El Calafate: 7 must-sees to do between glaciers, Patagonia and extreme nature

The Perito Moreno glacier has a height of between 50 and 70 meters (equivalent to a 20-story building). Total height: If we add the part that is underwater, the total thickness of the ice at the front reaches 170 meters. While the wall observed from the walkways has a width of 5 kilometers.

El Calafate works as a base to explore an immense and silent natural environment. The park houses 48 main glaciers and more than 100 minor glaciers, distributed over an enormous extension where ice, wind and the lake set the pace of the trip. The town accompanies with a relaxed atmosphere, good gastronomy and a simple Patagonian aesthetic.

When we started planning the trip we thought almost exclusively about the Perito Moreno Glacier. And yes, it impresses. But what really surprises is understanding that Los Glaciares National Park is much more than a single glacier.

Lake Argentino also leaves its mark (it is the largest lake in Argentina): immense, windy and changing, it defines much of the landscape. El Calafate invites you to take your time, observe and let Patagonia do its thing.

7 Must-See Activities in El Calafate

1- Perito Moreno Glacier (Walkways): The main protagonist of the trip. Walking its 7 km of walkways allows you to observe the front of the glacier from different angles and witness the shocking ice calving.

Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina.

2- Minitrekking and Big Ice: The ultimate experience of walking on millennial ice with crampons. Minitrekking is a short and accessible walk, while Big Ice goes deep into the glacier to see blue lagoons and crevasses.

Walk on the Perito Moreno glacier, El Calafate, Argentina.

3- Ice Rivers Navigation: An expedition by catamaran through the North Arm of Lake Argentino to visit the Upsala (the one with the largest surface area) and Spegazzini glaciers, whose walls reach 135 meters in height.

Navigation in front of the Perito Moreno glacier, El Calafate, Argentina.

4- Glaciarium and Glaciobar: Modern interpretation center located on the outskirts of town. It is ideal for understanding the science of glaciers and finishing the visit with a toast in a bar made entirely of ice.

5- Patagonian Estancias: An immersion into the culture of the southern gaucho. Estancias like Nibepo Aike offer shearing demonstrations, horseback riding through the steppe and the classic spit-roasted cordero asado.

Horseback riding through the steppe in El Calafate, Argentina.

6- Laguna Nimez Reserve: A natural oasis steps from downtown. A low-difficulty interpretive trail perfect for bird watching, including the iconic southern flamingos at sunset.

A few meters from downtown, Laguna Nimez is a biodiversity refuge ideal for watching flamingos at sunset.

7- Downtown El Calafate: Libertador Avenue is the social heart of the town. It is the place to explore chocolate shops, buy handicrafts and enjoy the craft brewery scene after a day of excursion.

View of El Calafate from Lake Argentino.

Experiences That Make a Difference

Blue Safari A short navigation that allows you to disembark and walk on the beach in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier. It is the ideal option to touch the icebergs that strand on the shore without the need to do the trekking on the ice.

Kayaking in front of the Glacier One of the most exclusive activities in the area. Paddling among icebergs at water level allows you to dimension the real height of the ice walls from a totally silent and private perspective.

Calafate Balconies A 4x4 tour through the hills surrounding the town. It offers an incredible aerial view of Lake Argentino and, on clear days in March, you can see the silhouettes of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in the distance.

From Puerto Bajo las Sombras depart the expeditions that allow you to touch the millennial ice of Perito Moreno.

What to Eat in El Calafate

Patagonian lamb The star dish of the region, slowly cooked "al asador" (cross style) with piquillín firewood.

Craft beer A mandatory pairing after the glaciers. There are local microbreweries that use meltwater for their varieties of IPAs and Stouts.

Guanaco Typical meat of southern Patagonia, with an intense flavor, very lean and healthy, usually served in stews or carpaccios.

Trout and salmon Cold-water fish caught in lakes and rivers of the area, generally prepared on the grill or with creamy sauces.

Pastas and mountain dishes Hearty preparations such as lamb sorrentinos or goulash, ideal for recovering energy after the cold of the glacier.

Sweets with calafate The dark fruit that gives the city its name. Legend has it that "whoever eats the calafate fruit, always returns to Patagonia".

The spit-roasted lamb is the gastronomic ritual par excellence in the estancias of El Calafate.

Tips and Characteristics

Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). It is advisable to carry some cash for tips or small handicrafts, although the center is fully banked.

Transport: The town can be explored on foot. For the Perito Moreno Glacier (80 km away) and the estancias, it is essential to hire transfers, excursions or rent a car.

Online reservations: In 2026, entry to Los Glaciares National Park must be managed in advance to speed up access and avoid lines at the portal.

Weather and clothing: Cold and windy even in summer. The key is to dress "in layers" (onion style) to adapt to sudden temperature changes during excursions.

Best time: From October to March. In March the wind drops a bit and autumn colors begin to dye the lenga and ñire trees red.

Connectivity: Cell phone signal is usually weak or nonexistent inside the National Park. It is essential to download Google maps or reservations on your phone before leaving town.

Traveler data: If you have time, combine the trip with El Chaltén (a 3-hour bus ride). It is the National Capital of Trekking and the natural complement to El Calafate.

Navigating among deep blue icebergs is a wonderful experience.

Our Experience Traveling Through El Calafate

El Calafate impacts much more by its environment than by the town itself. Everything revolves around the landscape and that is felt from day one. It is a destination to slow down, observe and let yourself be pierced by the magnitude of the ice and the Patagonian immensity. A trip that leaves a strong and lasting mark.

During the winter months (especially June and July), the surface of the bay freezes completely, becoming one of the largest natural ice skating rinks in South America.

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