreno as its giant ice hovers up above.

When joining a tour, you will also have time to walk along the boardwalks either before or after the kayaking portion of the day.

Perito Moreno Glacier Recap

As you can see, visiting the glacier can be done in a variety of ways:

  • Boardwalks : walk the boardwalks as part of an unguided trip or a guided excursion from El Calafate.
  • Boardwalks + Boat Ride : not only walk the boardwalks, but also join a boat ride in the glacial waters. These can be joined on the spot if going on your own, or you can sign up for a tour in advance from El Calafate.
  • Glacier Trek : join a Minitrekking or Big Ice glacier hike tour that offers the chance to trek on the actual glacier.
  • Kayaking : sign up for a kayaking trip from El Calafate that includes time in the water and the chance to explore the boardwalks.

Whatever option you choose, it is hard to go wrong with your time around Perito Moreno. It will be the perfect way to start off your El Calafate itinerary.

Entrance Fee : note that you will need to pay a ~$30 USD entrance fee to enter Los Glaciares National Park. This holds true for Perito Moreno Glacier and the boat trip that I will talk about next.

Learn More : Check out the best Perito Moreno tours to sign up for during a trip

Perito Moreno Glacier Canal

Day 2: Los Glaciares Boat Trip

Your second day in El Calafate can be all about navigating deeper into Los Glaciares National Park. While Perito Moreno may be the most famous glacier in the area, it certainly is not the only one.

There are endless glaciers all around the National Park, with many of them being inaccessible to everyday visitors. However, one great way to see some of the top glacier highlights is to join a boat trip.

While there are several to choose from out there, the Todo Glaciares cruise is a top choice. Over the course of this full day tour you will get the chance to explore the waterways of Los Glaciares and take in some new glacier views along the way.

In particular, Todo Glaciares gives you access to visit the Upsala Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier, with much more beautiful Patagonian landscape to see throughout the ride.

Feel free to read through my overview to the Todo Glaciares Boat Trip to learn more. You can also sign up for the boat trip to reserve your spot today!

Spegazzini Glacier Boat Tour

Day 3: Laguna Nimez & Cerro Frias

On your last day in El Calafate, you will get a mixture of a couple different top highlights closer to the town center.

Laguna Nimez

Within walking distance from downtown El Calafate is the Laguna Nimez Bird Sanctuary Reserve. This is the place to be if you are looking to see a whole variety of birds and wildlife (there are about 80 different species here).

For a small fee, you are able to walk along the boardwalks to various viewing platforms around the reserve. If you want to encircle Laguna Nimez, the walk is around 1.5 miles (2.4 km).

Since the birds can be a bit further away from the walking paths, you will also be able to rent some binoculars for your time there. In addition, you could hire a local guide, who will be able to give you much more insight into the various species along the way.

Note : you can also exit the reserve and spend some time walking along the beach nearby Lago Argentino after a visit.

Cerro Frias

In the afternoon, you can head on out to Cerro Frias , which is about a 30-minute drive away. Cerro Frias is a privately-owned mountain that offers multiple excursions along its hillside.

You will be able to choose from horseback riding, ziplining, 4X4 jeep riding, and hiking.

Tours begin in town center, where you will be taken the route along Lago Argentino until you reach the estancia at the base of the mountain. After getting divided into various groups, you will then head further up along Cerro Frias.

Each activity offers its own unique experience of the area, as you get to take in some beautiful views over the lakeside and surrounding scenery.

Cerro Frias Hike

Town Center

End the day exploring the small town center of El Calafate and taking in this vibrant Patagonian town. I am sure you will pass it by throughout your time here, as you have some meals, walk down the main street, and check out some shops.

Be sure to have some delicious Patagonian lamb, trout, ice cream, and other local cuisine offerings.

Weather Note : If your first day in the area around Perito Moreno is hampered by poor weather, you can also use day 3 as a buffer.

El Calafate Town

Three days will give you a good amount of time to really get to know El Calafate and its surroundings. For those with more or less time, here are some additional itineraries.

1 Day Itinerary

If you only have a single day to spare, I would recommend to focus solely on Perito Moreno Glacier. While it is not ideal to just spend one day, you may as well see the top highlight!

When going about your day at Perito Moreno, you can opt for any one of the four main options mentioned earlier on:

  • Boardwalks + Boat Ride
  • Glacier Hike (Minitrekking or Big Ice)

Remember, the first two options can be done on your own (rental car, taxi, bus) or with a guided tour. The second two options must be done with a guided tour.

In the evening, feel free to explore town, have a nice meal, and enjoy a late El Calafate sunset.

2 Day Itinerary

Now, for those that have two days to set aside for El Calafate, I would recommend to focus on Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park.

This will essentially entail the same two days mentioned above as part of the three-day itinerary.

  • Day 1 : Perito Moreno Glacier (choose your experience)
  • Day 2 : Los Glaciares National Park Boat Tour

Hopefully everything will go off without issue and you will still be able to enjoy the best of the best that El Calafate has to offer.

Patagonia Glacier El Calafate

4 Day Itinerary

With four days to spare in El Calafate, you will have enough time to take part of everything already mentioned and more!

We can keep the first three days the same as above with additional options for day 4:

  • Day 3 : Laguna Nimez & Cerro Frias
  • Day 4 : La Leona Petrified Forest / El Calafate Options

Below is some more insight into the options for the final day in El Calafate:

La Leona Petrified Forest

If you want to spend your final day taking part of a full day activity, then the La Leona Petrified Forest is a great option. This is a little bit of a different type of experience compared to the glaciers from the days prior.

La Leona is located about halfway between El Calafate and El Chalten around Estancia Santa Teresita and Lake Viedma. So, if you happen to be visiting El Chalten after, many tours offer the service to drop you off there too.

At the petrified forest you will get to walk among a paleontological site, where tree trunks and fossils go back millions of years. The landscape will be a stark contrast compared to other hikes in Patagonia, but it will definitely be a unique experience.

El Calafate Landscape

Glaciarium & Walichu Caves

For those that want to spend time closer to El Calafate, there are some additional options to consider as well.

First up is the Glaciarium, a modern museum dedicated to teaching visitors all about the region’s history. Throughout the museum, there are informative exhibits and interactive demonstrations all about glaciers.

Since it is located just 15 minutes away from the town center, you can easily make your way there by car, taxi, or shuttle.

In the opposite direction of the town center are the Walichu Caves. At this archeological site on the shores of Lago Argentino, you will be able to see the some of the first cave paintings in the region.

There is an audio guide you can take part of as you explore the cave, the drawings, and the history of the area.

Be sure to also enjoy some beautiful views of Lago Argentino during your time out there!

Lago Argentino El Calafate

3) Where to Stay

You will find hotels within walking distance to town center and also some that are further out from town. If taking part of a tour, most of them do pick people up directly from hotels.

Below you can find some highly rated and reviewed options to choose from during your trip to El Calafate. During high season, top options can sell out.

I would recommend booking your accommodation as soon as you know your dates:

All Around #1 : Mirador del Lago Hotel

Within walking distance from the town center is Mirador del Lago Hotel. It is one of the highest rated hotels in the area with comfortable rooms, attentive staff, and easy access to the nearby attractions. The hotel overlooks the lake and mountainside, making it a scenic place to start & end your day.

All Around #2 : Calafate Parque Hotel

Located right within town is the Calafate Parque Hotel. The hotel offers everything you will need for a relaxing experience in El Calafate. Whether that is the included breakfast, spa, gym, or restaurant, it is the perfect place to stay during a trip.

All Around #3 : Lagos Del Calafate

Lagos Del Calafate is situated on a hill just above the town center. From the hotel you will get to enjoy nice views over Calafate and the lake. You will also be able to enjoy the indoor pool and delicious restaurant after a long day of exploring the area.

Luxury : Xelena Hotel & Suites

For a more luxurious option, the Xelena Hotel is a top choice. Located outside of the town center, right along the lake, the hotel offers a relaxing & enjoyable environment. The heated pool, spa, restaurant, and of course the views all make Xelena one of the best in the area.

Budget : Calafate Hostel

If you are looking for a cheaper option in the area, then the Calafate Hostel is a great choice. The hostel offers both private and dorm rooms depending on your travel preference. It is one of the highest rated hostels in El Calafate and located just within town center.

Views of Lago Argentino

4) How to Get There

When it comes to getting to El Calafate, there are a few main options to consider – plane, bus, and car.

The easiest way to make your way down to El Calafate will be by plane. There is an airport directly next to the town center (FTE), which has flights to/from Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Ushuaia, among other local spots.

Just note that flight schedules can change and are more common in the country’s high season.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can hop in a quick taxi, or grab a rental car.

There are also bus routes that go to and from El Calafate. Some of the main places you may be coming from include El Chalten, Bariloche, or Puerto Natales (in Chile).

Feel free to check out busbud for the latest routes, prices, and schedules.

By Rental Car

If you are taking part of a longer Patagonia road trip, then renting a car is certainly an option to consider.

This will give you more freedom to make your own schedule as you go. You can easily visit places in the vicinity of El Calafate and then head on over to El Chalten to enjoy some more Patagonian adventure.

