Argentina
El Calafate
El Calafate - Gateway to Glaciers
El Calafate is the tourist capital of Argentine Patagonia, positioned on the shores of turquoise Lago Argentino. While the town itself is a modern service hub with hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, the real draw lies 80 km west: Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's most accessible and dynamic ice masses.
Last Update
Nov 19, 2025
El Calafate is the tourist capital of Argentine Patagonia, positioned on the shores of turquoise Lago Argentino. While the town itself is a modern service hub with hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, the real draw lies 80 km west: Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's most accessible and dynamic ice masses. Unlike most glaciers that are retreating, Perito Moreno maintains a stable equilibrium, regularly calving massive chunks of ice into the lake with thunderous roars. The town also serves as the jumping-off point for boat trips to Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, and for ice-trekking adventures on the glacier surface itself.
Experience Glaciers and Estancias from El Calafate
Witness active glacier calving — From a series of elevated walkways, you can spend hours watching and hearing ice towers collapse into the Brazo Rico channel, creating waves and spray. The sound is unforgettable: cracks like rifle shots followed by rumbling impacts.
Walk on ancient ice — Guided "Big Ice" and "Mini Trekking" excursions take you onto the glacier wearing crampons, exploring blue crevasses, meltwater streams, and ice formations thousands of years old.
Explore multiple glaciers in one region — Los Glaciares National Park contains 47 major glaciers. Boat tours navigate through iceberg-filled waters to reach the towering faces of Upsala (the largest) and Spegazzini glaciers, both over 100 meters high.
Experience Patagonian estancia culture — Stay at working sheep ranches like Estancia Cristina or Nibepo Aike, where you can ride horses across the steppe, share asados with gauchos, and learn about frontier life.
Use as a base for diverse excursions — El Calafate connects easily to El Chaltén (3 hrs), Torres del Paine (5 hrs), and even multi-day ice cap expeditions for adventurous travelers.
Adventure Activities
Beyond glacier viewing, El Calafate offers diverse adventure activities for active travelers:
Ice Trekking on Perito Moreno
The signature adventure experience:
Mini Trekking: 1.5 hours on ice, moderate difficulty (ages 18-50). Walk across the glacier's southern edge with crampons, exploring ice formations, small crevasses, and meltwater streams.
Big Ice: 3-4 hours on ice, challenging (ages 18-45). Deep glacier exploration including blue ice caves, large seracs, technical sections, and dramatic crevasse crossings.
Both include boat crossing, forest hike, safety briefing, and all equipment
Book with Hielo & Aventura or Solo Patagonia
Requires moderate-to-good fitness
4x4 Excursions
Access remote areas of Los Glaciares National Park:
Estancia Cristina 4x4: Boat to remote ranch, then off-road to Upsala Glacier viewpoints or fossil-rich canyons
High Mountain 4x4: Drive to 1,000m+ elevation for panoramic ice field views
Fossil Safari: Explore ancient marine fossils in the Andes foothills
Half-day or full-day options
Combines adventure with spectacular scenery
Horseback Riding at Estancias
Experience gaucho culture on working ranches:
Half-day rides through Patagonian steppe with Andes backdrop
Full-day excursions to hidden lakes and viewpoints
Multi-day pack trips into backcountry (for experienced riders)
Traditional asado lunches often included
Operators: Estancia Nibepo Aike, Estancia 25 de Mayo, Estancia Cristina
Kayaking on Lago Argentino
Paddle the turquoise glacial lake:
Half-day tours exploring protected bays near El Calafate
Full-day expeditions toward glacier fronts
Multi-day camping trips for experienced paddlers
Equipment and guides provided
Season: October-April
Operators: Mil Outdoor, Patagonia Adventure Explorer
Mountain Biking
Explore by pedal power:
Laguna Nimez circuit (easy, 10 km, wildlife viewing)
Road to Perito Moreno (challenging, 80 km one-way, elevation gain)
Bahía Redonda loop (moderate, 25 km, lake views)
Estancia trails (various difficulties)
Bike rentals available in town
Guided tours include support vehicles
Rock Climbing
Scale Patagonian rock faces:
Sport climbing at crags near town (bolted routes)
Traditional climbing on granite formations
Via ferrata routes for non-climbers
Climbing courses from beginner to advanced
Equipment rental and guides available
Best season: November-March
Boat Tours Beyond Perito Moreno
Navigate to less-visited glaciers:
Ríos de Hielo (Ice Rivers): Full-day tour visiting Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. Navigate through iceberg alley, witness 135m glacier walls.
Upsala Glacier Express: Faster boat to largest glacier in park
Spegazzini Glacier Premium: Focus on the tallest glacier wall
All include gourmet meals and expert guides
Book with Cruceros Marpatag or Solo Patagonia
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Peaceful way to explore the lake:
SUP lessons and rentals at Bahía Redonda
Calm waters perfect for beginners
Glacier views from your board
Sunset SUP sessions popular
Season: December-March
Plan Your Trip
