El Calafate Tours and Trips

Located in the Patagonia region of southern Argentina, El Calafate was once a small and humble town on the southern edge of Lago Argentino. However, as word spread of fantastic natural attractions and incredible things to do in El Calafate, this town has blown up in popularity. Its location on the border of the Santa Cruz plateau and the Andes makes it an amazing place for outdoor excursions.

Its proximity to Torres del Paine National Park — a major tourist attraction in South America — doesn’t hurt either. It means the many adventurous travelers who are exploring the Patagonia region add a trip to El Calafate to their itinerary. And they certainly don’t regret this decision. Read on to find out our pick for the top ten things to do in El Calafate.

Sitting near the edge of the breathtaking Southern Ice Field, El Chalten and El Calafate are two famous Argentinian towns that are a definite not miss. The larger of the two towns, El Calafate is located just a stone’s throw away from the Los Glaciares National Park where the famous Perito Moreno Glacier lies. El Chalten is the sleepier mountain village that despite its small size packs a big punch. The gateway to Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the Patagonian Andes’ most rugged and impressive mountains, El Chalten is a hiker’s dream.

The easiest way to travel to El Chalten is via El Calafate. Flights to El Calafate operate daily from most of Argentina’s major hubs, including Ushuaia and Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, travelers will need to arrange for a bus, shuttle, or rental car to complete their journey to El Chalten. It is possible to bike the route; however, the 215-kilometer journey takes an average of two days to complete.

Anyone planning a trip to Argentina is spoiled for choices. Often dubbed the Europe of South America for its Parisian capital, Buenos Aires, the country also flaunts unreal, glacial landscapes in El Calafate, rugged mountains in Bariloche, and lush valleys in Mendoza. One can easily spend 10 to 12 days in Argentina exploring its contrasting landscapes. Whether you're seeking vibrant city life, awe-inspiring wilderness, or rich cultural encounters, there are plenty of places to visit in Argentina that will tick your bill.

Argentina’s breathtaking beauty extends across its diverse landscape, from the majestic Andes Mountains to the sprawling plains of the Pampas. Throughout its four seasons, Argentina caters to various travel tastes and preferences. So the best time to visit Argentina largely depends on your interest. From September to November, spring graces visitors with pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore the lively cities of Buenos Aires and Mendoza or venture into the picturesque Lake District. During the summer months of December to February, travelers can bask in the sun on the inviting Atlantic beaches of Mar del Plata or be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. In the fall, from March to May, milder weather conditions provide the perfect opportunity to discover the scenic wonders of Patagonia or indulge in the country’s renowned wine regions. If you are taking a trip to Argentina in winter, from June to August, then this is the best time to visit the world-class ski resort towns of Bariloche and Las Lenas.