If you’re planning your trip to El Calafate, I’m sure you’ve heard of Perito Moreno.
But maybe you’re wondering what else there is to see and do here.
This post is a complete and easy to use guide on all of the best things to do in El Calafate.
By the end, you’ll be ready to plan the perfect itinerary filled with all of the top El Calafate attractions.
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Things to do in El Calafate
I’ve been to El Calafate two times (so far) while living here in Argentina.
To say it is beautiful would be an understatement.
Glaciers, the Andes, historic estancias, wildlife, and crystal clear turquoise lakes and rivers, the beauty here is expansive.
I’ve grouped these El Calafate activities in an easy to understand format to help you construct the perfect itinerary.
First are the best ways to see Perito Moreno, then the tours of the other glaciers in the area, then estancia day trips, followed by all the other exciting things to do in El Calafate.
For an example itinerary, here is my 3 day El Calafate itinerary detailing everything we did on our most recent trip.
El Glaciar Perito Moreno
What to do in El Calafate? See El Perito Moreno, obviously. It’s why you flew here.
There are a LOT of ways to see it – with a tour, on your own, hiking on it, and even kayaking by it. However you choose, choose just one. One day is plenty at the glacier.
All excursions are fairly complete. Kayaking or ice trekking tours allow for time on the viewing decks, for example.
Below is a quick list of your options. If you want granular detail to help plan your day at the glacier, then read my Perito Moreno Guide. It has every single detail you need to plan your excursion.
- Perito Moreno Day Tour: A group tour is the most economical and easy option. They don’t cost much more than the bus but include the ease and information you get from a guide.
- Perito Moreno Private Day Tour: If you like that idea but don’t want a big group tour, book this private tour, which is priced by group (ideal for families or groups of friends).
- Take the bus: Go on your own with the bus. Check times and prices on Busbud, from El Calafate to Glaciar Perito Moreno. It gives you a full day in the park on your own.
- Big Ice or Minitrekking: For a once in a lifetime experience, go trekking on the glacier. It costs almost as much as your flight down to Argentina, though, so weigh your priorities. If you do this, it IS a full day experience – allowing you time at the catwalks and a boat ride across the lake.
- Kayaking Perito Moreno: Get up close and personal by kayaking out among the icebergs up to the face of Perito Moreno.
Todo Glaciares Tour with Solo Patagonia
On our most recent trip we spent a day on the Todo Glaciares excursion with Solo Patagonia and really enjoyed it!
It was a full day on the water with their catamaran navigating Lago Argentino.
We saw two major glaciers: Upsala and then Spegazzini. At Spegazzini we docked for lunch.
There’s a restaurant there but we had a picnic that we enjoyed on the rocky beach with a view of Spegazzini just across the water. There is also a snack bar on the boat but quality isn’t the best.
It was a great day and we enjoyed our time on the water just as much as when we were viewing the glaciers.
My highlight was buying a glass of whiskey on board which was poured over glacial ice they picked up out of the water. I sipped on it as my one year old fell asleep to the white noise that is the roar of the boat’s engines, idyllic day for sure.
Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glaciar
Estancia Cristina has a coveted position on the northwestern coast of Lago Argentino with privileged views of the Upsala Glaciar.
This itinerary is unlike any other.
The excursion departs from Punta Bandera and includes a navigation across Lago Argentino. From there you’ll sail through the icebergs, view the glacier, go on a beautiful hike, and visit the historic ranch and learn about Patagonian sheep farming.
Estancia Cristina is isolated and hard to get to, as is the Upsala Glacier.
This is an expensive excursion but it’s special, you can’t see these things or experience these locations any other way.
Nibepo Aike Ranch Day
When in Argentina, ride a horse. Or at the very least, visit a historic ranch. These estancias are all over the country – like in the pampas outside Buenos Aires or in the Andes towering over Mendoza, like Los Chulengos.
The estancias in Patagonia are expansive and rugged. They focus on sheep versus cattle, due to the harsher landscape. The best way to experience this side of Argentine culture is to spend the day at Nibepo Aike.
Estancia Nibepo Aike offers day tour experiences that include a horseback ride and a lunch of traditional Patagonian lamb.