Renting a Car ? When searching for rental cars, feel free to check out Rentalcars.com for potential options.

Getting Around

Now, once you are in El Calafate there are a few different ways to get yourself around.

Rental Car : if you have a rental car, things should be easy enough for you. Simply make your way over to the various activities and attractions.

Tour : many activities can be done as part of a guided tour. These will almost always have an option to pickup from El Calafate (either included in the cost or for an extra fee).

Bus : mostly in regards to Perito Moreno Glacier, there are busses that make the route back and forth from town center.

Taxi : you can also opt for a taxi ride to any of the main highlights listed out. It is not uncommon to pay for a taxi ride, have them wait for you, and then head back by taxi once you are finished up.

Flying into El Calafate

5) When To Go

As you go about your trip planning to El Calafate, you will need to think about the best time of year to take your trip. Since the region is in the southern hemisphere, that means that the summer period runs from December to March.

During the summer time, you can expect temperatures to be at their highest, and the overall weather to be a bit calmer. Due to this, the summer is when most tourists make their way to Patagonia. Hiking, outdoor activities, and other nature-based attractions will be at their most accessible.

Throughout the summer, you can also expect some much longer days, with more available daylight. This can be a benefit in the instances where certain parts of the day may have worse weather. Given the longer days, you can be a bit more flexible with your day to day schedule.

If you are looking to still get some good weather but without the crowds, you may want to consider the shoulder months of October/November and April/May. The weather may not be as stable during these times but you can still get a lot out of a trip.

I would not recommend a trip between June and September (for the most part), as it gets too cold, wet, snowy, and more unpredictable.

6) How Many Days Do You Need in El Calafate

In my opinion, I would recommend setting aside three days in El Calafate during your overall trip to Patagonia.

Given you have three days, you will be able to enjoy the top highlights, without needing to rush during your time there. Three days also gives you a buffer day just in case one of the first couple of days doesn’t have ideal weather conditions.

Since you are traveling all this way to see highlights such as Perito Moreno Glacier, you may as well give yourself the best chance to enjoy it all.

7) Is It Worth Visiting El Calafate

Without a doubt, a visit to El Calafate is worth it. While there are glaciers around the world, Perito Moreno really is one of the best places to experience them. Getting to see the sheer size and depth of the glacier from so up close is just something that is hard to come by in other places.

And while Perito Moreno is going to be the top highlight, El Calafate offers more than just that. Whether you want to take a boat trip further into Los Glaciares National Park, enjoy the Lago Argentino lakeside, or visit some other nearby attractions, El Calafate has it all.

So, if you are thinking about heading to Patagonia for your next trip, definitely consider adding El Calafate to the list.

El Calafate Boat Riding

I hope you have a better sense on what an El Calafate itinerary can entail. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to add them in below.

Also, don’t forget to check out the other Patagonia itineraries and guides up on the site.

Torres del Paine National Park : Take part of the O Trek , the W Trek , or other TDP day hikes

El Chalten : enjoy some of the best El Chalten hikes like Fitz Roy & Laguna de Los Tres and the Huemul Circuit

Ushuaia : visit Tierra del Fuego National Park , spend a day walking among penguins , and hike to Laguna Esmeralda .

Have fun out there and safe travels!

El Calafate Things To Do

Related posts:

Mirador de Los Condores & Mirador Las Aguilas

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NeuroTest dosage

Thursday 29th of February 2024

Somebody essentially lend a hand to make significantly posts I might state That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up amazing Excellent job

Alicia Robledo

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Hello Charles. First off, what an amazing site you have! I came across your information while searching for ideas for Patagonia ... simply amazing and helpful details! This is a trip for me and my 20 year old daughter who will be off a semester from school this coming spring and she would love to see the fall colors, glaciers and more. While I know we cannot predict the weather, would you say early to mid April would be favorable for the fall colors? We will do more of 'day' hikes as opposed to multi day treks; looking to visit Ushuaia, Torres del Paine. El Calafate. We will have about 20 days on land there. You have a Wonderful site, and congratulations on your 'travel life'

El Calafate

El Calafate

Learn about the most popular attractions in el calafate, home to the perito moreno glacier and 47 other glaciers.

El Calafate, best known as “the capital of glaciers” is one of the most popular destinations in Argentina and Patagonia. It’s located in the province of Santa Cruz and near to the Glaciers National Park, and it was named after a typical blueberry that grows in the area (whoever eats a Calafate blueberry will always return to the city says the legend…). This is a small city, really easy to get around by foot, and it has beautiful views of Argentino Lake. The nearest airport counts with a good flight frequency, this is the easiest way to reach El Calafate. The city and their glaciers (around 47 in the park) were discovered at the end of the XIX century. Today, the things to do in El Calafate includes the visit to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, boat trips in Argentino Lake, day tours to Patagonia ranches to learn about the rural culture, visit El Chalten and enjoy the Fitz Roy mountain view and adventure activities in the nearby hills. Let’s start reading our El Calafate travel guide!

Attractions

Attractions

Home to the Perito Moreno Glacier and 47 other glaciers, El Calafate is located in one of the most remote corners of Argentina.

Live a true patagonic experience by exploring its milky lakes and estancias.

Check out our most recommended attractions in El Calafate!

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier, first discovered in 1879, is today  the most popular attraction in El Calafate. It’s visited by thousands of travelers every year (mostly during Spring since winter in Patagonia can be rough), and it’s located inside the Glaciers National Park. Why is Perito Moreno famous in the world? Because it’s the only glacier that is still advancing. It can be visited from the sidewalks in front of its amazing icy walls, by you can also hike on top of the glacier!

Address: PR 11 (from El Calafate)

Days and times: Summer (from 1st Sept. to 30th April), 8am to 6pm, Winter (from 1st May to 31th August), 9am to 4pm.

Price: 23USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.

Nimez Lagoon

The Nimez Lagoon is a quiet and green place, located in the shore of Lake Argentino. It is not yet well known to tourists and therefore maintains an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It houses a great variety of birds. Among them, the flamingos stand out, which can be observed at various times during the year.

Address:  Av Costanera Presidente Néstor C Kirchner 2075, El Calafate

Days and times:  Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (in autumn from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Open all year long.

Price: approx USD 4 (in cash in Argentinian pesos)  to enter the Reserve

El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center

If you want to learn about the natural and human history of the last 100 million years in southern Patagonia, then you must visit the Historical Interpretation Center. This center is recognized with the Scientific Sponsorship of La Plata Museum of Natural Sciences of the National University of La Plata, one of the most important Argentine universities.

Address: Av. Brown 1175

Days and times: From September to April: Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. From May to August: Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

One of the best opportunities for exploring Calafate is through horseback riding.  Available through multiple local companies, these full day excursions take riders on a journey up the mountainside where some of the best views of the region await them. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, riders will see the Perito Moreno Glacier, Lake Roca, and Cerro Moreno, as well as other sites, all from an incredible vantage point. If you have a day to spare, this top attraction promises to be an enjoyable experience.

Glaciarium is a center and museum dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Patagonian Ice and its glaciers, one of the few glaciological centers in the world. Through visual and sound resources an interactive and educational space was created. It’s 6km away from El Calafate, but the entrance fee includes a free transfer that leaves from the Provincial Tourism Secretariat every hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., both outward and return.

Address: RP11 KM 6, El Calafate

Days and times: Open every day from 11:00 to 20:00. Winter hours (from April to October) open every day from 11:00 to 19:00.

Lake Roca is located 50 km away from El Calafate. It can be accessed by car (private or rented), by bus or with a travel agency. During the high season there are daily buses to this lake. This area offers quiet places sheltered from the wind, ideal for camping, hiking to the nearby hills (such as Cristal). On a clear day, from the Rock Side you can see the Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine.

Address: RP 15, El Calafate

Days and times: Open every day, 24 hours a day.

Estancia Cristina Patagonian Ranch

Estancia Cristina Patagonian Ranch

Founded in 1914 by a British settler, the Estancia Cristina is a lodge located inside Los Glaciares National Park on the northwest coast of the Argentina Lake. Maintaining the same essence from the days of its founding 100 years ago, guests at the estancia can relax in comfort while taking advantage of the numerous activities Cristina offers. Choose between boat tours to the Upsala Glacier, horseback riding through the surrounding valley, hiking in the nearby mountains, or fishing in the Caterina River.

Address: Northwest shore of the Lake Argentino Lake in Los Glaciares National Park  (Estancia)

Punta Walichu

An archaeological site that can be accessed without the need of a tour. It is located 8 km away from El Calafate, on the shores of Lake Argentino. In this site you will be able to observe cave art that dates back approximately 4,000 years. This place was used by the ancient habitants as a shelter against the Patagonian frosts.

Address: RP11 KM 4, El Calafate.

Days and times: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Museum of the Toy

The Museum “100 years playing” and “Evita Perón Museum” has pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, until the 1970s. A permanent exhibition with a 1600m2 structure of emotions, including a Souvenir Shop. The toys exhibited, both Argentine and foreign, are recognized and coveted by collectors around the world and, for the most part, appear in international catalogs.

