El Calafate is your launchpad to the awe-inspiring Los Glaciares National Park and a must-visit for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Patagonia. From immense glaciers to scenic nature reserves and traditional ranches, this town has a wealth of unforgettable sights and activities that you won’t want to miss.
But beyond the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier, what are the best things to do in El Calafate? In this guide, you’ll find a complete list of the top experiences in and around the town—from breathtaking nature trails and boat tours to lively local markets and unique culinary treats. Discover the best of what El Calafate has to offer and start planning your dream Patagonia adventure!
How to Get to El Calafate
The fastest and easiest way to reach El Calafate is by plane. This town is located in southern Argentina, in the Santa Cruz province, on the shores of Lago Argentino, the country’s largest freshwater lake. El Calafate sits around 80 kilometers east of the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier and is not too far from the border with Chile.
Tip: Don’t confuse El Calafate with the town of Perito Moreno, which shares its name with the famous glacier but is nowhere near it!
Given Argentina’s vast distances, flying is the most convenient option for getting to El Calafate from most other cities. El Calafate has its own modern airport, Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), located about 20 kilometers from the town center. Several airlines, including Aerolíneas Argentinas, offer daily flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. The flight takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
If you’re traveling from Ushuaia at Argentina’s southern tip, you can take a direct flight of about 1.5 hours. For those coming from Bariloche, there’s also a direct flight option, which takes just under 2 hours.
If you’re already in the region, such as in El Chaltén or Puerto Natales in Chile, taking a bus to El Calafate is a great option. The scenic 3-hour drive from El Chaltén offers breathtaking views of Lago Argentino and the surrounding Patagonian mountains.
On a tighter travel budget? We opted for a long-distance night bus to El Calafate, which saved us money and made the journey part of the adventure. Just be prepared for a long haul if you choose this option!
What is El Calafate Known For?
El Calafate is world-renowned as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates travelers from all over. The star attraction here is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only glaciers on the planet that’s still advancing. This massive sheet of ice, which inches forward daily, offers a mesmerizing experience for visitors. You can get up close to the glacier on special walkways or take a boat tour across Lago Argentino for a stunning perspective. With sheer ice walls rising up to 60 meters above the water, the glacier regularly sheds massive chunks of ice into the lake—a dramatic event that never fails to wow onlookers.
But there’s more to El Calafate than its glaciers. The town is also famous for the calafate berry, a small, deep-blue fruit native to the region that inspired the town’s name and a local saying: “Whoever eats the calafate berry will always return”. You’ll find this berry featured in various local treats, from jams and ice creams to a unique regional beer.
Where to Stay in Calafate
El Calafate offers a wide range of charming accommodations, making it the perfect base for exploring Patagonia and Los Glaciares National Park. Whether you prefer staying right in the vibrant town center, a peaceful hotel along the shores of Lago Argentino, or an authentic estancia in the countryside, you’ll find something special to suit your taste. Read on for the best places to stay in El Calafate, with options for every type of traveler!
El Calafate is the ultimate gateway to experiencing the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. To make the most of your visit, it’s convenient to stay near the town center, where you’ll find most of the restaurants, shops, and tour providers. This is ideal if you plan to book excursions or enjoy dining out. The main street, Avenida del Libertador, forms the heart of the town, lined with accommodations ranging from budget hostels to upscale hotels.
Top picks for hotels in El Calafate Town Center
#1 Hotel Posada Los Alamos – Located in the heart of El Calafate, this luxurious hotel offers a spa with a heated pool, sauna, and the town’s only golf course. The rooms are warm and inviting, making it a great choice for travelers seeking both comfort and a central location.
#2 Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate – A chic boutique hotel featuring modern Patagonian architecture and panoramic views over Lago Argentino. Esplendor’s spacious rooms, indoor pool, spa, and on-site restaurant make it easy to relax, and it’s conveniently located within walking distance of the center.
