FAQ about El Calafate

Answers to the main questions about El Calafate

In this section, we will answer some of the most FAQ that arise when planning a trip to El Calafate.

Is it necessary to book tours in advance?

Yes, it is advisable to do so in advance, especially during the high season. El Calafate is a very popular tourist destination and tours often have limited availability. To ensure your participation in the activities you desire, we recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.

What is the best time to visit El Calafate?

The best time to visit El Calafate is during the summer season, which runs from December to March. During this time, temperatures are warmer, and it’s possible to enjoy outdoor activities without the harshness of winter weather. However, it’s important to note that the weather in El Calafate can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to always check the weather forecast before engaging in any activities.

How much time do I need to visit El Calafate?

The recommended duration to visit El Calafate and enjoy its main attractions is at least 3 or 4 days. This will allow you to take part in the most popular tours, such as the minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier and the navigation through the channels of Lake Argentino. If you have more time, you can also engage in activities around El Calafate, such as visits to tourist estancias and 4×4 excursions to the Frías and Huyliche hills.

What are the main tours to do in El Calafate?

Undoubtedly, walking on the ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most outstanding experiences. For this, you can choose to try the Minitrekking or Big Ice tours. If you’re traveling with family and some members don’t meet the age requirements for these activities, you could opt for the tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways with the option of navigating the Iceberg Channel, facing the north face of the glacier.

For another full day, you should visit the glaciers of the North Arm of Lake Argentino, the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers. To see them up close, it’s necessary to book a full-day navigation tour, such as Glaciares Gourmet or Todo Glaciares.

Also, don’t overlook that very close to El Calafate lies Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and their neighboring peaks, specifically located in El Chaltén, the ‘national capital of trekking.’ Calafate Tours can take you to this mountain town, with the opportunity to enjoy wonderful trekking and navigation activities.

And if you still want to explore more of the city of El Calafate, our agency offers various options to visit estancias and enjoy various outdoor activities. In this case, it’s worth experiencing tours like Nativo Experience, Calafate Night, or embarking on a 4×4 journey to Cerro Frías.

Practical information to plan a visit to El Calafate

In this section, you’ll find practical information to help you plan your visit to El Calafate more easily and efficiently.

How to get to El Calafate?

El Calafate has an international airport that receives daily flights from different cities in Argentina and other countries. It is also possible to reach El Calafate by bus from other nearby cities in the province of Santa Cruz.

What currency is used in El Calafate?

The currency used in El Calafate is the Argentine peso. It’s advisable to carry cash since not all establishments accept credit or debit cards. It’s also possible to exchange currencies in the city, especially at banks and exchange houses.

What clothes and equipment do I need to bring for my visit to El Calafate?

Due to the cold and dry climate of El Calafate, it’s important to bring warm clothing such as jackets, thermal pants, gloves, and hats. It’s also recommended to bring suitable footwear for walking on uneven and wet terrain, especially if you plan to engage in glacier activities.

Recommendations and tips to enjoy El Calafate at its fullest

Here are some recommendations and tips to help you make the most of your visit to El Calafate.

Respect the natural environment

The Los Glaciares National Park is a unique and protected area. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the guides and avoid leaving litter or engaging in activities that could harm the environment. Remember, we must be responsible for the conservation of these natural spaces.

Enjoy all the available activities

In El Calafate, there’s a wide variety of activities to enjoy, both within Los Glaciares National Park and in the surrounding areas. Make the most of your time and don’t miss any opportunity to have unique experiences, such as navigating the channels of Lake Argentino or visiting the Laguna Nimez Ecological Reserve.

Experience the local cuisine

Don’t miss the opportunity to try the typical dishes of the region. In El Calafate, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants offering delicious dishes made with local ingredients, such as Patagonian lamb and tasty artisan chocolates.

Where to eat in El Calafate?