Address:  Av. del Libertador 975-998

La Leona Petrified Forest

A day tour of the La Leona Petrified Forest offers visitors an opportunity to explore a paleontological site full of petrified tree trunks and fragments of dinosaur bones. While traveling along Argentina Lake and crossing the Santa Cruz River to reach the site, participants will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Once there, the tour will take guests down into the valley to explore the endless system of gorges and ravines that is home to these magnificent fossils. 

Address: Shores of river la Leona on the 40 National Route, halfway between Calafate and Chaltén.

Upsala Glacier

Upsala Glacier

Considered one of the longest glaciers in all of South America, measuring 37 miles long, the Upsala Glacier is a large valley glacier located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. Flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is also the source of the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, the end point of the Upsala is in the Argentina Lake. Being one of Calafate’s top attractions, there are multiple different companies that can take you by boat to see the glacier. 

Location: Los Glaciares National Park

Onelli Glacier

Located inside Los Glaciares National Park on the banks of Lake Onelli, the Onelli Glacier is one of the biggest glaciers in the Calafate region. Visitors who are interested in seeing the giant ice formation in person can travel by boat from Punta Bandera on the Argentina Lake toward the Onelli Bay where they will walk the rest of the way to reach the glacier. From the glacier visitors will have access to some of the most gorgeous views of the area, including the surrounding mountains, lake and forest. Don’t miss this top attraction in Calafate!

Eating & Drinking

Eating & Drinking

Check out our most recommended Restaurants & Bars in El Calafate!

La Zaina

Gdor. Gregores 1057, El Calafate, Santa Cruz. Tel . +54 (11) 3812-7611

Traditional Grill

L a Zaina is a restaurant that offers exquisite plates featuring lamb, guanaco, and more kind of meats. Pair these mouthwatering dishes with a fine wine selection for an unforgettable dining experience.

Av. Del Libertador 1876. Tel. (02902) 493356.

Natural / Vegetarian / Vegan

It is a colorful restaurant, with good music and homemade food. The portions are generous and there are many dishes and a great variety for vegetarians. Recommendation: try the stuffed pumpkin… you won’t regret it!

La Lechuza Pizzas

Av. Del Libertador and 1ro de Mayo. Tel. (02902) 491-610.

Fast food / Pizzeria

La Lechuza is perhaps the most popular restaurant in El Calafate. It is strategically located on a corner in front of the Administration of National Parks, on the main street. If you are going to eat at La Lechuza, you will surely come out smelling of olives, but the pizzas, empanadas and pastas are delicious.

Cassimiro Biguá

Av. Libertador 963. Tel. (02902) 492590.

Grill / Regionals

They define themselves as a gourmet restaurant and grill, and their prices reflect this since it is one of the most expensive options in El Calafate. This restaurant offers a selection of wines with a great variety and Patagonian foods such as trout, salmon, and of course, lamb. We recommend it for a special night.

La Cocina

Av Libertador 1245. Tel. (02902) 491758.

Pasta / Vegetarian

La Cocina is one of the most traditional restaurants in town, where the dishes are very large and the specialty is pasta. However, there are several quite original salad options. The price is moderate.

Borges and Álvarez Libro-Bar

Av. Del Libertador 1015. Tel. (02902) 491464.

Borges y Álvarez Libro-Bar is more than a restaurant. It’s a bar, it’s a coffee shop, it’s a unique space in El Calafate. It’s decoration is very particular: the walls are full of libraries with hundreds of books. It also has a very nice terrace to enjoy in spring and summer. They offer a wide variety of simple and classic dishes. They also have vegan options.

La Zorra Cervecería Artesanal

Av. Del Libertador 832. Tel. (02902) 4988042.

Fast food / Vegetarian

La Zorra is a relaxed craft brewery. However, the gastronomy surprises: its classic dishes, such as hamburgers, pizzas and French fries, stand out for their taste and quality. In addition, being a craft brewery, it offers a wide variety of tasty beers. It has several options for vegetarians. Recommendation: be sure to try the Provençal potatoes, they are crazy!

Le Volpi Bistró

Av. del Libertador 3611. Tel. (02966) 67-0694

Meat / Grill

This indoor restaurant offers an exclusive experience. With only 16 tables, reservations are obligatory to be part of this gastronomic journey. Try the personalized 3-step menu accompanied by wine.

Bahia Restaurante

Av. del Libertador 1817, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz

Meat / Grill / Pasta

Enjoy exclusive cuisine of Argentine meats, Patagonian lamb, trout, homemade pastas and smoked meats.

Argentina: North to South Adventure

Buenos Aires - El Calafate - Ushuaia - Salta - Iguazú Falls

Patagonia Cruise With Australis

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia

Family Adventure in Patagonia: Penguins & Glaciers

Buenos Aires - El Calafate - Ushuaia

Argentina for Adventurers

El Calafate - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires - Iguazú Falls

Lake District, Wine & Falls

Buenos Aires - Iguazú Falls - Mendoza - Bariloche

Buenos Aires to Southern Patagonia Adventure

Buenos Aires - Calafate - Chaltén - Ushuaia - Torres del Paine

Highlights of Patagonia Argentina

Buenos Aires - Perito Moreno Glacier - Chaltén - Ushuaia

Tips & Advice

We recommend visiting Calafate for at least 3 nights. This way you can visit the Perito Moreno Glacier and another attraction in the area. There are many full day excursions worthwhile.

The official high season of El Calafate and Perito Moreno runs from October to May. During the summer months, the temperatures are very pleasant and the days are usually sunny. For lovers of autumnal colors, the recommendation is to go in April. During the winter months, you can also visit El Calafate; and something positive about this time is that there are fewer tourists. However, there are many activities that are suspended at this time of year.

Flight: To visit the Perito Moreno Glacier you have to fly to the city of El Calafate via Buenos Aires, Bariloche or Ushuaia.  From Buenos Aires there are daily flights all year round and frequencies increase during the Patagonia season (October/May). From Ushuaia there are 2 daily flights during the season and some weekly flights in the winter. With Bariloche there are direct flights some days of the week during the season.

Bus:  You can go by bus to El Calafate from Bariloche (24 hours), Rio Gallegos (4 hours), El Chalten (3 hours) and Puerto Natales (Chile, 6 hours). The other cities are further away and we recommend taking a plane. 

Self-drive:  We recommend renting a car at this destination if you like to travel at your own pace on the road. It can be connected to El Chalten. To visit El Calafate and El Chalten by car we recommend at least 5 days. You can also connect this destination by car to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and to Ushuaia.

ATMs are located in banks, most of them, but are open 24hs. Each bank has a different fee that will charge you to use their system, plus your bank fee. We recommend bringing a couple of US dollars and exchanging them, so you have some cash to move around and then pay with Credit cards or use an ATM whenever you run out of money. 

In restaurants it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose.

Estimate around USD 10/15 per person for the guide, for a full day tour and half of it for the driver.

Tip hotel porters for handling bags. Calculate an amount of currency equal to about $1.00 for every two bags. Same amount is calculated for drivers if they help you with your suitcases.  If you are happy with the housekeeping you may want to consider tipping the maid between US$0.50 – $1.00 per night. You might also tip the concierge staff if you have used them to arrange dinner reservations, transportation or leisure activities.

In Argentina we don’t regularly tip taxi drivers.

We estimate around USD 50/100 per day, per person for daily expenses like eating, shopping and transportation, depending on how much money you want to spend on these.

The weather in El Calafate is characterized by being quite unpredictable. Although the day is nice in the town, you should always bring a coat, a rain jacket, a wool hat, a scarf and gloves to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier as the weather can be very different within the National Park. 

In addition to that, we recommend using a high-coverage sunscreen because the sun’s reflection on the ice can burn your skin. Finally, it is highly recommended to dress with several layers of clothing since you can go from being cold to hot in a short time.

Other useful items: Warm fleece,  wind/waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, lip balm and moisturizer cream, daypack for daily excursions, warm socks and pants, long sleeve t-shirt.

Remember that tickets to all national parks in the country are paid in Argentine pesos and are not included in the tours. As credit cards are not accepted, we recommend that you always carry change in local currency. 

It is celebrated every year in February. During this week of celebration there are sports and cultural events, along with performances of national and international artists. The exact date and artists are defined a few months before.

If you like to run, do not stop exercising on the shore of Lake Argentino. They are approximately 8 kms bordering the lake.

There are different places where you can take paid classes, among them we recommend classes at La Usina. In case you want to meditate or practice yoga on your own, anywhere in nature where there is no wind!

Near the lake or from the base of Cerro Calafate (about 3km from the center). Take into account that in Calafate in summer the sun sets after 9:00 p.m.

Sustainability

Sustainability

El Calafate

Local businesses

  • Las Moras Farm

Chacra Las Moras is a local project devoted to the production of organic vegetables and fruits. If you want to try organic berries, Las Moras is the place to buy them in their grocery store. Learn more a bout Las Moras here .

Address: Almte G. Brown 836

Telephone: (02966) 386585.