#3 Patagonia Queen Hotel Boutique – Just steps from both the center and Lago Argentino, this small, welcoming hotel features warm decor, a gym, a game room, and a cozy communal area. It’s an ideal choice for travelers looking for a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
#4 Folk Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel has earned high ratings for its sociable vibe and helpful staff. Offering both dorms and private rooms, Folk Hostel is a great option for budget travelers, and it’s centrally located close to restaurants and shops.
#5 Imago Hotel & Spa – For those seeking a tranquil, luxurious retreat, Imago offers a spa with an indoor pool, beautiful views of Lago Argentino, and a shuttle to the town center. Perfect for relaxation after a day exploring the Patagonian wilderness.
Top choices along Lago Argentino
If you’re after a quieter stay with stunning natural views, consider staying along the shores of Lago Argentino. Here, you can take in breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, while remaining just a short drive from town—a perfect choice if you’d like to avoid the busier town center.
#6 Mirador del Lago Hotel – This warm and rustic four-star hotel provides a serene setting with views over Lago Argentino. Some rooms have lake views, and the restaurant serves delicious local dishes, making it ideal for a peaceful stay just outside El Calafate.
#7 Xelena Hotel & Suites – Located right on Lago Argentino, this luxurious hotel offers modern rooms, a wellness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. A free shuttle makes it easy to reach town, making it perfect for those seeking luxury and a peaceful setting.
For an immersive Patagonian experience, staying at a traditional estancia just outside El Calafate is a must. Here, you can discover life on the steppe and participate in activities like horseback riding and sheep herding. Estancias offer a unique atmosphere and the chance to experience Patagonia’s culture and landscape up close. For convenience, it’s helpful to have a rental car to easily access town and nearby attractions.
Top Estancias near El Calafate
#8 Estancia Cristina – This historic estancia, founded in 1914, is deep in Los Glaciares National Park and accessible only by boat. Stay in charming rustic rooms and enjoy guided hikes, off-road excursions, and horseback riding through the spectacular landscape, with traditional Patagonian meals served on-site.
#9 Estancia Nibepo Aike – An authentic Patagonian ranch in Los Glaciares National Park, where you can experience local ranch life. Activities include sheep herding and horseback riding, and the restaurant serves regional specialties like roast lamb, making it ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in Patagonia’s culture and natural beauty.
Top 10 Things to Do in El Calafate
#1 Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park, in the heart of southern Argentina, is a vast and awe-inspiring landscape famous for its towering glaciers, jagged peaks, and unique ecosystems. Established in 1937, the park protects a significant portion of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest freshwater reserves on Earth and the largest continental ice field outside of Antarctica and Greenland. With such dramatic natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Los Glaciares was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
Spanning over 7,200 square kilometers, this is Argentina’s largest national park. While most visitors come to see the famed Perito Moreno Glacier, the park also includes other impressive glaciers like the Upsala, Spegazzini, and Viedma. The Upsala Glacier, at 53 kilometers long, is the largest glacier in South America and is known for its enormous icebergs that break off into Lago Argentino. The Spegazzini Glacier boasts a sheer ice wall that rises an astonishing 135 meters, the highest in the park. The Viedma Glacier, accessible via Lago Viedma, is especially popular for its vivid blue ice formations and deep crevasses, which visitors can explore through organized hikes or ice walks.
In addition to glaciers, the park features diverse landscapes, including forests of native lenga and ñire trees, rocky hills, and expansive lakes like Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma. The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, so keep an eye out for condors, eagles, guanacos, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive puma.
#2 Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-see in Argentina and one of Patagonia’s most captivating natural wonders. Located about 90 minutes from El Calafate, this active glacier is in constant motion, advancing a few meters every day. As large chunks of ice periodically break off and plunge into Lago Argentino with a thunderous crash, visitors are treated to an unforgettable natural spectacle.
A network of wooden walkways and stairs surrounding the glacier leads to several viewpoints, allowing you to enjoy different perspectives of its 60-meter-high ice wall. These paths offer great vantage points for watching the ice as it calves. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon offers a quieter experience, with the sounds of cracking ice echoing dramatically across the lake.
