2025 El Calafate Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Because the date for the Perito Moreno Glacier hike was later, I signed up for a glacier cruise 🛳️ one-day tour to appreciate the beauty of the glacier on the lake. Pay attention‼ ️This project is completely different from taking a boat to see the Moreno Glacier, the latter only takes a 1-hour boat ride and only sees one glacier In fact, there is not only the Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. There are many glaciers hidden in the ravines of Lake Argentino, and you have to take a boat to go in and see them. In El Calafate, there is a special project to take a boat to see other glaciers. The bus will pick you up at the hotel at around 7 o'clock in the morning and return to the hotel at 5 o'clock in the evening. You can see many different styles of glaciers in one day, including It also includes the largest SPEGAZZIN Glacier, which is 135 meters high, almost twice that of the Moreno Glacier. When the boat arrives at its foot, a strong sense of oppression instantly arises. During the boat tour, you will see a lot of ice floes and small icebergs floating on the lake. They are blue in color. Does this feeling resemble that of Antarctica? This time we were lucky enough to see the glacier falling after melting. First we heard a loud "crackling" sound, and then a large piece of ice suddenly fell down, splashing a large amount of water, which caused cheers from all the passengers on the ship. Finally, the cruise ship will let everyone land on the land opposite the SPEGAZZIN glacier to rest, where you can watch from afar the glacier pouring down from the mountains. 💰 Cruise fee Many travel agencies in El Calafate can quote this kind of tour for RMB 1,500, which does not include entrance fees to scenic spots. 🎫Tickets to scenic spots Although the cruise ship does not enter Perito Moreno National Park, but only sails in Lake Argentina, you still need to buy a ticket to the national park, which costs 12,000 pesos, about 90 RMB. Be sure to keep the ticket stub, so that you can buy a ticket at half the price when you enter the next day.

El Calafate is a small town built for tourism. It is about 1.5 hours away from Glacier National Park. It is a must-visit town for every traveler visiting the Glacier National Park, a World Heritage Site in Argentina. This time we stayed at the five-star imago hotel spa resort in the town. Although it is a bit far from the town’s main street, it is very convenient to travel back and forth with multiple shuttle buses every day. The hotel itself is in a cozy cabin style, and the breakfast is considered rich here! The spa pool in the park is very comfortable. Because it is very cold here in the morning and evening, warm water is provided. If you want to visit the Argentine glacier, this resort is really worth recommending #ImagoSpaHotel #A must-visit characteristic town in your lifetime #Calafat Characteristic Town

Address: José R. Haro 424, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina Ambiance/Facilities: Well equipped kitchen with fridge to store your food and communal eating area. Mainly international backpackers who stay there. Dorms are common but there are also nice private rooms for 2 or 3. Beds are comfy and room is spacious and clean. Definitely a value for money place to stay! Breakfast is simple and mediocre, good enough to fill you up though. Location wise it is not in the centre of town but still within walking distance of 10-15 mins. Avg. Price per Person - 2750AR$/pp/night Rating - 4.8/5 #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers

Located on the west of El Calafate in Argentina, the Moreno Glacier is the most iconic attraction of the Glacier National Park and costs 700 pesos. There are generally three ways to play: walking long distances along the trail; riding a close distance on the yacht; walking zero distance on the ice. When the glaciers of up to 20 floors collapse into the water, the loud noise will make you feel worthwhile.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Perito Molino Glacier is one of the most spectacular views in Patagonia. If you don't join a tour, you can take a bus to Los Glaciares National Park. Since the view is from inside the national park, unfortunately you can't walk on the glacier. If you want to walk on the glacier, I recommend a glacier trekking tour.

Heladería Acuarela is a must-visit ice cream shop in El Calafate, Argentina. Known as a local favorite, this shop offers a unique experience where you first make your payment, then show your receipt to the staff to select your desired ice cream flavors. You can choose between a cone or a cup, and there are various flavors to pick from. The shop also has indoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your ice cream comfortably inside. One of the most popular flavors is the 'El Calafate' flavor, which is unique and hard to find elsewhere, making it a hit among visitors. 🎯 Address: Av. del Libertador 1197, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz

La Tablita, a renowned steakhouse in Argentina, is a traditional barbecue restaurant offering lamb asado, beef, pork, and more. In addition to barbecue dishes, the menu is incredibly diverse, featuring options like soups, pasta, and salads. Known as a high-end restaurant in the city, La Tablita is loved by both locals and tourists for its clean interior and well-maintained service. 🎯Cnel. Rosales 28, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

#cityplaybook Day 1–2 in Salta: walk the city, then take a day trip to Cafayate or go trekking in San Lorenzo. Day 3–4 in El Calafate: go beyond the pasarelas—book a mini-trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier or kayak near icebergs. Day 5–7 in Ushuaia: start with Laguna Esmeralda, then take the full-day hike to the Martial Glacier ridge. If energy allows, cruise the Beagle Channel or reach the penguin colony on Isla Martillo. A packed week, but totally doable.