  • El Destilador

This 12-year-old distillery focus on creating special oils by distilling local flora. With the oil, Phyto cosmetics are made and sold in the local markets and fairs. You can learn more about this family-run business here .

Address: Los Pioneros 292

Telephone: (02966) 15467990.

How to help

  • Conscious Calafate (garbage collection).

It is a large group of people who deal with environmental issues. They seek to create awareness about the waste of each neighbor, and teach new healthy habits both for oneself and for the world. You can learn more about Conscious here .

  •   TAMA (Voluntary group that manages a home for dogs).

It is a group of volunteers who work in the location of animals in transit to give them a second chance. You can learn about TAMA here .

  • Rewilding Argentina

It is an association that is not specifically from El Calafate, but it does protect other areas of Santa Cruz and Argentina. It is a foundation created to confront and reverse the extinction of species and the resulting environmental degradation, recovering the functionality of ecosystems and promoting the well-being of local communities. You can learn more about Rewild here . 

Sustainability tips

  • Use the Eco-Baskets to deposit plastic bottles and caps.
  • Take your reusable bag with you when you go shopping.
  • Choose the consumption of local products from artisans and small producers.
  • Travel the city by bike or on foot, it is healthy and does not leave a carbon footprint.
  • When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
  • Don’t leave trash in nature.
  • Take a reusable bottle with you to carry water in restaurants.
  • Don’t feed native fauna.
  • Use rechargeable batteries and batteries.

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El Calafate Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

134 el calafate trips. compare tour itineraries from 43 tour companies. 539 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating., popular el calafate tours.

Glaciers, Falls & Tango

Glaciers, Falls & Tango

  • Tour both sides of Iguazú Falls’ majestic waterfalls and wander the national park split between Argentina and Brazil.
  • Walk alongside Patagonia’s Perito Moreno Glacier, one of Argentina’s cultural staples,in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires.
  • Best time to travel: From October to April

Wonders of South America

Wonders of South America

  • Beauties of Rio de Janeiro
  • Iguazu Falls and bird watching
  • Discover Buenos Aires & Gaucho Culture
  • Highlights of Patagonia including Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine
  • Santiago de Chile and Wines

Exploring Argentine & Chilean Patagonia in 15 days

Exploring Argentine & Chilean Patagonia in 15 days

  • Be part of Patagonia crossing the Andes between Calafate and Puerto Natales
  • Discover Torres del Paine National Park and prepare for hike!
  • Being at the end of the world, contemplating the Beagle Channel
  • Discover the Lake Crossing with navigation

Ice to Sun 2023: Argentina & Brazil

Ice to Sun 2023: Argentina & Brazil

  • The highlights of South America's most European and cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires!
  • Perito Moreno Glacier - a magnificent giant ice glacier!
  • The marvelous Devil's Throat, the strongest of all the waterfalls of Iguazu!
  • 275 waterfalls, each has its own name, are thrown with a roar in the gorge "Devil's Throat".
  • Rio de Janeiro with its green hills, blue ocean water, sandy beaches, and joyful people!

Dientes De Navarino Circuit - Wilderness Trek

Dientes De Navarino Circuit - Wilderness Trek

  • Hike the southernmost trek at the edge of the world, the Dientes de Navarino Circuit on Isla Navarino
  • Set up camp between rock pinnacles, alpine lakes & beaver dams
  • Visit the charming fishing village Puerto Williams, the most southerly village in the world
  • Fly over Darwin mountain range, the legendary Strait of Magellan and Beagle-Channel
  • Enjoy a freshly caught king crab prepared by a local family

El Chalten to Ushuaia: Hiking in Patagonia

El Chalten to Ushuaia: Hiking in Patagonia

  • Sail to see the Perito Moreno Glacier from close.
  • Hike near the stunning Mount Fitz Roy and stay in Torres del Paine National Park.
  • Travel to Ushuaia, the most southern city of the world and sail the Beagle Channel.

Exclusive Patagonia & Australis Expedition Cruise

Exclusive Patagonia & Australis Expedition Cruise

  • Australis Expedition Cruise in the fjords of Tierra del Fuego
  • Soft hike to the Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Luxury Glamping inTorres del Paine Chile and Exploration of Tierra del Fuego, and Penguin Colony

Highlights of Argentina in 12 days

Highlights of Argentina in 12 days

  • Explore Buenos Aires, cosmopolitan city of South America
  • Discover Iguazu Falls and Iguassu National Park
  • Visit El Calafate and Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia, End of the World
  • Be in touch with nature

All El Calafate , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about El Calafate

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Small Group El Calafate Tours

Small Group El Calafate Tours

Patagonian Highlights

  • Discover Torres del Paine National Park, including a hike to the base of the Towers of Paine
  • See amazing glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park with an optional boat trip at Moreno Glacier
  • Marvel at the stunning granite peaks of Fitzroy Massif and Cerro Torre
  • Travel to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia
  • Experience the vast, wind-blown expanses of the Patagonia Steppe

Patagonia Short Break - Torres Del Paine

Patagonia Short Break - Torres Del Paine

  • Travel with local guides who will add another layer to your discoveries, taking care of the details and sharing stories about the scenery, wildlife and local culture.
  • Spending four nights in the lively little city of Puerto Natales, you’ll only have to unpack once, and you’ll have plenty of places to eat and relax when you’re not out exploring.
  • Join a local guide for a full day discovering the diverse landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, taking in granite towers, waterfalls, native forests and iceberg-filled lakes.
  • Explore the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers within Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, which can only be accessed by sea, cruising through the Ultima Esperanza fjord, passing by glaciers, waterfalls and small estancias.
  • Challenge yourself with a trek to Base Torres.

Argentina in 14 days - Essence of Argentina - Luxury

Argentina in 14 days - Essence of Argentina - Luxury

  • Argentinian Patagonia
  • Barrio La Boca
  • Buenos Aires
  • El Calafate
  • Iguazu Falls, Argentinian side

Discover Patagonia

Discover Patagonia

  • Take part in a tango lesson taught by dancers at a venue popular with locals
  • Enjoy a lecture on the perito moreno glacier from an expert
  • Walk with penguins on martillo island
  • Visit the museum at the end of the world and learn about indigenous history in the region
  • Explore ushuaia (the earth's southernmost city)

Patagonia Active - Superb Trekking Round Trip

Patagonia Active - Superb Trekking Round Trip

  • Trek the 7-day Torres del Paine Full ""O"" Circuit - One of the world's Top 10 Trekking Circuits
  • Dive into a world of eternal ice fields, granite spires & alpine lakes and resist the strong gust of wind while crossing the John Gardner pass
  • Overnight in spectacular campsites surrounded by superb mountain scenery and ancient forest
  • Hike to the rock spire of the mystic Cerro Torre and the legendary Monte Fitz Roy
  • Discover the perpetual ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and take a boat ride across the Argentino Lake

Best El Calafate Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best El Calafate Tours by Price

Top El Calafate Attractions & Experiences

El Calafate Tours & Travel Guide

El Calafate Attractions & Landmarks Guide

El calafate reviews & ratings, i had a fantastic experience.

Everything was well-organized and went as planned. Our sales representative was really helpful and responsive. I had a fantastic experience. Say Hueque recommends vi...

The ability to see all of the falls, as well as the boat tr...

Christopher

I strongly suggest it!!!!

Brenda and Mairim went above and above with last-minute revision...

Excellent journey.

Excellent journey. Sue Hueque handled everything well, from picking us up...

Everything went really well.

Everything went really well. It's very reassuring to see your name on a sign at every location. All of the hotels were ideal for our needs. The pick-ups were on sche...

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Calafate Parque Hotel

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View prices for your travel dates

Finding an ideal family-friendly hotel in El Calafate does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Calafate Parque Hotel, a nice option for travellers like you.

Free wifi is offered to guests, and rooms at Calafate Parque Hotel offer a flat screen TV.

During your stay, take advantage of some of the amenities offered, including 24 hour front desk, a concierge, and room service. Guests of Calafate Parque Hotel are also welcome to enjoy a hot tub and free breakfast, located on site.

Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Estancia 25 de Mayo (0.2 mi) and Plazoleta Heroes de Malvinas (0.3 mi), guests of Calafate Parque Hotel can easily experience some of El Calafate's most well known attractions.

While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the seafood restaurants, including Los Amigos and La Carmela Restaurante, all of which are a short distance from Calafate Parque Hotel.

Looking to explore? Then look no further than Plaza De Los Pioneros, which is a popular El Calafate park – and it is conveniently located a short distance from the hotel.

Calafate Parque Hotel puts the best of El Calafate at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

  • Excellent 507
  • Very Good 359
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  • Portuguese ( 143 )
  • English ( 121 )

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" Even number rooms will probably be quieter as further from the main road "

calafate travel opiniones

" Be sure you bring the South American 3-prong adaptor with two angled prongs above a vertical prong The recommendation we got was incorrect "

calafate travel opiniones

" Ask for one of the inside rooms to reduce traffic noise "

calafate travel opiniones

" 301 - twin room is small "

calafate travel opiniones

" Floor 2 is very good and quiet "

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CALAFATE PARQUE HOTEL (El Calafate, Patagonia) - Hotel Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison - Tripadvisor

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Trekking Sobre Hielo

  • Navegación y Aventura

Estancias Turísticas

Tours en bus.