Since this ranch is located within the borders of Glacier National Park it offers incomparable views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
I’ve been to a lot of ranches and Nibepo Aike always remains high on my list. Stay overnight or go for the day.
Stay at an Estancia
And while we’re talkng about estancias…
If you have the budget, staying overnight at an estancia is always an unforgettable experience.
Nibepo Aikes Estancia is located next to the shores of El Lago Argentino inside Glacier National Park and on our most recent trip we spent one night there.
Its proximity to Perito Moreno and Punta Bandera makes it the perfect base for El Calafate (being closer to the glaciers and national park than the city center itself).
We spent one night there but I recommend staying for at least 2 nights to have a full day to enjoy the property.
Estancia Cristina is the other powerhouse estancia in El Calafate.
They offer the aforementioned day tour of Upsala, however, you can reserve a room in their guesthouse.
Estancia Cristina is more isolated than Nibepo Aike and there is no shortage of activities there for those looking to get (far) off the beaten path.
Click here to read all about our stay at Nibepo Aike, one of my favorite estancias in Argentina!
Bird Watch at Laguna Nimez
I’ll tell you one thing I did not expect to see when I landed in El Calafate, and that is flamingos.
Laguna Nimez is an ecological reserve in the heart of El Calafate proper.
Around 80 species of birds call it home but it depends on the season as many are migratory. Spring and summer are the best seasons for bird watching here.
There’s a self-guided trail with markers explaining the ecosystems and wildlife that live here.
It takes an hour and a half (more if you’d like to take advantage of the special access to Lago Argentino’s beach).
It’s not free and as with most things in El Calafate it is pricier for non-residents, but it’s worth the cost.
Pay and get more information at the visitor’s center. They have picnic tables and a restroom available as well.
We were happy to have our travel binoculars with us here.
Since this only takes a couple of hours, you can easily do this after or before another day trip or even in the morning before an afternoon flight out.
Try Patagonian Lamb
Save the beef for Buenos Aires, in Patagonia, it’s all about the lamb.
Traditionally lamb, or cordero, is cooked “a la cruz,” hung from a large metal cross over a low fire (see above).
The lamb is slow-cooked this way for hours resulting in meat so tender and buttery you could cut it with a spoon.
Head to La Zaina or Don Pichon for the best lamb in El Calafate.
In fact, I never liked lamb before trying the lamb at Estancia Nibepo Aike. There is something special about the grass-fed Patagonian lamb you can try here. So, even if you’re a lamb skeptic, give it a try! I never thought I’d like lamb.
And, insider tip? The man in charge of the grill at Nibepo Aike first worked at Don Pichon for years before moving on to the estancia.
The cooks at Don Pichon were all trained by him! It’s easy to see why they have the best lamb in town.
Eat Calafate Berries (in Ice Cream & Alfajores)
Legend has it that if you eat the calafate berries you’ll return to Patagonia again one day.
And the best way to try this tiny berry? In sweets, obviously!
Acuarela is an artisanal ice cream shop in downtown El Calafate on Avenida Libertador. All of their flavors are great, but their specialty is the calafate sorbet and you won’t find it anywhere else in Argentina.
Alfajores are a traditional Argentine sweet made up of two cookies that sandwich a slab of dulce de leche and then bathed in chocolate. But the best alfajores are handmade, not industrial, and usually feature regional flavors.
In Patagonia, that means berries and the best alfajores in El Calafate are at Dulce Lugar (just a couple blocks from Acuarela, also on Libertador).
They have calafate alfajores as well as calafate chocolates! Raspberry is also one of my personal favorites when it comes to Patagonia alfajores and Dulce Lugar did not disappoint.
Visit the Glacarium
The Glaciarum & Ice Bar is located 6 kilometers from El Calafate en route to El Perito Moreno on Ruta 11.
There are free shuttles departing from the parking lot of The Tourism Bureau of the Province of Santa Cruz.
If you’re driving yourself or have a driver, it’s easy to stop in on your way back to El Calafate from Perito Moreno.
Personally, we never made the effort to visit. I didn’t feel like being inside a museum after a gorgeous day outdoors but I heard it’s incredible and that I missed out.