#cityplaybook Begin in Salta, staying in Cachi or Cafayate to slow down and explore the Calchaquí Valleys by car. Then head to El Calafate for glacier views and a quiet trail near Lago Roca. Wrap up in Ushuaia hiking to Laguna Esmeralda and wandering through lenga forests in Tierra del Fuego National Park. This route keeps you outdoors and grounded in landscapes—dry valleys, icy lakes, and mossy forests.

#cityplaybook Start in Salta with 2 days exploring colonial streets and driving the Quebrada de Humahuaca to see Purmamarca and Salinas Grandes. Then fly to El Calafate for 2 nights—spend a full day at Perito Moreno Glacier, walking the pasarelas and taking a boat cruise. End the week in Ushuaia, with a hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park and a Beagle Channel cruise. Each stop shows off a different Argentina—colorful, icy, and windswept.

#cityplaybook Start from El Calafate’s town center and walk along the lake toward Bahía Redonda, a peaceful bay filled with birds. Continue on to Laguna Nimez Reserve, where you can walk the full loop through marshland, viewing flamingos, black-necked swans, and other Patagonian birds. Extend the walk by continuing along the lakeshore paths or looping through the Reserva Natural Urbana Laguna Ortíz. This semi-urban route combines nature with town charm. Total: 12–16 km depending on your detours.

#cityplaybook Head to Lago Roca, south of Perito Moreno, for a more tranquil and off-the-beaten-path hike. Start near the campground and follow the Lago Roca Loop Trail, weaving through lenga forests and along the shoreline of the lake with incredible views of Cerro Cristal and the glacier from a distance. The full loop plus side trails to viewpoints can reach about 15 km. Less visited, this walk gives you solitude, birdlife, and wide-open skies.

#cityplaybook Morning: Start early at Panadería La Zorra with buttery medialunas and mate. Beat the crowds with a morning tour of Perito Moreno Glacier—yes, it’s a must, but hearing the ice crack live? Transcendent. Midday: Return to town and grab lunch at Mi Rancho, a cozy spot with Patagonian lamb and great wine. Afternoon: Take a detour to Laguna Nimez Reserve for flamingo spotting and wind-swept solitude. Then stroll down Avenida del Libertador, checking artisan shops for locally made wool and glacier-inspired art. Evening: Dinner at Pura Vida—hearty stews and a view of the lake. End with a fireside drink at La Lechuza, where locals swap stories and you might hear a tune or two. Night: If the skies are clear, head just outside town for star-chasing—no filter needed.

Located in Santa Cruz Province, El Calafate sits on the shores of Lago Argentino in the Patagonian plateau, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, near the border between Chile and Argentina. The town has a population of just 20,000 and features only one main street and five or six smaller streets. Hotels, cafes, and craft shops line both sides of the streets. The buildings are mostly small, brightly colored wooden cabins, creating a lively atmosphere. Calafate's name comes from a common shrub in the Patagonia region called "calafate." Its berries are used to make jam or liqueur. You can find "Calafate" flavored ice cream in any ice cream shop on the streets of the town. This is another major tourist destination in southern Argentina besides Ushuaia, and it serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing. It is also the largest glacier outside the polar regions, standing 70 meters high, averaging 1 kilometer wide, and stretching approximately 30 kilometers long. "Ice calving" occurs at irregular intervals every day. The town is located on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, formed by glacial meltwater. Lago Argentino is the third largest lake in South America, with clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Boat trips offer stunning views of the lake, mountains, and the spectacular sight of glacial calving. Flights are available directly to Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Ushuaia, and other cities.