For a more immersive experience, consider an ice hike on the glacier itself. Guided tours offer both short hikes (about 1.5 hours) and extended treks (up to four hours) across the ice. With crampons strapped on, you’ll walk through deep blue crevasses and over crystal-clear ice pools, making for a thrilling adventure. These treks, arranged from El Calafate, offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk on one of the world’s most famous glaciers.
#3 Glacier Boat Tours and Kayaking
Exploring the glaciers and lakes around El Calafate by boat or kayak offers a unique perspective on the magnificent ice formations in Los Glaciares National Park. Cruises depart daily from the ports at Puerto Bandera and Lago Argentino, offering close-up views of famous glaciers like Perito Moreno, Upsala, Spegazzini, and Viedma. Large vessels navigate the fjords and channels, such as the Turistenfjord and the Upsala Canal, bringing you close to towering ice formations that can rise as high as 135 meters above the water.
For an active adventure, opt for a kayaking excursion. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll paddle through the calm waters of Lago Argentino or around smaller icebergs in the Upsala Canal. Outfitted with dry suits and all necessary gear, you can safely explore the chilly Patagonian lakes. The quiet pace of kayaking allows you to savor the grandeur of the ice formations up close, making for a serene and unforgettable experience.
Most boat and kayak tours are suitable for all ages and don’t require special skills. Many also offer stops at scenic viewpoints like Puesto Las Vacas, where you can disembark to take a short hike and soak in the beauty of the landscape from solid ground. Longer cruises often include lunch or dinner on board, so you can relax and enjoy the views while you dine.
#4 Downtown El Calafate
El Calafate’s bustling downtown area is a lively blend of shops, restaurants, and local culture, with Avenida del Libertador as the main street. Here, you’ll find plenty of places to sample traditional Argentine cuisine and local specialties. Along this street, numerous restaurants and grills serve up classic Argentine barbecue dishes, like parrilla and asado. Don’t miss the chance to try cordero patagónico (Patagonian lamb), slow-roasted over an open flame, or one of Argentina’s famously tender steaks.
For a fun experience, head to the Yeti Ice Bar, where everything—from the walls to the glasses—is made of ice. Visitors are provided with cozy ponchos, and you can snap photos among the bar’s playful ice sculptures as you enjoy a drink.
For a quieter escape, take a scenic walk along Arroyo Calafate. This trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint with lovely views of the town and surrounding landscapes, making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset.
#5 Paseo de Artesanos, the artisan market
For those looking for authentic Patagonian souvenirs, the Paseo de Artesanos is a must-visit. Tucked just off Avenida del Libertador, this artisan market offers a wide selection of handcrafted goods by local artists. Browse through unique items like leather bags, intricately designed jewelry, and colorful textile products, including ponchos and scarves inspired by Patagonia’s culture and natural beauty. Many artisans use local materials, such as sheep’s wool, felt, and minerals, giving each piece a distinct Patagonian character.
The relaxed atmosphere and the pleasure of browsing through the various stalls make Paseo de Artesanos a highlight of any visit to El Calafate. The market comes alive in the afternoon and early evening when most artisans are present, eager to share the stories behind their creations and sell their handmade wares.
#6 Glaciarium: The Glacier Museum
Just outside El Calafate, the Glaciarium Glacier Museum offers a fascinating and interactive look into Patagonia’s icy wonders. This modern museum dives deep into the geology, ecology, and history of the glaciers in southern Patagonia, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. With 3D models, video displays, and exhibits on the formation and evolution of ice fields, visitors learn how glaciers are created, how they have transformed over the centuries, and how climate change impacts them today.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Glaciobar, a quirky bar made entirely of ice. Visitors bundle up in warm jackets provided at the door and step into an icy room where everything—tables, chairs, and even the glasses—is carved from ice. The Glaciobar serves local cocktails and soft drinks in ice glasses, making for a memorable and “cool” experience that perfectly wraps up your visit.
#7 Laguna Nimez Reserve
Laguna Nimez Reserve, just a 15-minute walk from downtown El Calafate, is easily reached via Avenida del Libertador towards Lago Argentino. This peaceful reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 80 bird species, including Chilean flamingos, black-necked swans, and a variety of ducks.