  • Glaciar Perito Moreno
  • Glaciar Upsala
  • Torres del Paine
  • El Calafate y sus alrededores
  • Todos los Glaciares
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EXCURSIONES EN EL CALAFATE

Excursiones que no puede dejar de realizar en su visita a El Calafate

Perito Moreno: Pasarelas

Perito Moreno: Pasarelas

Excursión guiada para visitar sin exigencias físicas el Glaciar Perito Moreno desde El Calafate y con amplio tiempo para recorrer sus balcones con tranquilidad al ritmo de cada persona. Se realizarán paradas en puntos panorámicos dentro del Parque Nacional y la visita a las pasarelas , punto panorámico culminante. Es una actividad ideal para ser realizada por personas mayores o si se viaja con niños pequeños. También se puede sumar una navegación de 1 hora o la opción de Tocá el Glaciar . (leer más)

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Minitrekking Perito Moreno

Minitrekking Perito Moreno

El Minitrekking es la excursión más completa para visitar el Glaciar Perito Moreno desde El Calafate al incluir el trekking sobre el hielo , la caminata por la costa del lago frente al glaciar y por el bosque, una navegación por la pared sur del glaciar y la visita a las pasarelas . Se podrán apreciar grietas, sumideros, lagunas y formaciones de hielo azul profundo. Durante el Minitrekking, disfrutarán de un vaso de whisky con hielo del Glaciar Perito Moreno mientras exploran y caminan sobre uno de los glaciares más famosos y hermosos en el mundo. (leer más)

Todo Glaciares: Upsala y Spegazzini

Todo Glaciares: Upsala y Spegazzini

Todo Glaciares es una de las navegaciones más importantes para hacer en El Calafate al visitar los glaciares Upsala y Spegazzini y realizar un descenso en el bosque desde donde se podrá disfrutar de una vista como nunca antes del Glaciar Spegazzini y Bahía de los Glaciares. El Refugio Spegazzini le permitirá almorzar con vistas únicas de este glaciar mientras se disfruta de un servicio de excelencia. Aquellos pasajeros que deseen un servicio más personalizado pueden optar por el servicio Captain's Club. (leer más)

Chaltén full day: Trekking y Almuerzo

Chaltén full day: Trekking y Almuerzo

Excursión de día completo en la que se visita El Chaltén partiendo desde El Calafate . Incluye paradas y caminatas tranquilas en miradores, almuerzo en restaurant y tiempo libre para recorrer el típico pueblo de montaña, siempre acompañados por un guía . En el camino, visitarán el Parador La Leona y el Mirador del Glaciar Viedma y, al llegar a Chaltén, el Mirador de los Cóndores, la cascada Chorrillo del Salto y el centro de la ciudad. Es una actividad para conocer El Chaltén de manera relajada y sin exigencias físicas . (leer más)

Experiencia Glaciares Gourmet

Experiencia Glaciares Gourmet

Glaciares Gourmet ofrece la navegación más exclusiva del Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , surcando las aguas del Lago Argentino a bordo del Crucero María Turquesa y visitando los glaciares Upsala (uno de los más grandes), Spegazzini (el más alto) y Perito Moreno . La excursión está dirigida a aquellos que busquen atención personalizada y un servicio de excelencia en El Calafate. Se incluye un desembarque con caminata en el bosque dentro del Canal Spegazzini y la posibilidad de descender en las pasarelas del Glaciar Perito Moreno. (leer más)

Nativo Experience: Lagos y Cavernas

Nativo Experience: Lagos y Cavernas

Nativo Experience es una excursión de medio día que ofrece un enfoque antropológico e histórico sobre el paso del hombre en la zona de El Calafate, redescubriendo las vivencias de las primeras expediciones que se aventuraron a lo desconocido por el Río Santa Cruz. Se enfoca en la historia de los primeros contactos de exploradores con los Tehuelches, atravesando acantilados y maravillándose con vistas del lugar . Podrá almorzar o cenar dentro de una cueva , disfrutando de una experiencia única en un ambiente totalmente natural. (leer más)

Torres del Paine Full Day

Torres del Paine Full Day

Excursión de día completo partiendo desde El Calafate en la que se visita el Parque Nacional Torres del Paine en Chile en confortables vehículos y acompañados por guías especializados de la zona. Podrán apreciar las Torres del Paine desde diferentes ángulos en un recorrido circular haciendo paradas en miradores, lagunas, cascadas y puntos panorámicos . El tour incluye trekking guiado y vianda , siendo ideal para conocer esta zona inhóspita de la Patagonia en sólo un día desde El Calafate. (leer más)

Estancia 25 de Mayo

Estancia 25 de Mayo

Excursión en la que se visita la Estancia 25 de mayo. Es un lugar ideal para descansar y disfrutar del paisaje al pie del Cerro Calafate y a muy pocas cuadras del centro de la ciudad . El lugar cuenta con 17.000 hectáreas de campo con historia que remonta a los orígenes de la ciudad de El Calafate. Podrá observar el arreo de ovejas con perros , visitará los corrales de la estancia y disfrutará de una demostración de esquila de ovejas . Terminará con una cena de cordero patagónico en el restaurante “El Quincho” y un show folclórico. (leer más)

EXCURSIONES EN USHUAIA

Excursiones que no puede dejar de realizar en su visita a Ushuaia

Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

Excursión clásica para visitar sin exigencias físicas el Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego partiendo desde la ciudad de Ushuaia y con tiempo para recorrer los diferentes puntos panorámicos y más famosos de manera tranquila, siempre acompañados por un guía. Podrán visitar el Parque Nacional más austral de Argentina, el Tren del Fin del Mundo, Bahía Ensenada y Bahía Lapataia mientras disfrutan de paisajes de mar, bosques y montañas en el Fin del Mundo. (leer más)

Navegación Corta: Lobos, Pájaros y Faro

Experimente la belleza de navegar por el Canal de Beagle en Ushuaia con esta excursión de 3 horas en la que podrá visitar la Isla de los Lobos, la Isla de los Pájaros, el Faro Les Eclaireurs y el archipiélago Bridges donde se hará una caminata tranquila hasta un mirador. El Faro Les Eclaireurs es el protagonista obligado de todas las fotografías de quienes visitan el Fin del Mundo. La navegación está colmada de valor histórico y paisajístico y es una de las excursiones más importantes que se pueden hacer en Ushuaia. (leer más)

Lagos: Escondido y Fagnano

La excursión Lagos: Escondido y Fagnano en Ushuaia es una actividad que no puede dejar de hacerse en su visita al Fin del Mundo. Podrán disfrutar de vistas únicas de la zona de lagos y valles de la Cordillera de los Andes y zona norte de la isla de Tierra del Fuego desde el Mirador Garibaldi mientras conocen la historia de antiguos aserraderos y los lagos Escondido y Fagnano . El tour visita los centros invernales teniendo la posibilidad de sumar un almuerzo con cordero patagónico. (leer más)

Navegación Larga: Lobos, Faro y Pingüinos

La navegación larga en Ushuaia ofrece la posibilidad de visitar el Canal de Beagle y sus atractivos turísticos más destacados como son la Isla de los Lobos, la Isla de los Pájaros, el Faro Les Eclaireurs y la colonia de pingüinos de la Isla Martillo , punto panorámico principal de la excursión. La navegación ofrece vistas hermosas del paisaje del Fin del Mundo y su avifauna local, además de ofrecer una excelente oportunidad para conocer la historia de esta remota zona austral . (leer más)

Lagos Offroad 4x4

La excursión Lagos Offroad 4x4 es una aventura emocionante en Ushuaia al visitar el Lago Escondido y Lago Fagnano en modernos vehículos 4x4 mientras se transitan senderos del bosque fueguino atravesando arroyos, miradores y playas . Podrán disfrutar de vistas únicas de la zona de lagos y valles de la Cordillera de los Andes y zona norte de la isla de Tierra del Fuego mientras transitan por caminos alternativos conociendo la historia de las primeras explotaciones forestales y disfrutan de un almuerzo en un restaurante del lugar. (leer más)

Trekking Laguna Esmeralda

La excursión de trekking a Laguna Esmeralda en Ushuaia es una de las caminatas más accesibles que se pueden hacer en el Fin del Mundo . Estarán siempre acompañados por guías de montaña que les mostrarán las bellezas naturales de esta zona mientras se recorren 10 km de trekking atravesando un bosque de lengas, un turbal, los diques construidos por castores y un arroyo que termina en la Laguna Esmeralda , la cual está enclavada entre montañas y glaciares. Según el horario elegido, la excursión incluye una vianda para disfrutar junto a la laguna o un almuerzo o cena en un domo de montaña. (leer más)