If it’s rainy or extremely windy, this is a great way to get out of the elements and learn about Argentina’s glaciers.
See 4,000 Year Old Cave Paintings at the Walichu Caves
The Walichu Caves are about 10 minutes outside of town on Ruta 11 on the way to the airport.
You’ll see the sign from the road. It’s very easy to visit with your own car, by taxi, or with this guided tour.
Walichu is the name of a Tehuelche deity and their predecessors were the original inhabitants of this land.
They were nomadic hunters who would leave evidence of their passing with cave paintings like the ones you’ll see here in Walichu, which depict their hunting methods.
The visit will last around 2 hours so it’s easy to squeeze a visit to Walichu in with other El Calafate attractions.
Go Hiking in El Chalten
El Chalten is Argentina’s hiking capital. It’s 3 hours north of El Calafate and is a popular day trip.
In reality, it deserves more time than just a quick day trip from El Calafate. Its many trails deserve days (and your bones deserve a rest after those hikes).
However, if you really want to go and you don’t have the time to spend a few nights there, you can take a day trip to El Chalten from El Calafate.
Keep in mind that this will be a LONG day. It’s a 3-hour drive there so you’ll have 6+ hours in the bus.
Once there you’ll do one hike, likely to Laguna Capri. This is a moderate 4-kilometer hike (8 km total there and back).
On a clear day you’ll see Mount Fitz Roy towering over the laguna.
In full honesty, I really think you should spend at least a few days in El Chalten rather than fly through in one hurried day.
But if one day is all you have and you’d regret not going, this day trip will give you a quick El Chalten experience you’ll never forget.
Read More: El Chalten Trekking: Everything You Need to Know
La Leona Petrified Forest
La Leona’s other-worldly terrain is covered with rock formations and petrified trees (some up to 70 million years old measuring up to 1.2 meters across) that would be right at home on the moon.
Also, did you know that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were in Argentina? They fled the authorities after a heist and went all the way to Argentina’s Patagonia to start fresh. And they stayed right here in the historic Hotel La Leona.
It’s only possible to visit La Leona Petrified Forest with a guided tour and this full day tour begins with a visit to the infamous bandits’ hotel but the highlight of the tour is the petrified forest.
It includes a moderate 7-mile hike across otherworldly landscapes among a forest of countless petrified trees and distinctive geological formations.
Click here to reserve your La Leona tour.
Pro-tip: La Leona is in between El Calafate and El Chalten. If you’re planning on going to El Chalten it is very easy and common to do this day trip on your way to or from El Chalten with a car or driver.
See Torres del Paine
For another epic long day trip from El Calafate, cross the border into Chile to see the famous Torres del Paine National Park.
I must warn you that this will be an exceptionally long day if you choose to do it.
Back in 2010, I went to El Calafate with a group of friends and one of these friends had his heart set seeing Torres del Paine. Not knowing if he’d ever be this close again, he opted to take this trip and swears it was worth it.
This popular full day Torres del Paine tour will bring you to the park, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
The day includes hiking and is highly customizable due to the sheer number of trails to choose from.
Don’t forget to check immigration requirements for crossing the border to Chile.
Like El Chalten, I think Torres del Paine deserves to be a multi-day destination, but we don’t have that kind of time. If you would regret not going because you won’t be down here again, definitely book the day trip.
Trek through Cañadón de los Fósiles
A lot of fossils have been discovered all across Patagonia and El Calafate is no exception.
Accessible on this day trip to Estancia Cristina, trekking through the Cañadón de los Fósiles will take you across terrain littered with marine fossils.
The trek lasts for 14 kilometers through the canyon, constantly descending.
The tour also includes a boat ride through the lake in front of the Upsala Glacier.
Visit Cerro Frias
Cerro Frias is 23 kilometers from downtown El Calafate on the way to the Glacier National Park and Perito Moreno on Ruta 11.
This ranch offers a wide range of adventure actives including a 4×4 excursion in one of their Land Rovers, zip lining and horseback rides.
Their ideal location on the Patagonian steppe also offers opportunities to see native wildlife like guanaco.
