Frequently Asked Questions about El Calafate

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.