Sobrevuelos en Helicóptero

Con la excursión de sobrevuelo en helicóptero por la ciudad de Ushuaia podrán disfrutar de vistas panorámicas únicas del Fin del Mundo, el Canal de Beagle, las montañas, las islas y los glaciares desde una perspectiva diferente mientras se disfruta de una experiencia difícil de olvidar. Podrán sobrevolar sólo la ciudad de Ushuaia en un vuelo de 7 minutos u, opcionalmente, visitar otras zonas de la Cordillera de los Andes descendiendo en la cima de algunas montañas para vivir la experiencia completa. (leer más)

Trekking Glaciar Vinciguerra

La excursión al Glaciar Vinciguerra en Ushuaia es un trekking de dificultad intermedia que no puede faltar para los amantes de la aventura de montaña y la naturaleza en el Fin del Mundo. Podrás llegar a este magnífico glaciar atravesando el Valle de Andorra, un turbal, el bosque fueguino y ascendiendo por la ladera rocosa de la montaña en un trekking total de 9 horas y 16 km . Las vistas del Glaciar Vinciguerra, la Laguna de los Témpanos y las cuevas de hielo son imperdibles. (leer más)

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Calafate Travel

Los Mejores Paquetes Promocionales en EL CALAFATE

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Aerop In Out + Glaciar Perito Moreno

Adulto $ 72.000.- Menor 4 -10 años $ 58.000.- Compre Aqui

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Aerop In/Out + Gl.Moreno + El Chalten

Adulto $ 143.000.- Menor 4– 10 años $ 115.000.- Compre  Aqui

MEDIOS DE PAGO

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Go Patagonic

20 Essential Things to Do in El Calafate

In this post we leave you the 20 essential things to do in El Calafate to enjoy this place to the fullest and get to know all its corners.

El Calafate is surrounded by stunning natural Patagonian landscapes and a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. Although this city is famous for its glaciers , El Calafate has much more to offer.

In addition to the essential visit to the Perito Moreno glacier , including the possibility of hiking on the glacier, there are many attractions that include Patagonian ranches, ice bar, museums, navigation between ice floes and much more. Let’s discover these 20 things to do in Calafate!

 Check out guide to travel to El Calafate if you are planning a visit to the city.

Table of Contents

1) Visit the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier.

Perito Moreno National Park is home to one of Argentina’s greatest tourist attractions and one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier .

It has a surface area of more than 250 kilometers and is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still in equilibrium , which means that there is a constant cycle of advances and retreats. Enjoy a walk along the walkways that border the glacier , where you can admire the variety of colors between white and blue, its great height and hear the sound of breaking ice.

📷 Reserve your place to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier .

🔎 Take a look at guide to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier .

🔎 Check the official website of Los Glaciares National Park for opening hours and ticket prices at the time of your visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier.

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2) Hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier

This activity is one of the most impressive things to do in El Calafate . In this excursion you will enjoy trekking over the glacier among its crevasses, caverns, lagoons and huge masses of ice. There are two excursions of this type in El Calafate:

  • Minitrekking : a short walk on the glacier, with a duration of one hour and a half . This tour can be done from august to may inclusive, and its duration with transfers included is about 10 hours.
  • Big Ice : unlike the previous one, the hike lasts three and a half hours , including half an hour for lunch on the Perito Moreno Glacier. This tour is available from september 15 through april 30 .

Both tours include a guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese; bus transfer from El Calafate to the port, navigation to cross Rico Lake and equipment for walking on the ice.

🔎 Reserve your place to make your trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier .

Things to do in El Calafate, hiking on the Perito Moreno glacier

3) Sailing on Lake Argentino

Lake Argentino is the largest lake in Argentine Patagonia and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery while navigating through its arms between ice floes and the mountains where the Heim, Peineta, Seco, Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers are located. It is even possible to get a very close look at the latter.

This is a full day excursion , which includes a short hike , weather and season permitting, to the Spegazzini refuge , where you can have lunch on your own.

📷 Don’t miss this incredible excursion to sail lake Argentino .

Things to do in El Calafate, Spegazzini glacier

4) Trekking in Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park is famous for its glaciers, but it has much more to offer. Enjoy its hiking trails that will take you through forests and mountains, ideal to experience nature first hand and be dazzled by the Patagonian landscapes.

Get to know the native vegetation such as the famous El Calafate bush and its edible fruit. As for wildlife , if you are lucky you may see an Andean Condor flying overhead or a Huemul walking among the trees.

📝 Travel tip : Download the Maps.me app, where you can find all the trekking routes, even without mobile data.

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5) Tour the city of El Calafate.

Be sure to visit the commercial and administrative center in El Calafate . Through its main avenue “ Libertador ” it is possible to find regional stores, bars and restaurants. Take the opportunity to visit the Nuestra Señora de la Paz Church , in the Perito Moreno square, a small building from 1950, and visit the Jorge Echeverría Artisans’ Walk .

🚘 See here transfers from the airport to your hotel in El Calafate . 

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6) Walk along the coastal promenade

The Paseo Costero is a path that runs along the shore of Lago Argentino and offers an incredible view of it. It has some viewpoints, where you can take beautiful pictures, and a huge sign with the name of the city, ideal to take a souvenir of your trip to El Calafate .

A good time to do this tour is at sunset , when the sky is painted in orange colors and gives a totally different tone to lake Argentino.

7) Visit the Nimez Lagoon

Very close to the city center is the Nimez lagoon , a wildlife sanctuary . This wetland surrounded by mountains and breathtaking views of lake Argentino , has several trails where you can see a variety of birds , such as flamingos, geese, herons, cormorants and swans. It is managed by a non-profit organization that collaborates with its conservation .

Practical Data:

  • Opening hours : 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., closing hours may vary depending on the season.
  • More information : Laguna Nimez social networks .

What to do in El Calafate, Nimez Lagoon

8) Get to know Estancia Cristina

Estancia Cristina is one of the oldest farms in Argentine Patagonia . Founded in 1914 by Joseph Percival Masters, an English immigrant who settled in Argentina with his wife, who were key in the history of the exploration of the Glaciers , giving refuge to researchers and cartographers. Estancia Cristina was named after the daughter of its founder.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding area with one of the excursions offered to enjoy during the day:

  • Classic excursion : trekking to a waterfall while enjoying the viewpoints.
  • 4×4 Excursion : The tour includes a ride in 4×4 vehicles and closing with a 20-minute trek to the viewpoint of the Upsala Glacier.
  • Trekking excursion : a 14-kilometer hike to get to know the Cañadón de los Fósiles, an area completely covered with paleontological remains.

📷 Enjoy a day at estancia Cristina .

Things to do in El Calafate, Estancia Cristina

9) Learn about ice at the Glaciarium

The Glaciariums is an interpretive center dedicated to the history and science behind glaciers and ice . An interactive experience teaches about the formation of glaciers, their impact on the environment and the importance of their conservation .

It features multimedia exhibits, 3D projections and guided tours. The center also houses a collection of ice sculptures and a bar with food and beverage options. This is an excellent option to do in El Calafate with kids.

📷 Book your ticket with transfers to the Glaciarium .

10) Have a drink at the Ice Bar

Live a different experience in your trip to El Calafate visiting an ice themed bar . The visit to the Ice Bar begins in the warm sector where the temperature is 5 degrees . The staff will provide you with capes and gloves to go to the main hall: The Cavern. In this one, the thermometer drops to -10 degrees.

For 25 minutes it is possible to enjoy a drink among ice sculptures . After this time you return to the warm bar to enjoy drinks and sushi with no time limit. Non-alcoholic beverage service is available and minors are welcome.

🍸 Live this experience at the Ice Bar .

11) Learn about the history of El Calafate at the Regional Museum.

The Regional Museum of El Calafate is a small museum that shows the history and culture of the Santa Cruz region. The collection includes ancient artifacts such as bolas and arrowheads from the original peoples of this area, photographs, tools and objects related to life in Patagonia. Its historical journey goes from the dinosaurs to the present day. Admission is free .

12) Visit the cave paintings at Punta Walichu

Punta Walichu is an archaeological site located near El Calafate . It is a site of high historical value because it contains cave paintings dating back thousands of years.

The entrance fee includes a guided tour of the site, ideal to learn more about the historical and cultural importance of Punta Walichu. Be sure to enjoy its impressive rocky landscape and its panoramic view of Lake Argentino .

📷 Be sure to book your excursion to Punta Walichu .

13) Enjoy incredible views at Frías Hill

Cerro Frias is a 1095 meters high mountain, only 20 km west of El Calafate. It is possible to reach its summit on a five-kilometer hike to enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Argentino and the Patagonian Andes . Among the peaks that can be seen are Valle del Centinela and Torres del Paine , and if the weather permits, Cerro Fitz Roy can also be seen.

It is also an ideal area for adventure activities such as horseback riding and 4 x 4 vehicle rides. For adrenaline lovers, there is a zip line with five sections of 500 meters each.

💯 Enjoy an excursion to Cerro Frias with adventure activities included.

14) Get to know the Calafate Creek canyon.

Only 3 kilometers from the center of the city is the road to the Arroyo Calafate gorge . On this low difficulty trekking trail , you will see a variety of wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, eagles and condors, to name a few. You can find petroglyphs and other vestiges of ancient civilizations that populated this area.

