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El Calafate, Argentina

Destination Guide

El Calafate

Argentina

Best things to do in El Calafate

19 curated attractions in El Calafate, Argentina. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

November - February

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About El Calafate

A small town in Argentine Patagonia, El Calafate exists mainly because of the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. The town is a mix of souvenir shops and restaurants, built to cater to the steady stream of visitors drawn to the glacier's ice formations. Beyond that, the Lago Argentino stretches nearby, offering views and activities for those patient enough to wait for a bus. Most residents are wholly focused on the tourist economy, and the local wildlife, such as the guanacos in the nearby Valle de los Lobos, provides a touch of nature to the overall scene. The biggest draw is, of course, the glacier itself, where people come to see ice calving into the lake with all the grace of a toddler on roller skates.

Who it's for

This place is perfect for glacier enthusiasts and anyone keen on outdoor adventures. Not ideal if you dislike the cold, the limited dining options, or the fact that public transport is more of an aspiration than a reality. If you're looking for nightlife or a city experience, you might feel a little let down.

Getting around

Public transport: Poor

  • The town is small enough to walk from one end to the other in about twenty minutes
  • Bus services to the glacier are infrequent, so plan ahead or consider a tour
  • Taxis are available but can be a bit pricey for short distances
  • The nearest major airport is about twenty minutes away, so be prepared for an extra ride
Glaciarium Museum

Glaciarium Museum

Science & natural history museums
Cerro Frias

Cerro Frias

Mountains & volcanoes
Nimez Lagoon

Nimez Lagoon

Wildlife sanctuaries
Lago Argentino (the largest lake in Argentina)

Lago Argentino (the largest lake in Argentina)

Lakes
Lago Argentino

Lago Argentino

Lakes
Estancia Cristina (historic Patagonian ranch)

Estancia Cristina (historic Patagonian ranch)

Historic houses & mansions
La Leona Petrified Forest

La Leona Petrified Forest

Science & natural history museums
Puerto Bandera

Puerto Bandera

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Onelli Glacier

Onelli Glacier

Glaciers & fjords
Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier

Glaciers & fjords
Upsala Glacier

Upsala Glacier

Glaciers & fjords
Lago Roca

Lago Roca

Lakes
El Calafate Balcony

El Calafate Balcony

Scenic viewpoints
Calafate Mountain Park

Calafate Mountain Park

Adventure parks
La Zaina Estancia

La Zaina Estancia

Rice terraces & countryside
Valle de los Lobos

Valle de los Lobos

Wildlife sanctuaries
Walichu Caves

Walichu Caves

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center

El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center

History museums

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