Upon arrival, you can follow the simple three-kilometer loop trail that circles the lagoon, providing access to several scenic viewpoints along the way. Informational signs share interesting facts about the plants and animals of the reserve, making it an educational as well as beautiful spot to explore. Besides birds, you may also spot other Patagonian wildlife, such as guanacos or the Andean fox.
Open year-round, Laguna Nimez has a modest entrance fee, which helps to preserve this protected area, making it a worthwhile and tranquil escape from the city.
#8 A Traditional Estancia
A visit to a traditional Patagonian estancia (ranch) is one of the best ways to experience the culture and history of Argentina’s rugged south. These working ranches provide a window into the lifestyle of Patagonia’s early settlers and the practices they developed to thrive in this remote landscape. Several estancias around El Calafate welcome visitors for guided tours, where you can learn about sheep farming, traditional agricultural methods, and daily life on a ranch.
A popular choice is Estancia Rio Mitre, set in a breathtaking, secluded area at the edge of Los Glaciares National Park. Here, you can spend the day riding horses through scenic valleys, touring the rustic ranch buildings, and visiting a small museum featuring artifacts and photos from Patagonia’s pioneering days. A highlight of the estancia experience is a traditional Patagonian asado—lamb slow-roasted over an open fire. Roasted on a cross, this cooking method gives the meat a distinctive, smoky tenderness that’s a true taste of the region.
Beyond the food and scenery, estancia visits are often social gatherings. Friendly gauchos—the skilled horsemen and women of Patagonia—share stories of ranch life and the area’s history, adding a cultural depth to the experience. Many excursions include transportation from El Calafate, and most estancias offer both day tours and overnight stays, making it easy to add a bit of traditional Patagonia to your itinerary.
#9 Archaeological Treasures: Punta Walichu and La Leona Petrified Forest
For a taste of Patagonia’s ancient history, explore the archaeological sites of Punta Walichu and La Leona Petrified Forest. Located just eight kilometers from El Calafate, Punta Walichu—also called Cuevas Gualicho—is famous for its prehistoric rock paintings created thousands of years ago by the area’s indigenous people. These ancient drawings offer a glimpse into their daily lives, rituals, and art, and some replicas are displayed to protect the original works. The setting alone is worth the visit, with sweeping views of the landscape around El Calafate.
Further afield is La Leona Petrified Forest, a remarkable fossil site between El Calafate and El Chaltén. This surreal, almost lunar landscape is filled with petrified tree trunks and fossils dating back millions of years. A guided hike through the Petrified Forest reveals ancient tree fossils and even some dinosaur remains, offering a rare window into the region’s geologic past.
Both sites are excellent for history and nature enthusiasts, offering a refreshing contrast to Patagonia’s glacier-dominated landscape. Guided tours are available, or you can rent a car or motorbike to explore these archaeological treasures at your own pace.
#10 Day Trip to El Chaltén: Hike to Fitz Roy and Laguna de los Tres
A day trip to El Chaltén, Argentina’s hiking capital, is a must for anyone eager to experience Patagonia’s breathtaking nature up close. Located about three hours from El Calafate, El Chaltén attracts hikers from all over the world who come to see the dramatic peaks of the Andes, including the iconic Cerro Fitz Roy. With its sharp, granite spires, Fitz Roy is one of the most recognizable mountains in Patagonia and a top destination for both hikers and climbers.
Read more: best Patagonia hikes
The hike to Laguna de los Tres is the most popular day hike in El Chaltén, leading you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Fitz Roy. The trail begins in town and winds through forests, valleys, and rocky slopes. The final stretch is a challenging climb, but the payoff is worth it: you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the turquoise lagoon framed by Fitz Roy’s rugged silhouette. The round-trip hike takes about eight hours and is demanding, but it’s a highlight for those up to the challenge.
If you prefer a guided experience, consider a day tour from El Calafate to El Chaltén, which includes transportation and a guide who can share insights about the area’s natural wonders. For independent travelers, buses run between the two towns, allowing for a full day of hiking and exploring before heading back to El Calafate in the evening.
