Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
Damián Coco, Pexels
El Calafate serves as the premier gateway to Argentina's Patagonia, offering access to the remarkable Los Glaciares National Park and its iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. Visitors are drawn to its breathtaking icy landscapes and the diverse range of active outdoor experiences.
In El Calafate, the main street, Avenida Libertador, forms the town's social core with its array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. For those seeking to connect with other travelers, several hostels like America del Sur, Folk Hostel, Red House Hostel, and Titan Hostel provide welcoming common areas, game rooms, and on-site bars or restaurants. Many hostels also facilitate booking excursions, creating opportunities for shared adventures.
Top 7 Things to do in El Calafate
El Calafate offers a range of experiences centered around its glacial landscapes, from active ice trekking to serene boat navigation, complemented by insights into Patagonian history and wildlife.
1. Explore Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways
Witness the immense Perito Moreno Glacier from an extensive network of boardwalks, offering diverse perspectives of its towering ice walls and the dramatic ice calving events. This allows for observing the glacier's unique dynamic of constant advance and rupture into Lake Argentino. It is accessible for most visitors.
Cost: National Park Entrance Fee: Estimated ARS 45,000 (approx. USD 41.50 as of Dec 2024), payable in Argentine Pesos (cash or card) at the park entrance. This fee is separate from transport or tour costs.
Transport: Located approximately 80 km from El Calafate. Regular buses depart from El Calafate Bus Terminal (approx. 1.5 hours, around USD 30-50 return). Taxis or private remises are also available (estimated USD 75-100 for a return trip, shared cost for groups). Many tours include transfers.
2. Mini-Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
Experience walking on the surface of the Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons, guided by experts. This allows for close-up views of ice formations, crevasses, and small lagoons on the glacier itself. No prior trekking experience is required, but participants should have moderate fitness. This popular activity typically includes a boat trip to access the glacier and time on the boardwalks.
Cost: Estimated USD 350-490 per person (March 2024 - 2025 rates), plus National Park entrance fee. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as spaces can sell out weeks ahead.
Transport: Tours typically include bus transfers from El Calafate to the Bajo las Sombras port within the National Park.
Embark on a boat tour on Lago Rico, providing an alternative perspective of the Perito Moreno Glacier's southern face. The vessel approaches within 150-400 meters of the ice wall, offering opportunities to witness ice calvings from the water and see icebergs. This experience is suitable for all ages and is often an add-on to a walkway visit.
Cost: Estimated USD 80-100 per person, plus National Park entrance fee. Some full-day tours bundle this with walkway access.
Transport: Departs from Bajo las Sombras port, which is within Los Glaciares National Park (approximately 1.5 hours from El Calafate). Transport to the port is often included in tours or can be arranged via bus or taxi.
4. Glacier Navigation to Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers
Take a full-day catamaran cruise through Lake Argentino's northern arm, venturing deeper into Los Glaciares National Park to view the expansive Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. These are among the largest glaciers in the park. The cruise allows for stunning panoramic views of the icebergs and rugged Patagonian landscapes.
Cost: Estimated USD 257-325 per person for the tour (as of 2024/2025), plus National Park entrance fee.
Transport: Tours typically depart from Puerto Bandera, located about 50 km from El Calafate. Transfers from hotels in El Calafate are often included in tour prices.
5. Visit Estancia Cristina
Journey by boat across Lake Argentino to Estancia Cristina, a historic Patagonian ranch. This immersive experience typically includes a guided tour of the estancia, learning about its history and sheep farming traditions. Options might include a 4x4 ride to a viewpoint overlooking Upsala Glacier or a short trek through a fossil canyon, combining cultural insight with scenic exploration.
Cost: Estimated USD 325-390 per person for a day trip (as of 2024/2025), which often includes navigation, activities, and lunch.
Transport: Tours depart from Puerto Bandera (50 km from El Calafate) with transfers from El Calafate hotels usually included.
6. Birdwatching at Laguna Nimez Reserve
Walk the easy trails of Laguna Nimez Municipal Ecological Reserve, a protected wetland near El Calafate's town center. This reserve is a haven for diverse bird species, including flamingos, swans, and ibis. Interpretive signs along the 3 km loop provide information on the local flora and fauna, making it a peaceful and informative activity.
Cost: Estimated ARS 12,000 for general admission (approx. USD 14 as of 2025). Free for residents of El Calafate and minors. Binocular rental available for a fee.
Transport: The reserve is within walking distance (approx. 1 km) from El Calafate town center.
7. Discover Glaciarium Ice Museum
Gain a deeper understanding of glaciers, the Patagonian Ice Field, and climate change at the Glaciarium, an interactive museum located just outside El Calafate. Its exhibits provide scientific context and historical information about the region's remarkable ice formations.
Cost: Entrance fee applies; specific cost not consistently stated in recent search results but typically separate from other tours.
Transport: Located a few kilometers outside town. Shuttle buses often run from El Calafate to the museum.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