El Calafate is in Patagonia, southern Argentina. Being close to Antartica, it best to go between November and March when it is summer there as there is less snow. Most of the town opens around 10am because the sun rises later and they stay open until around midnight. The prices of food and drinks available is inexpensive and is a great reason to recommend. Because of the snow and natural beauty, there is an exciting ambiance to the resort as it is very unique. The town is served by an international airport and there are attractions like the Moreno glacier and the lake in the city. There is a high street with bars, restaurants and shops on it as well as a tourist information centre. Lots of the hotels and hostels are along this Main Street and it is very easy to navigate. The main restaurants specialise in local cuisine but there is also some international options too. 🗓️Itinerary Scheduling: day 1 - check into the hotel and explore the local town including the many bars and restaurants Day 2 - take a trip to Moreno Glacier which takes about 5 hours in total Day 3 - if you have enough time then visit Torres Del Paine national park. This is a 14 hour round trip but definitely worth it because of its beautiful scenery

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

El Calafate (Spanish: El Calafate) is a small town in Argentina located in the heart of the Patagonia region, on the southern shore of Lake Argentino. The town has become an important tourist destination due to its access to various parts of the Glacier National Park. In this tourist town, you can find travel agencies selling glacier and Torres del Paine National Park tours everywhere. The town center is small and cozy. The houses and buildings here give you a sense of the residents' relaxed and leisurely lifestyle, with beautifully landscaped gardens in every household. I really like the atmosphere here. There are many restaurants in the town center, and they are always bustling with people. After a meal, you can take a walk and see Lake Argentino in the distance. There is a unique plant in the glacier area that looks like a small blueberry, called 'Calafate.' Locals often pick this plant and make it into jam, so you can find this jam being sold everywhere in the town. It makes for a great souvenir!

#2024 Travel Review **El Calafate** The happiest part of 2024 was going to Argentina! Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is accessible by plane. With spectacular glacier views, visitors can take a glacier hike or boat tour to experience the magnificence of the glacier. The friendly atmosphere of the town and its many restaurants and shops are especially suitable for nature and exploration travelers.

#2024TravelReviewEl Calafate Due to age restrictions, I was unable to hike on the glacier, so I was allowed to join the Hielo & Aventura tour to see the glacier via the Glaciar Perito Moreno plank trail. It’s a rare trip to Argentina, so you can’t help but gaze at and admire the glaciers and glaciers from afar! You have to step onto the glacier yourself and feel the tremendous shock brought by the beautiful scenery of the glacier; listen to the deafening sound of huge ice blocks breaking and falling.

El Calafate is the gateway to the Patagonian region of Argentina, renowned for its proximity to the world-famous Los Glaciares National Park. For those looking to delve deep into this magnificent glacial area, a one-day boat tour is undoubtedly one of the best options. Here is a detailed guide to ensure you fully experience the awe-inspiring glaciers. Morning: Departure and Boarding 1️⃣ Head to the Boat Dock Depart from your hotel in El Calafate in the morning. Typically, tour companies will pick up travelers around 7:00 AM and head to the main dock of the Patagonian glaciers—Puerto Bandera. This dock is about 50 kilometers from the town, approximately a 1.5-hour drive. 2️⃣ Board the Boat Upon arrival at the dock, you'll board a well-equipped boat, usually featuring panoramic windows for viewing the scenery along the way. The boat will navigate through Lago Argentino, taking you to several spectacular glaciers. 🕒 Suggested Time: 8:30 – 9:00 AM Boarding Morning: Close-Up Exploration of Glaciers 3️⃣ Upsala Glacier The first stop is usually the Upsala Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in South America. The boat will navigate through the ice-filled lake, giving you a chance to see the massive icebergs up close. The boat will approach the glacier's front, allowing you to fully appreciate its grandeur and power. 4️⃣ Spegazzini Glacier Next, the boat will continue to the Spegazzini Glacier, known for its impressive height. The boat will get close to this glacier, which rises over 130 meters, allowing you to see the color variations from deep blue to crystal clear, as if entering a magical ice world. 🕒 Suggested Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Visit Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers Noon: Lunch on the Boat 5️⃣ Enjoy Lunch At noon, the boat usually stops in a calmer area of the lake for lunch. The boat offers local snacks, or you can bring your own food. This is an excellent time to enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and interact with travelers from around the world, adding to the fun of the boat tour. 🕒 Suggested Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch Time Afternoon: Spectacular Views of Perito Moreno Glacier 6️⃣ Perito Moreno Glacier The afternoon itinerary takes you to the highlight of the trip—the Perito Moreno Glacier. Known for its constant calving and roaring ice, the boat will stop in front of the glacier, giving you ample time to observe the spectacular scene of ice breaking into the lake. This is one of the most anticipated moments for visitors, with cheers erupting on the boat each time the ice breaks. 🕒 Suggested Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM Perito Moreno Glacier Viewing Evening: Return to El Calafate 7️⃣ Return to the Dock After the boat tour, visitors will return to Puerto Bandera dock, concluding a day of glacier exploration. Then, take a 1.5-hour drive back to El Calafate, where you can organize your photos and share the day's magnificent memories with fellow travelers. 🕒 Suggested Time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM Return to Town Practical Tips • Warm Clothing: Even in summer, temperatures on Lago Argentino can be very low. Wear windproof and waterproof jackets, scarves, and gloves to stay warm. • Sun Protection: The sunlight reflected off the glaciers is very intense. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to avoid sunburn. • Non-Slip Shoes: The boat and glacier areas can be slippery. Wear non-slip hiking shoes for safety. • Camera Preparation: The glacier scenery is worth capturing. Bring a waterproof camera or protective cover to prevent moisture damage. Conclusion A one-day boat tour in El Calafate is an immersive journey into the majestic glaciers, offering a deep understanding of the stunning glacial landscapes and natural wonders of southern Argentina. Whether admiring the grandeur of icebergs and glaciers or feeling the thrilling sound of ice calving, this trip will be unforgettable.

