Argentina is a country that boasts beautiful tourist sites. Due to the vastness of the country, limited time can be a challenge while traveling around, and most tourists choose only a few regions to visit. However, one destination that is an absolute must-see is El Calafate.
El Calafate, located in the Patagonian region of Argentina, is a destination that captivates with its stunning natural landscapes. Situated in the province of Santa Cruz, at the southernmost tip of the country, El Calafate is renowned for its unique scenic beauty that leaves visitors in awe.
Where To Stay In El Calafate
In El Calafate, a highly touristy site, you’ll find various accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. The best option is to stay in the center of El Calafate as it is not a very large town, and this is where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, since most attractions can be accessed via day tours, making it your base is convenient.
El Calafate offers a selection of hotels and resorts of different categories, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels with full services. Make sure to book in advance, especially during high season, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly.
Luxury El Calafate Hotels
- Hotel Posada los Alamos
- Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate
- Xelena Hotel & Suites
- Design Suites Calafate
- Lagos Del Calafate
Mid-Range El Calafate Hotels
Budget El Calafate Hotels
Where To Eat In El Calafate
In El Calafate, as in the Argentine Patagonian region, you’ll find a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the local culture and ingredients. Some traditional dishes include Patagonian lamb, river trout, empanadas, and Patagonian stew, a hearty and comforting dish made with meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables.
Additionally, take the opportunity to pair your meal with one of the local wines. Not every day can you enjoy a glass of wine from the end of the world.
For dessert, you must try the Calafate jam, a typical wild fruit used to make a variety of desserts such as sweets and jams. The region of Calafate owes its name to this wild fruit.
- La Cantina Piadineria – Perfect for eating piadinas and empanadas with a view of the lake.
- Mi Rancho Restaurante Patagonico – Some nights feature live tango music.
- Centinela Cocina al Horno de Barro
- Isabel Cocina al Disco
- La Gaita Pizza Bar
- Cerveza Patagonia
Best Tours To Take From El Calafate
El Calafate is a great base for a trip to the region, with plenty of tours departing from the area every day. Some of the best tours to take from El Calafate are:
- During this amazing Patagonian adventure, hike with crampons on the Perito Moreno Glacier. Explore a forest on foot and stroll along a series of walkways. Enjoy new perspectives of the magnificent ice mass during a boat cruise in front of the glacier.
- Embark on a full-day tour from El Calafate to the village of El Chaltén. Take in the mountain views during the journey, then set off on a brief hike to explore the area at your own pace.
- Take a tour of the most magical mountain in Patagonia. Travel to El Chaltén from El Calafate to venture on this trek to Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of the famous Mount Fitz Roy.
Four-Day Weekend Itinerary In El Calafate
Day One – El Calafate And Nimez Lagoon
Most flights to El Calafate from Buenos Aires arrive early in the morning, allowing you to settle in and explore downtown. Although it’s not the main attraction, it’s worth taking a stroll through it. You’ll find bars, restaurants, and craft shops on Avenida Libertador, the main street.
In the afternoon, you can walk through the Laguna Nimez Reserve. The reserve protects a wetland area and has several trails where you can see a wide variety of birds. Additionally, it offers a landscape surrounded by mountains and views of Lake Argentino.
Day Two – Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the main attractions is the Perito Moreno Glacier. To reach Los Glaciares National Park from El Calafate, you must drive for about an hour and a half. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or catch a bus from the bus terminal. However, numerous agencies in downtown El Calafate offer excursions and transportation.
Once you arrive at Los Glaciares National Park, you need to purchase your ticket. It’s advisable to buy it in advance or pay in cash since the signal is very poor and you probably won’t be able to pay by card due to the bad signal. Once inside the national park, you have the following options:
- Walkways – See the Perito Moreno Glacier from the walkways, which offer stunning panoramic views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The walkways have different levels of difficulty, but all are easily accessible, and each route offers a different perspective of the glacier. With a bit of luck, you may witness the ice breaking off. It’s not necessary to hire a guide to walk on the walkways as you can walk freely.
- Boat navigation – This option allows you to see the glacier up close. The navigation lasts one hour and takes you closer to the front of the glacier. The boat departs from Puerto Bajo las Sombras, and you can buy the ticket there or book in advance to secure a spot at a preferred time.
- Mini Trekking on the Glacier – This option allows you to walk on the glacier with crampons, and there are different difficulty levels. This tour includes boat navigation, and at the end of the walk, they usually offer a glass of whiskey with glacier ice, one of the unique attractions of this experience.
Excursions, especially the mini-trekking on the glacier, tend to sell out quickly due to high demand and the daily limit on the number of people allowed to walk on the glacier.
