Patagonian town near Lago Argentino, gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier. Home to Glaciarium Museum and Santa Teresita Chapel. Popular base for exploring glaciers.
El Calafate, a small town in Argentine Patagonia, is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. This remote destination is home to the enormous Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can witness massive ice chunks crashing into Lago Argentino. In El Calafate, you can spot flamingos at Laguna Nimez, experience gaucho life on traditional estancias, and embark on expeditions to nearby mountain ranges. While the town caters primarily to visitors, it serves as a base for exploring the striking landscapes of southern Patagonia.
Location and Geography of El Calafate
El Calafate sits on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. The town is located at the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest freshwater reserve. El Calafate's surroundings include vast steppes, rugged mountains, and glacial lakes. The area encompasses portions of the Andes mountain range and the Patagonian plains, creating a varied and dramatic landscape.
Exploring Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier, within Los Glaciares National Park, is El Calafate's main draw. This immense ice formation covers 250 square kilometers and rises 74 meters above Lago Argentino. Unlike many of the world's glaciers, Perito Moreno continues to grow. You can view the glacier from observation decks, take boat tours to approach the ice wall, or join guided treks on the glacier itself. The sight and sound of large ice chunks breaking off from the glacier face and crashing into the lake create a memorable experience.
Other Natural Sights Around El Calafate
While Perito Moreno is the most famous, El Calafate has additional natural wonders to explore. Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake, allows for boat tours to other glaciers such as Upsala and Spegazzini. Laguna Nimez Reserve, within walking distance of town, is excellent for birdwatching. You can observe flamingos, black-necked swans, and various duck species here. The surrounding Patagonian steppe is home to guanacos, foxes, and occasionally, pumas.
Things to Do in and Around El Calafate
El Calafate caters to both adventure seekers and nature lovers. In addition to glacier trekking and boat tours, you can go horseback riding on traditional estancias and learn about Patagonian rural life. Hiking trails in the nearby mountains offer sweeping views of the region. For a cultural experience, visit the Glaciarium, a contemporary museum focused on glaciology. During winter, you might have the opportunity to ice skate on the frozen bay of Lago Argentino.
Climate and Best Time to Visit El Calafate
El Calafate has a cold semi-arid climate with cool summers and cold winters. The weather can change rapidly, and strong winds are common year-round. Summer (December to February) is the most active tourist season, with temperatures typically between 10°C and 20°C. This period has the most daylight hours and generally milder conditions for outdoor activities. Spring (October to November) and autumn (March to April) can be good alternatives, with fewer tourists and autumn foliage. Winter (May to September) is cold, with temperatures often below freezing, but it offers the chance to see the landscape covered in snow.
Getting to El Calafate and Local Transportation
El Calafate International Airport receives flights from major Argentine cities including Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and Bariloche. The airport is approximately 20 kilometers from the town center, with shuttle services and taxis available. Long-distance buses link El Calafate with other Patagonian destinations such as El Chaltén and Puerto Natales in Chile. Within El Calafate, the town is compact enough to explore on foot, but taxis and car rentals are available for trips to the national park and other sites.
Accommodation Options in El Calafate
El Calafate has accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. The town center has hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. For a different experience, you can stay at an estancia (ranch) in the surrounding countryside. Some hotels on the outskirts of town have views of Lago Argentino. If you plan to visit during the peak summer season, book your accommodation well in advance to ensure availability.