--- Nestled in the heart of El Calafate, at Rene Favaloro 3500, Xelena Hotel & Suites is your perfect Patagonian escape! 🛏️🏞️ Imagine waking up to serene lake views, indulging in exquisite cuisine, and unwinding in utmost comfort. Three reasons to book your stay: 1. Location, Location, Location! 📍 Step outside and you're greeted by the tranquil beauty of Santa Cruz. 2. Culinary Delight! 🍽️ Each meal is a masterpiece, prepared to perfection for a truly memorable dining experience. 3. Luxe Comfort! 🛁 From plush bedding to top-notch amenities, every detail ensures a pristine and pampering stay. Escape to a place where every moment is picture-perfect and every bite is a treat to your taste buds. Xelena Hotel & Suites awaits! 🌟 #ElCalafate #ElCalafateHotel #ElCalafateTravel

Nice view with nice dog

El Calafate is a small city located in the southern part of Argentina, belonging to the Patagonia region at the end of the South American continent. This city is famous for the nearby Glacier Perito Moreno. El Calafate has various facilities and accommodation options for tourists visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier. Of course, there are also a variety of tour options that can be easily booked. Additionally, the city itself is surrounded by beautiful lakes and landscapes, offering tourists a comfortable and wonderful experience.

#Overseas travel #El Calafate #Argentina El Calafate is a quiet and comfortable town where you can feel peace of mind just by taking a leisurely stroll around the town. The park on the green hill that you come across while walking around the town is called Plaza de Los Pioneros, and it is a great place to view Lake Argentino, the snowy mountains in the distance, and the entire town of El Calafate. The park hill itself is not very high, but the view is quite beautiful, so if you stop by El Calafate, be sure to visit here. There is also a delicious barbecue restaurant on another hill in the town, so be sure to try the cheap and delicious Argentine beef steak.

📍Santa Cruz Province, Argentina Moreno Glacier Observatory in El Calafate, Argentina You can see the endless majestic Moreno Glacier from a high observatory 👍🏻 You can see the back of Moreno Glacier only from the observatory, so it is a place you must not miss in El Calafate ✔️ You can also take a bus from downtown El Calafate, but the bus schedule is very wide and the number of buses is small, so it is more recommended to visit by rental car or tour 😁 #Overseas travel

📍Padre de Agostini 71, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz El Calafate, a small city in Argentina with a population of 20,000 The quiet and secluded El Calafate was a travel destination with a wide variety of colors 🌈 Since it is part of the Patagonia region, the climate is cool all year round, but the wildflowers that bloom beautifully are truly beautiful 🌼 It was a place where you could easily walk around the city, and every place you looked at was refreshing, so if you are planning a trip to Argentina, I definitely recommend you visit! ✨ El Calafate, which had a different feel from Europe I hope you can feel the beauty there ㅎㅎ #Overseas travel

Calafate in Patagonia is the hub to visit one of the biggest glaciers in the world, and the one with the easiest access that any one can achieve independently of age and physical conditions, you will be mesmerized by the magnitud of this geographic feature of our planet plus a lot of other adventures await the most adventurous ones in the near by mountains and lakes. If you looking for remote places on earth Patagonia won’t disappoint you