Personally, I took the Ice Trekking and Adventure tour. Although there are many tour options, this company monopolizes the southern face of the glacier and has been a concessionaire of Los Glaciares National Park for over 30 years, providing experience at the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Day Three – Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers
While the Perito Moreno is the most renowned glacier in southern Argentina, it’s important not to forget about other glaciers. The Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers are two of the most impressive and prominent glaciers in the El Calafate region of Argentine Patagonia. The Upsala Glacier is the largest in Los Glaciares National Park and one of the largest in South America, covering an area of approximately 870 km².
Excursions from El Calafate include navigation among the glaciers on a boat trip. After an hour of sailing, the glacier is reached as the boat departs from Puerto Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate. You will descend into the Spegazzini Channel and Glacier Bay for an hour and a half while enjoying a view of the Spegazzini Glacier.
Day Four – El Chaltén
If you have time, consider taking a day trip to El Chaltén. You can visit El Chaltén from Calafate by car or on a day excursion. El Chaltén is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities in Argentine Patagonia.
Its main attraction is Mount Fitz Roy, although to see it up close, you’ll need at least two days in El Chaltén and a moderate physical effort trek. There are also other beautiful trekking routes in El Chaltén. Glaciers, turquoise water mirrors, and mountains are the predominant landscape that summarizes this place.
How To Get To El Calafate, Argentina
Getting to El Calafate usually involves taking a flight from Buenos Aires or other major cities in Argentina, like Cordoba or Bariloche. If you are coming from abroad, you will likely have to make a stopover in Buenos Aires before taking a flight to El Calafate. The Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) is the nearest airport to El Calafate, which receives flights from Jorge Newbery Airpark (AEP) in Buenos Aires.
The primary airlines servicing El Calafate are JetSmart and Aerolineas Argentinas. Flights from Buenos Aires take approximately three and a half hours. Flights can become quite expensive during the high season, so I recommend booking in advance to secure better prices.
The El Calafate airport is 20 km from the city center. You can take a taxi (Lautaro +5492966740718) or the shuttle bus service, which drops you off directly at your hotel. Although it’s a slower option, it’s a bit more economical.
Several bus companies offer the approximately 37-hour journey from Buenos Aires. Some of these bus companies include Andesmar and Don Otto. Taking the bus may not be the most efficient option unless you have plenty of time and are planning a leisurely road trip.
Currency in Argentina
The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS). The country is experiencing an economic crisis, leading to the emergence of an unofficial exchange rate known as the “dollar blue.” Although unofficial, this exchange rate is commonly used by tourists visiting Argentina and you can obtain the “dólar blue” through exchange houses or by asking people around. Additionally, most accommodations offer currency exchange services for tourists staying with them.
In this context, the best option is to carry US dollars or euros in cash, which can eventually be exchanged for the “dollar blue.” The $100 bills should be the new series and in good condition. While many places accept cards, having some cash on hand is advisable, especially for small businesses or tips, as connectivity in some areas can be complicated. Furthermore, many places offer discounts for cash payments.
Keep in mind that the “dollar blue” exchange rate changes daily, so if you see a favorable conversion rate, take advantage of it by exchanging a significant amount of dollars for Argentine pesos.
Alternatively, both Mastercard and Visa offer dollar blue rates for those paying with an international card. However, it takes time to process. For example, you can pay by card, and they take the money from your account. A few days later, you will receive a refund with the difference between the rate you paid and the dollar blue rate.
Best Time To Visit El Calafate
The best time to visit El Calafate is during the austral summer (November-February) as it offers longer days, warmer temperatures, and more stable weather conditions. This is the prime time for outdoor activities such as trekking, glacier navigation, and wildlife spotting.
However, Calafate receives tourists all year round as the National Parks remain open throughout the year.
What To Wear In El Calafate
The weather in El Calafate can be variable, mainly due to its location in Patagonia. Even if you visit in summer, bring warm clothing and layers to adapt to rapid weather changes. Carry a waterproof or wind-resistant jacket to protect yourself from rain and wind.
Bring hiking boots and gloves if you plan to do activities such as glacier trekking or lake navigation. The sun can be quite intense during the day, especially during summer. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
El Calafate Guide Wrap Up
If you’re chasing a hiking or adventure vibe for your next vacation, I highly recommend checking out El Calafate. It’s a perfect long weekend getaway to add to your next Argentina or South American trip. Pack your hiking boots and prepare for breathtaking landscapes surrounded by nature.
I hope you’ve found this El Calafate guide helpful. If you’re interested in visiting other areas in Argentina, you can check out all our Argentina articles for inspiration, or our South America articles for other destination ideas.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit El Calafate! If you have questions about El Calafate or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments below.
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- Exploring Cafayate, Northern Argentina
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