💯 Don’t miss the Arroyo Calafate canyon trekking tour .

15) Learn about rural life in Estancia El Galpón

Estancia El Galpón has more than 40,000 hectares and is surrounded by a great variety of natural landscapes, from mountains to lakes and rivers. It is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding.

Get to know its old sheep shearing sheds dating back to 1912, the production and quality of the wool. In addition, the estancia has a lodge and is ideal for enjoying a Patagonian dinner .

📷 Book your dinner visit to Estancia El Galpón .

16) Things to do in Calafate, enjoy its incredible night skies.

The sky of Argentine Patagonia is one of the cleanest in the world and offers a spectacular view of the stars and constellations . If you are interested in astronomy , live a magical night contemplating the firmament, observing with telescopes and identifying several nearby constellations .

📝 Travel tip : This activity is done outdoors at night, do not forget to bring a coat as night temperatures can be very low.

📷 Live this incredible night under the stars in El Calafate .

17) Enjoy sport fishing in El Calafate

If you are a fishing enthusiast , you will find several spots enabled for this sport in your trip to El Calafate . The Santa Cruz River is ideal for trout and salmon fishing , as is Lake Argentino. Rainbow and brown trout can be seen in Lake Roca. Always remember to comply with the regulations in force and check if it is necessary to request a permit for sport fishing.

18) I lived a trekking by the Frias Lake and know closely its icebergs.

Begin your journey with a boat ride on Lake Argentino until you reach the shore of the South side , where the trail begins about two kilometers that will take you to Lake Frias . From there, you take a second boat to cross the lake and walk a second trail of almost 5 kilometers to enjoy the Dickson, Cubo and Grande glaciers on the shore of Lake Frías Superior .

📷 Book today your excursion with trekking on Frias Lake .

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19) Trek through the La Leona petrified forest.

The La Leona petrified forest has tree trunks more than 70 million years old. These were hidden to the naked eye for centuries, but thanks to the powerful winds of the area and the rains , they managed to come to light .

In order to see them, you will walk a trail through Cerro Los Hornos , where you can also see dinosaur fossils . Don’t miss one of the best excursions in El Calafate .

👉 Don’t miss the La Leona petrified forest trekking tour .

Things to do in El Calafate, La Leona Forest

20) Cycling across the Patagonian steppe

A great way to get to know the Patagonian landscape is to complete this 16-kilometer route through the Calafate stream valley on all-terrain bicycles . The tour takes place in the surroundings of the 25 de Mayo ranch .

On the way you will see local fauna such as guanacos, foxes, choikes, condors and eagles. You will also visit an ancient Tehuelche burial site and enjoy views of the Verlika and Baguales hills .

📷 Enjoy your bike ride along the 25 de mayo ranch .

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Where to stay in El Calafate

🏨 See here where to stay in El Calafate and get your ideal accommodation.

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Help! Air Canada Ruined Our Trip to Ireland but Won’t Take the Blame.

A Minnesota couple’s vacation fell apart after a jet bridge accident and a code-share snafu led to two nights of failed connections.

A photo illustration shows the body of an airplane but instead of an airplane tail, a human hand abruptly juts out at the end of the airplane in a warning “stop” gesture.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

Last September, my husband and I left our kids with their grandparents and set off to Ireland. Our $2,132 itinerary took us from Minneapolis to Toronto to Dublin on tickets booked on United Airlines through Expedia but ultimately operated by Air Canada, a United partner. We had boarded our connecting flight in Toronto (and I was already dozing in my seat) when the captain announced an operator had crashed the jet bridge into the starboard engine. We were given hotel vouchers and told we would be rebooked for the next day. Checkout time came and went without a word, so we went to the airport and were told to call Air Canada customer service. An agent booked us a flight for that evening, and we printed out boarding passes at an airport kiosk. But when we tried to board, we were told the boarding passes were invalid. Eventually, we were offered two options for the next day: Fly to Dublin via Newark, or return to Minneapolis. We cut our losses and went home after staying the night in Toronto at a hotel. But United refunded us only $1,087, barely half of what we paid. Air Canada did reimburse us for the second hotel and other expenses, but we believe the airlines owe us not only a full refund, but also 400 Canadian each ($295 apiece) under Canadian law for denied boarding. Both refused. Can you help? Michelle, Edina, Minn.

Dear Michelle,

I found the 58-page dossier you sent along with your story to be quite convincing. (It also convinced me that either you or your husband is a lawyer, which turns out to be true.)

I skipped over Expedia, since your trip had already started, and reached out to United and Air Canada — as you flew on an airline’s partner, it’s a code share arrangement. A spokeswoman for United, Erin Jankowski, quickly sent me a statement noting that the refund you received from United was as per Air Canada’s instructions and referred all other questions to it.

Air Canada, on the other hand, took almost two weeks to get back to me, and its response was underwhelming.

“Our records indicate these customers were not denied boarding in Toronto,” wrote Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the airline. “Instead, it appears that following the cancellation of their original flight to Ireland they opted to return to Minneapolis from Toronto rather than go to Dublin following the delay. Once that was identified, we did rebook the customers on a flight back to Minneapolis.”

No compensation, no word on the $1,045 still missing from your refund and no explanation as to how you were turned away at the gate for your second flight and yet “not denied boarding.”

Air Canada did offer you and your husband a credit worth 1,200 Canadian dollars toward a future flight, Mr. Fitzpatrick wrote to me, “to account for the impact on their travel plans and experience.”

There was no response to my direct question asking why your boarding passes did not work the second night. In fact, it isn’t even clear from Mr. Fitzpatrick’s initial statement that Air Canada believed you even tried to board, despite the boarding passes you included in the dossier sent to me and the two airlines.

I wrote back with more pointed questions, thanks to what I learned after reading up on the Canadian Transportation Agency’s air passenger protection regulations and speaking with Tom Oommen, the director general of the C.T.A.’s Analysis and Outreach Branch.

“We have what I would call a very complete holistic system of consumer protection for airlines,” he said. For example, when flight disruptions occur for reasons within an airline’s control and the airline cannot get passengers onto another of its own flights within nine hours, it must book the passenger on any airline, including competitors it does not have agreements with, a requirement that the United States does not impose.

Mr. Oommen also noted that if a passenger is stuck midway through a trip and is not happy with the options to continue on, the airline must offer to rebook that passenger “on a flight back to their point of origin free of charge and refund their entire ticket.”

He wouldn’t specifically comment on your case, but that is exactly what happened to you. (The only exception to these rules is when the disruption is not within the airline’s control, Mr. Oommen said, but when a mechanical problem is caused by an airline employee or contractor, “it’s hard to make that argument.”)

There are also many circumstances in which Canada requires airlines to compensate passengers — between 400 and 2,400 dollars — for flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding within the airline’s control. There is an exception for when such issues have safety implications, which could apply to the first night’s engine damage, but not, it seems to me, for the second night’s nonfunctioning boarding passes. That sounds a lot like denied boarding.

This time, you heard back before I did, and forwarded me several emails from Air Canada, including one that said the carrier had approved a cash payment of 400 dollars per traveler. Then Mr. Fitzpatrick emailed me to say you would receive a full refund.

So you got what you asked for, but of course you would rather have gone to Ireland. And what happened, exactly, when Air Canada refused to board you in Toronto? Mr. Fitzpatrick told me United had canceled your ticket before you even got to the gate.

I found that confusing — the boarding pass bears an Air Canada ticket number, and you had not even spoken to United that day. So I got back in touch with United’s Ms. Jankowski, who looked into the situation further and found that “United canceled the tickets after sending messages to the operating carrier, Air Canada, informing them that the tickets had not been properly reissued to the rescheduled flight.”

Apparently, somewhere in the interfacing bowels of the two carriers’ systems, your Air Canada boarding pass was invalidated by United, and neither airline contacted you. And that’s too bad, because Mr. Fitzpatrick later confirmed that second flight left with empty seats.

When you decided to just go home, the Air Canada representative at the airport said you had to call United. The process to untangle the mess and get you booked on a flight back to Minneapolis required hours and six different United customer service representatives and supervisors.

Your experience is a good reason for all of us to avoid code shares unless they are necessary — such as when an itinerary includes flights operated by different airlines.

All this because you originally booked Air Canada flights as United code shares — a choice you found on Expedia. When I recently ran a Minneapolis-to-Dublin search on Expedia for a week in April, the first two choices that appeared were the same route via Toronto with no price difference, one booked directly on Air Canada and the other as a code share on United. Assuming you saw the same thing last year, I bet that if you had booked the Air Canada choice, you would have made it to Ireland, albeit a day late. All the more reason to book directly, with one airline.

There is one final mystery: Why wouldn’t Air Canada admit this was a case of denied boarding, and follow the required C.T.A. regulations? Yes, your case doesn’t precisely fit the agency’s official definition , which is written to describe overbooking or changes in aircraft, but if an airline erroneously cancels a passenger’s ticket after it has already printed a boarding pass, and you are stopped at the gate, what is that?