* LA TABLITA Cnel. Rosales 28 | WEB
* VIVA LA PEPA Emilio Amado 833 | WEB
* LA LECHUZA Av. Libertador y 1º de Mayo | WEB
* MI VIEJO Av. del Libertador 1111 | WEB
* KAU KALESHEN Gdor Gregores 1256 | WEB
* EL CUCHARON 9 de Julio 145 | WEB
* PURA VIDA Av. del Libertador 1876 | WEB
* ACUARELA Av. del Libertador 1177 | WEB
* KAMBA RESTO Gdor. Gregores n° 1170 | WEB
* NINA Av. del Libertador n° 998 | WEB
* EL ALAMBIQUE Cnel. Rosales 28 | WEB
* EL BODEGON Gobernador Moyano n° 1270 | WEB
* SHACKLETON SOLO Av. del Libertador n° 3287 | WEB
* MAKO PREMIUM BAR Av. del libertador n° 1202 | WEB
* LA CHACRITA DE NIMEZ Av. Costanera Nestor Kirchner n° 410 | WEB
* LA OVEJA NEGRA Av. del Libertador n° 761 | WEB
* ISABEL COCINA AL DISCO Perito Moreno n° 95 | WEB
* CASIMIRO BIGUA Av. del Libertador n° 963 | WEB
* LA COCINA Av. Del Libertador n° 1245 | WEB
* MAKO FUEGOS Y VINOS Av. del Libertador n° 1223 | WEB
* LA POSTA Ing. Mario Guatti n° 1350 | WEB
* CERVECERIA PATAGONIA – REFUGIO CALAFATE Av. del Libertador n° 997 | WEB
* LA FABRICA CERVECERIA Los Gauchos n° 1370 | WEB
* ELBA’R 9 de Julio n° 57| WEB
* KAMBA RESTO Gdor. Gregores n° 1170 | WEB
* CICERO BISTRO Calle 669 nº 40 | WEB
* LA TOLDERIA Av. del Libertador nº 1177 | WEB
* LA ZORRA Av. del Libertador n° 832 | WEB
* HUMUS RESTO BAR Ing. Guatti 1350 | WEB

Enjoy the first-class hoteles offered by the city.

In El Calafate, we offer a wide range of accommodations that cater to all tastes and budgets, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy an unforgettable stay. With over 100 options available, from five-star international hotels to cozy hostels, we are confident that every traveler will find the perfect place to stay and relax after a day of adventures in the land of glaciers.

Where to stay in El Calafate?

* Konke Hotel & Sabores Rufino Cambaceres nº 392 | WEB
* Lar Aike Av. Del Libertador 2681 | WEB
* Aikendor Hotel Panorámico Río Santa Cruz nº 2340 | WEB
* Patagonia Queen Hotel Boutique Padre Agostini n° 49 | WEB
* Picos del Sur Puerto San Julian nº 271 | WEB
* El Quijote Hotel Gobernador Gregores nº 1191 | WEB
* Hotel ACA El Calafate Valentin Feilberg nº 50 | WEB
* Bahia Redonda Padre Agostini nº 148 | WEB
* Hotel Kalenshen Calle 998 nº 36 | WEB
* Kapenke 9 de Julio nº 112 | WEB
* Kelta Pontoriero nº 109 | WEB
* Apart Hotel Libertador Av. Libertador nº 1150 | WEB
* Michelangelo Gdor. Moyano n° 1020 | WEB
* Marcopolo Suites Calafate Av. Jorge Newbery nº 439 | WEB
* Las Dunas Av. Nestor Kirchner n° 751 | WEB
* Sierra Nevada Av. del Libertador n° 1888 | WEB
* Destino Calafate Armando Tola n° 210 | WEB
* Terraza Coirones Calle 92 n°65 | WEB
* Amado Av. del Libertador n° 1072 | WEB
* Hotel Upsala Comandante Espora nº 139 | WEB
* Tehuel Plaza Hotel & Resort Calle 202 nº 597 | WEB
* Hotel Ariel Av del Libertador n° 1693 | WEB
* Koi Mahik Hotel Capitan Soto n° 3867 | WEB
* Hotel Del Glaciar Libertador Av. Del Libertador nº 587 | WEB
* Sent Calafate Hotel Jorge Newbery n° 367 | WEB
* Alto Calafate Calle 2000 n° 141 | WEB
* Esplendor Juan Domingo Peron n° 1143 | WEB
* Mirador del Lago Av. del Libertador n° 2047 | WEB
* Calafate Parque Hotel Gobernador Gregores y 7 de Diciembre | WEB
* Rochester Calafate Av. Libertador n° 3614 | WEB
* Hotel Posada Los Alamos Ing. Héctor Mario Guatti nº 1350 | WEB
* Design Suites Calle 598 n° 190 | WEB
* Kosten Aike Gob. Moyano n° 1243 | WEB
* Kau Yatun Ea. 25 de Mayo Villa Parque | WEB
* Hotel Edenia Punta Soberana Punta Soberana Manzana 642 s/n | WEB
* Lagos del Calafate Hotel Calle 998 n° 59 | WEB
* Imago Hotel & Spa Calle 669 n° 40 | WEB
* Xelena Hotel & Suites Rene Favaloro nº 3500 | WEB
* 349 Suites Av. San Martin n° 349 | WEB