Natalese Port Arriving at the Port of Natalaes, undoubtedly one is heading towards the Banff National Park. Attractions: Torres del Paine National Park: the most famous attraction in Chile and also in Patagonia. There are many ways to enjoy the park, from a one-day check-in tour to an 8-day "O" line trek, everything is available. Among them, the most popular and classic is the "W" line trek, which can be walked forward or backward, taking about five days with moderate intensity. There are too many trekking strategies online, so I won't go into details. The main reminder is that if you want to trek, you must book the campsite 2-3 months in advance, otherwise the entire plan will fall through. For a day trip, it's quite simple. Take a bus from the station to the park entrance in the morning. The round-trip ticket costs 13,000 pesos and takes about 2 hours one way. The park entrance fee is 21,000 pesos and is valid for three days. After buying the ticket, take the black tourist bus at the entrance to the starting point for hiking. The bus ride to the starting point is free, but the return trip costs 3,000 pesos. Once you reach the starting point, you can begin hiking. The one-day hike is very challenging. I divided this hike into three parts. The first part is a flat road with uphill and downhill sections, which leads to Camping Chileno where you can take a break. This section is about 6 kilometers long and the uphill section is quite steep. The second part ends at Torres Campsite. The difficulty of this section is not high, with ups and downs along the way, and it takes a little over an hour to complete. The third part is the climb to the top of the three towers. This section is very short, but the almost vertical climb is extremely exhausting. The official estimate is 45 minutes, but it took me about an hour and a half. The entire hike took 3 and a half hours. Going downhill is not tiring, but it can be very hard on the knees. It is recommended to wear knee pads before setting off, otherwise knee injuries can be troublesome. The normal downhill time is about 2 and a half hours. Special reminder: If you have poor physical strength, are older, or are accompanied by children, do not attempt this one-day trip. The intensity is very high and it is easy to collapse. I saw many people turn back halfway. I burned over 5000 calories all day, so the intensity can be imagined. In addition to the Three Pagodas day trip, there are various one-day tour activities such as the Gray Glacier day trip and the Lake District day trip. If you have more time, you can choose to stay in a hotel inside the park for a few nights, rent a car and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Baishiwan Park. Dining: In Natales Port, I didn't have anything particularly delicious to eat myself. If I had to say, the steak was pretty good, but it was quite expensive, averaging around 20,000 pesos per person. Accommodation: Accommodation-wise, there's nothing particularly recommended to be honest. There are many hostels in Nathalie's Port, and you can choose freely based on price. I recommend a hostel called "Singing Lamb", which has very good reviews and can be booked on Agoda. There are also many hotels in Banff National Park, but they are relatively expensive and more suitable for friends with sufficient budget. Transportation: Natalis Port does not have an airport, the airport is in the neighboring Punta Arenas. Cars: Tickets to Punto Arenas and El Calafate can be purchased at the bus station. The ticket to El Calafate costs 18,000 pesos, departs at 7:30 in the morning and arrives around 3:00 in the afternoon. If you are going to the Punta Arenas airport, you can buy a direct ticket for 8,000 pesos, with a travel time of about 4 hours. Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada itself doesn't have much to offer in terms of attractions, and is mostly used by tourists as a gateway to Pico Island. Let me give you a brief overview. To go from the city to the airport by bus, it costs 6000 pesos per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Bus-sur station. This station also sells tickets to Natalies Port for 8000 pesos. There are several hostels in the city area with decent environments, and you can book them on Agoda. Arafat The Argentine town is a starting point for visiting Bariloche or Moreno Glacier. Attractions: Perito Moreno Glacier: an active glacier where you can see glacier calving every day. After arriving at El Calafate station, you can directly purchase tickets to visit Perito Moreno Glacier the next day for a round trip of 800 pesos, including hotel pick-up and 4-5 hours of sightseeing. The entrance fee to Perito Moreno Glacier is 700 pesos, and the boat tour costs 700 pesos per person. To be honest, Perito Moreno Glacier is very spectacular. If you haven't been to Antarctica, you will be amazed by the glacier. If you wait on the hiking trail for a while, you can see many large pieces of ice falling into the lake. Glacier hiking is a particularly interesting activity, with moderate intensity and lots of fun. Because I have seen too many glaciers in Antarctica, I did not participate in this activity. The price is around 3000 pesos in my impression. Dining: Because we cooked our own meals in the hostel and don't have any particular restaurant recommendations, but I went to town and the restaurants looked good and the prices were reasonable. Accommodation: America del Sur Hostel: A fantastic hostel with 4-person rooms that have private bathrooms and lockers, priced at $18 per night including breakfast. The hostel is located on a hillside with a first-class view of the distant Argentine lake. At night, the lobby turns into a bar serving various drinks and BBQ dinners. Vegetarians need not worry as there is a salad buffet available for 250 pesos per person. Transportation: Airport: El Calafate has an airport, but due to expensive airfare, few people take off from here. Car: The ticket to Natales Port can be purchased at the station for 950 pesos. There are cars departing at 6:30 am and 7:00 am, and some companies will pick up people at the hotel lobby. After arriving at the Chilean border, you can transfer to a free minibus to Torres del Paine National Park.