Cerro Frias is a great way to spend half a day if you’re short on time on a travel day or want to try a different sort of El Calafate sightseeing from the usual glacier tours or hikes
Centro de Interpretacion Historica
The history museum in El Calafate is a great way to spend some time indoors on a poor weather day.
It’s also an excellent educational activity if you’re visiting with children (and also for us big kids too!).
This museum is designed to display the rich archeological history of the region (dinasours!) up until more modern history, such as the impact of European settlers on the indigenous communities here.
Pro-tip: The museum’s café serves mate and is an excellent place to try it since mate isn’t typically served in restaurants.
Try Local Artisanal Beer and Patagonian Wine
Finally, drink the beer and drink the wine.
Artisanal beer is huge in Argentina, especially in Patagonia.
Relax at the end of your day of El Calafate activities with a pint at Cerveceria Artesanal Chopen or La Zorra Taproom. Both offer a wide selection of beers to choose from.
Personally, I’ve never been a fan of beer. I always wind down with a glass of Malbec. If you’re like me, try this El Calafate Wine Tour.
It may surprise you to hear that Patagonia has excellent wine. The harsh winds make for a hearty Pinot Noir. If you love wine, don’t leave without giving it a try!
Read more: How to get from El Calafate to Patagonia
Where to Stay in El Calafate
Here are some of the best hotels and hostels for every budget in El Calafate.
- BUDGET | Hostel America del Sur | I stayed at this hostel on my first trip to El Calafate many moons ago but it remains the best. It is very close to downtown and Laguna Nimez and is just steps from the best place in town to eat Patagonian Lamb (a major bonus in my book). It’s affordable, social, and has both shared dorms or private rooms.
- INTERMEDIATE | Design Suites Calafate | This hotel is in a quiet, remote location with gorgeous views of the lake. Check rates & availability here.
- BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Calafate Boutique HotelHostería La Soberana | Great boutique hotel, modern, clean and cozy (aka warm). It is one of the highest rated hotels in El Calafate in this category and great for couples and families alike (they even have a quadruple room). The only downside is the location if you don’t have a car or budget for taxis, if you have transportation the location is ideal (those views!).
- LUXURY | Estancia Nibepo Aike | If you’re budget allows, stay at Nibepo Aike, a traditional estancia located right in the national park. It’s very close to Perito Moreno (with boat excursions leaving from its own dock). You won’t get better views than here, rooms are very cozy, food is top-notch and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We stayed here for one night and I did NOT want to leave! Read my review here.
Read more about Patagonia
- The Perito Moreno Glacier: How to visit, tours, and more
- How to get from El Calafate to Bariloche
- Hiking in El Chalten: Everything You Need to Know
- All About Travel Insurance in Argentina
- Argentina Packing List: Everything You Need
- The Best Time to Visit Argentina
Argentina Travel Resources
- BOOK A CONSULTATION | I offer one-on-one travel consultations to help you plan your trip to Argentina. Pick my brain to get a local’s insight. Click here for more information.
- MY MAP | Buy my interactive map with 300+ pins to have access to the city as I see it. It is an invaluable resource. See more here about how it works.
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS | Having a driver waiting for you is ideal for a stress free arrival, Welcome Pickups is the best option for a driver from Ezeiza or Aeroparque.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE | Always travel insured. Anything can happen anywhere and it is scarier and costlier in an unfamiliar country. SafetyWing’s Essential Plan covers unexpected travel and medical emergencies and even offers add-ons like electronics theft or adventure sports. It is the best if you’re coming on vacation. If you’re coming as a digital nomad or an extended stay, you need their Complete Nomad Plan which also covers routine check ups, maternity, mental healthcare and more. Read more: Health Insurance in Argentina
- PHONE PLAN | These days, traveling with data is essential. Especially in Argentina where everything is managed on Instagram and WhatsApp. I recommend this E-SIM card. It’s hassle-free and affordable, for more read how to get an Argentina sim card.
- ACCOMMODATION IN ARGENTINA | booking.com is the most common hotel site used in Argentina and it’s where you’ll find the most options.
- RENTAL CARS | I love to travel Argentina via road trip, Discover Cars is a great platform to compare different rates and providers.
- BUS TICKETS | Check Busbud for long distance bus routes and tickets.