I presented this as a theoretical situation to the Mr. Oommen of the C.T.A.

“Classic denied boarding is what you’re describing,” he said.

That means you could file for an additional 400 dollars each for this second incident, and put that toward a new flight to Ireland — say, on Aer Lingus, direct or through Chicago.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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  1. Top 5 things to do in El Calafate

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  2. Travel to El Calafate, the essential guide [Go Patagonic ]

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  3. El Calafate: tour y crucero por el glaciar Perito Moreno

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COMMENTS

  1. El Calafate, Argentina 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    About El Calafate. Building on its must-visit location, the once-tiny El Calafate has grown quickly to cater to and profit from the visitors to nearby Los Glaciares National Park. Many visit to see such natural wonders as Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive glacier that's actually composed of many other pieces of shifting ice.

  2. Travel to El Calafate, the essential guide

    Best time to travel to El Calafate. Calafate has a dry weather, with cold temperatures and some snowfalls during the winter.. Summer (November to March) is the best time to visit El Calafate, with daytime temperatures around 15-20 degrees, ideal for visiting the Perito Moreno glacier, walking along the Argentino lake shore and hiking in the mountains.. At night the temperature drops ...

  3. El Calafate and El Chaltén, the ideal itinerary [Go Patagonic ]

    Based on the number of days we consider as a minimum to visit El Chaltén and El Calafate, we suggest the following six-day itinerary. Day 1: Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, the most famous ice wall in Patagonia Argentina. I recommend you to do the walk along the glacier, then go to the wooden walkways and contemplate the glacier from one of ...

  4. THE 10 BEST El Calafate Tours & Excursions

    Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate. 73. Hiking Tours. 6+ hours. Enjoy the possibility of visiting the footbridges of the Perito Moreno Glacier accompanied by one of our expert guides, …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 95% of travelers. from. $102.

  5. 23 Awesome Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina

    4. Visit Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. This is a very quick and enjoyable thing to do in El Calafate. The Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has lots of historical information on Perito Moreno (the explorer) as well as beautiful gardens to enjoy.

  6. El Calafate Travel Guide

    El Calafate Travel Guide. If you're exploring Patagonia, El Calafate is a MUST on your itinerary. ... This, in my opinion, is a huge mistake. There are a bijillion things to do in El Calafate: from watching (or playing!) the national Argentine sport of pato to taking advantage of sports out on the bay to visiting 4,000-year old cave paintings.

  7. Tangol Tours El Calafate

    The distances between El Chalten and El Calafate are about 7 hours aprox, round trip. In the winter season some trails are closed for safety reasons. On the other hand, as it is a day tour, it is not possible to go on more demanding trails as they require a minimum 8-hour of trekking.

  8. El Calafate in 2 days, the best itinerary [Go Patagonic ]

    Things to do in El Calafate in 2 days. Day 1: Visit the Perito Moreno glacier from the footbridges and navigation on Lake Argentino (alternative trekking on the Perito Moreno glacier from September to May). Day 2: Navigation through the Southern Ice Field to see the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

  9. LAS 10 MEJORES cosas que hacer en El Calafate 2024

    10 mejores atracciones en El Calafate, Provincia de Santa Cruz: Descubre en Tripadvisor 138.874 opiniones de viajeros y fotos de 181 cosas que puedes hacer en El Calafate. ... Travel Online Cosas que hacer cerca de EBBikes Cosas que hacer cerca de Shackleton Solo Cosas que hacer cerca de Chalten Travel Turismo ...

  10. The Perfect 3 Days in El Calafate Itinerary

    Day 1: Perito Moreno. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the main attraction in El Calafate (and one of the most popular landmarks in Argentina as a whole!), so naturally, we started there. There are a number of ways to see Perito Moreno. We decided to do it ourselves and forego a tour.

  11. Turismo en El Calafate, Argentina

    a partir de 88 € por adulto. Escapada de un día al glaciar Perito Moreno con paseo opcional en barco desde El Calafate. 196. a partir de 92 € por adulto. Crucero turístico por los glaciares El Calafate. 42. a partir de 261 € por adulto. Excursión de mini-senderismo de un día al glaciar Perito Moreno. 48.

  12. 19 Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina

    1. Perito Moreno Glacier Day Tour (Guided or DIY) This massive glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in a world where most are in decline. Its stunning beauty and accessibility make Perito Moreno one of the biggest tourist attractions in El Calafate (and Argentina, overall).

  13. El Calafate Itinerary: Best Things To Do with 1, 2, 3, & 4 Days

    We can keep the first three days the same as above with additional options for day 4: Day 1: Perito Moreno Glacier (choose your experience) Day 2: Los Glaciares National Park Boat Tour. Day 3: Laguna Nimez & Cerro Frias. Day 4: La Leona Petrified Forest / El Calafate Options.

  14. Excursiones en El Calafate

    El Calafate, ubicada en la provincia de Santa Cruz, es conocida como la puerta de entrada al Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Con numerosas excursiones y actividades tanto dentro como fuera del parque, El Calafate ofrece una experiencia turística única en la Patagonia Argentina.

  15. El Calafate Tour & Trip Reviews

    Read 539 traveler reviews on tours to El Calafate.Compare trips from over 43 companies. Pick your perfect trip with confidence. Read 539 traveler reviews on tours to El Calafate.Compare trips from over 43 companies. ... Top El Calafate Travel Packages.

  16. El Calafate Travel Guide: Most Important Information

    This 12-year-old distillery focus on creating special oils by distilling local flora. With the oil, Phyto cosmetics are made and sold in the local markets and fairs. You can learn more about this family-run business here. Address: Los Pioneros 292. Telephone: (02966) 15467990.

  17. El Calafate in 4 days, recommended itinerary [Go Patagonic ]

    It is necessary to rent a car to visit Calafate. How many days are needed to visit El Calafate. Itinerary through El Calafate in 4 days, day-by-day details. Day 1: Perito Moreno glacier hike and walkways. Day 2 navigation in the glaciers national park. Day 3: Patagonian ranch and the steppe. Day 4: excursion to el chaltén from el calafate.

  18. El Calafate Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

    Compare the best 211 El Calafate Tours, vacations packages, & adventures from 31 local experts and top companies. Covid-19 updates. 980 El Calafate... Search Search Tours. ... El Calafate Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025 138 El Calafate trips. Compare tour itineraries from 43 tour companies. 539 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

  19. CALAFATE PARQUE HOTEL (El Calafate, Patagonia)

    Calafate Parque Hotel, El Calafate: See 958 traveller reviews, 612 user photos and best deals for Calafate Parque Hotel, ranked #8 of 77 El Calafate hotels, rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. ... This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry ...

  20. Excursiones en El Calafate

    Aventura. Excursión de día completo en la que se visita El Chaltén partiendo desde El Calafate.Incluye paradas y caminatas tranquilas en miradores, almuerzo en restaurant y tiempo libre para recorrer el típico pueblo de montaña, siempre acompañados por un guía.En el camino, visitarán el Parador La Leona y el Mirador del Glaciar Viedma y, al llegar a Chaltén, el Mirador de los ...

  21. Portada

    EL CALAFATE Casa Central Juan Pablo II 173 Of. 1 (9405) El Calafate, Santa Cruz. Argentina USHUAIA Oficina Corresponsal Gobernador Paz 95, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, AR. Términos, condiciones y Politicas de Cancelacion WHATSAPP + 54 9 2902 40.3398 TELEFONO + 54 9 2966 63.2406 CORREOS [email protected] | [email protected] SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL Mintur EVyT 17627

  22. Tours and Excursions en El Calafate

    A wide variety of activities are organized around the Argentine lake, highlighting visits to tourist ranches, 4×4 trips to the Frías and Huyliche hills, horseback riding, excursions to the Laguna Nimez ecological reserve, and walks on Lake Roca. In front of Redonda Bay, there is the Club Andino Lago Argentino, a pioneer in teaching mountain ...

  23. 20 Essential Things to Do in El Calafate

    8) Get to know Estancia Cristina. 9) Learn about ice at the Glaciarium. 10) Have a drink at the Ice Bar. 11) Learn about the history of El Calafate at the Regional Museum. 12) Visit the cave paintings at Punta Walichu. 13) Enjoy incredible views at Frías Hill. 14) Get to know the Calafate Creek canyon.

  24. Spring Break Travel Advisories Reissued for Mexico, Jamaica and the

    Warnings about spring break travel to certain parts of Mexico came in recent days, while the security alerts and updated travel advisories for Jamaica and the Bahamas were issued in late January ...

  25. Aspen's Slopes Draw Skiers and Influencers to the Colorado Town

    Aspen Has 153 New Acres of Terrain. Cue the Champagne. This Colorado enclave draws both die-hard snow lovers and those who don't even dream of skiing, be they museum-goers, gourmands or ...

  26. Help! Air Canada Ruined Our Trip to Ireland but Won't Take the Blame

    Help! Air Canada Ruined Our Trip to Ireland but Won't Take the Blame. - The New York Times. Help! Air Canada Ruined Our Trip to Ireland but Won't Take the Blame. A Minnesota couple's ...