Things To Do
in El Calafate
El Calafate is a charming town located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, known for its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. The town serves as a popular base for exploring the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, ice trekking, and boat tours. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including glacial lakes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife.
El Calafate also features a variety of restaurants, shops, and accommodations to cater to tourists exploring this unique and picturesque destination.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views while walking along the extensive pathways that offer various perspectives of the glacier.
Take a boat tour to get up close to the glacier's towering ice walls. Enjoy the refreshing ambiance and watch for calving icebergs.
Return to El Calafate and dine at a local restaurant. Try traditional Patagonian cuisine while sharing stories of your day.
Wake up early and take a guided tour to Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy scenic drives and the sight of various glaciers along the way.
Spend your afternoon hiking in the park or taking a leisurely walk by Lake Argentino. Discover the diverse flora and fauna that the park has to offer.
End the day relaxing at your accommodation. Reflect on the stunning landscapes you've seen and plan for tomorrow.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, including glaciers and lakes.
- Access to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
- Vibrant local culture and cuisine, with opportunities to experience traditional Patagonian dishes.
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure with various accommodations and services.
- Remote location can make travel to and from El Calafate time-consuming.
- Higher costs for food and accommodations compared to more urban areas.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and varying conditions.
- Tourist crowds, especially during peak season, can lead to congestion at popular attractions.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in El Calafate
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a guided tour to visit the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can hike on the ice or take a boat ride to appreciate its grandeur.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park through various hiking trails that offer stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes.
Embark on a boat tour to witness the magnificence of Upsala Glacier and its surrounding icy landscapes, providing an unforgettable and picturesque experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of El Calafate with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in El Calafate
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities for spectacular photos.
Provides a panoramic view of the city and Lake Argentino, perfect for capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Boasts diverse birdlife and picturesque landscapes, ideal for capturing nature and wildlife photos.
Food in El Calafate
El Calafate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Argentine barbecue featuring various cuts of meat, including ribs, chorizo, and morcilla, grilled to perfection. Best enjoyed at La Tablita, a popular local restaurant.
Must-Try!
Patagonian lamb slow-roasted over an open fire, offering a succulent and flavorful experience. La Zaina Restaurante is highly recommended for its exquisite preparation of this dish.
Freshly caught Patagonian trout, often prepared simply with local herbs and accompanied by roasted vegetables. Don Pichón Restaurante is known for its exceptional trout dishes.
Unique Experiences
Get to know El Calafate better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a variety of street food, including empanadas, choripan (chorizo sandwich), and local pastries. It's a great place to savor authentic flavors while exploring the town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In El Calafate, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others when interacting, especially with people you do not know well.
Punctuality is valued in El Calafate, so it's important to be on time for appointments and social gatherings.
In social situations, it is common to greet friends and acquaintances with a kiss on the cheek in El Calafate as a sign of warmth and friendliness.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of El Calafate with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in El Calafate
Ensure a smooth experience
In El Calafate, Argentina, it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip for good service at restaurants. Some establishments may include a service charge, so it's important to check the bill before tipping.
Most businesses in El Calafate, Argentina, accept credit and debit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and local markets. ATMs are widely available in the town for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into El Calafate.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, wildflowers blooming, and increasing wildlife activity.
Peak tourist season, warm weather, and longer daylight hours for exploring the glaciers and natural attractions.
Cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage, and fewer crowds.
Cold weather, lower tourist numbers, and opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.
El Calafate at Night
Hiking in El Calafate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this national park offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes.
A challenging hike that leads to a beautiful glacial lake with breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy. The trail is approximately 10 kilometers long.
Hiking around the Perito Moreno Glacier offers unique perspectives of this dynamic glacier, with several trails available for different skill levels.
A relatively easy hike that takes you to a picturesque waterfall, making it a great family-friendly option just outside El Calafate.
A strenuous hike that provides incredible views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and surrounding peaks, ideal for experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into El Calafate through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach El Calafate by plane.
The main airport serving El Calafate, located approximately 20 km from the city center.
Located in the city of Bariloche, approximately 140 km from El Calafate, serving both domestic and international flights.
An airport in Buenos Aires, around 2,000 km from El Calafate, primarily serving domestic flights but with connections to international routes.
Located in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, about 2,100 km from El Calafate, this is the largest international airport in Argentina with numerous global connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large demographic group comprised mainly of domestic and international tourists visiting attractions such as the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Local inhabitants, including families and individuals who live and work in the region, primarily involved in tourism and local services.
A smaller demographic group of individuals from other countries working in various sectors, particularly in service and hospitality.
Indigenous groups that may reside in the surrounding areas, though their numbers are relatively small compared to other demographics.
The Soul of El Calafate
Discover the essence of El Calafate through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
El Calafate is known for its stunning natural landscapes, making hiking a popular sport that attracts numerous tourists each year. Trails such as those in Los Glaciares National Park offer breathtaking views.
With the presence of the Perito Moreno Glacier, ice climbing has become a unique sport in El Calafate, allowing adventurers to explore and ascend the glacial formations.
Kayaking in the glacial lakes surrounding El Calafate provides a thrilling way to experience the area's natural beauty and wildlife, with guided tours available for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Sport fishing in the rivers and lakes near El Calafate is popular, attracting those looking to catch species like trout in a picturesque setting.
Exploring the Patagonian landscapes on horseback is a favored activity for tourists, offering a unique perspective of the area's flora and fauna.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Calafate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Argentine cuisine heavily relies on meat, many restaurants in El Calafate offer excellent vegetarian and vegan dishes. Popular options include quinoa salads, vegetable stir-fries, and flavorful lentil stews.
Several eateries in El Calafate cater to gluten-free needs, providing varied selections such as grilled fish with quinoa, corn-based empanadas, and delectable fruit-based desserts.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of El Calafate with these cultural adventures.