- VPN | If you’ll be using a public WiFi connection and want to secure your data, I highly recommend using a VPN, I personally use and have had a good experience with ExpressVPN. I also use it to access Hulu and American Netflix from Argentina.
- FLIGHTS | Always check Google Flights and Skyscanner for flights to and within Argentina. Aerolineas Argentina is the local airline with the most routes. FlyBondi and Jetsmart are two budget airlines with dirt-cheap prices (but expect to pay for every add-on like luggage).
Continuing through Patagonia?
The nearby town El Chalten is a great way to continue your trip.
It’s great for hikers and offfers some of the best views in Patagonia.
You could road trip through the lake district from Bariloche or see whales and penguins in Puerto Madryn.
If you’re staying longer in Patagonia, then check out this two-week classic Patagonia itinerary and this complete guide to hiking traveling in Patagonia.
Wow that looks like an amazing trip! I went glacier hiking in Iceland, but your pix are even more spectacular than mine. Totally wanna go to Argentina now, especially to try those grilled meats and onions.
I’ve definitely been debating putting Patagonia on my list, but after your post I have to add it! Such amazing pictures too! Would love to visit one day.
I am in LOVE with Perito Moreno! This gives me sooooo many memories of this gorgeous place! I was there a year ago and wish I was back. Thank you for sharing your lovely memories!
Amazing photos! The post is very informative and atmospheric. It will definitely help me to plan my trip there!
Thanks so much for sharing!
I’d love to visit Patagonia one day – both sides 🙂 Thanks for sharing! It looks like there is so much contrast in this area, it would be great to just get a little glimpse of all the things Patagonia has to offer!
I know, I feel like I’ve only had a tiny glimpse! And I’m DYING to go to the Chilean side.
I hope you get to go, Patagonia is such a gorgeous landscape!
Thanks, I hope you’re able to go and see Patagonia!
Wasn’t Perito Moreno incredible!? I’m glad you loved it! I want to go back now, and this time also go to El Chalten and go on hikes!
Definitely add it to your list! It’s so hard to get to but worth it!
Oh Iceland must have been an amazing trip! It’s definitely high on my list!
Oh my god I am in love with this post. It has everything that my bucket list involves for Patagonia! So envious of your trip, it looks spectacular.
I`ve been to Argentina many times but Patagonia is still on my list… On the top of it!!!Great post with a lot of detailed information!
Pinned it for the future!
I’m so glad you found it helpful! There’s so much to see in Patagonia that still remains on my own bucket list 🙂
OMG I’m dyinggg to go to Argentina and this makes want to go there so badly 😭
Come come come!! You’ll love it, it’s such a huge country with so much to offer!!
Hey Erin, I was too late in #BPS to comment back on your comment, sorry! But I’m glad you found me – because I actually found your blog a few months ago as I was researching for our trip to Marfa and Big Bend. Loved your Terlingua post and that actually encouraged us to stop there while we were staying nearby. Have signed up to get your blog posts by email, and pinned this as well 🙂
Hi Rebecca!! I’m so glad my Marfa and Big Bend posts helped you!! I loved it there so much, I want to go back again next time I’m home in Texas. I’ve been going through your posts about Texas and am getting seriously homesick, eat some queso for me if you can!! haha I signed up for your emails now as well 🙂
Flying to BA on November 3 and arriving in El Calafate a few days later, your pictures got me charged up for our tour of Perito Moreno Glacier!
Amazing, you’re going to have an amazing trip!!
Aah, I want to do all of this! I’ve been feeling sort of burned out on Central and South America lately and have planned my year around traveling elsewhere, but this got me feeling all warm again about making it back there (hopefully in 2020). Seriously, thank you for such a thorough list! I’m bookmarking for (very) future reference 😉
I totally get that and hope you come back again in the future refreshed and ready for more!!
Is there a season to see the flamingos?!
I think the best time of year is the summer during breeding season.
This is such a great resource, Erin! Thank you so much for putting all this together, we are currently using this and WanderRambleRoam.com to pan our 2 week trip in November.
Hi! So interested in staying at Estancia Nibepo Aike, but struggling to find prices. Do you know were I might be able to locate that?
Send Nibepo Aike an email directly for up to date rates and availability.