While some of the visits are obvious, such as the excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, there are other very interesting options when it comes to choosing what to do in El Calafate. The following list is composed of a series of items that I consider mandatory, but also some others that are personal suggestions. It is a list of 8 things that can be done during your visit to El Calafate. I hope you enjoy it!
What to do in El Calafate?
1 – Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
First the obvious: Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. Take a full-day excursion to see one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders of Patagonia. There are many options available, from traditional visits to see the glacier from the trails to wonderful trekkings to walk over the ice of the glacier.
Yo personalmente creo que una visita privada, o alquilar un auto para acercarse al coloso de hielo por su cuenta son la mejor opción para visitar el lugar.
2 – Go on a boat tour
Take a boat tour of Lake Argentino and get a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. There are also several alternatives, including the “Todo Glaciares” activity, the MarPatag boat navigation to different glaciers, or the visit that combines navigation with the visit to Estancia Cristina.
3 – Visit the Glaciarium
Visit the Glaciarium: If you´re interested in Learn more about glaciers and the surrounding ecosystem a visit to this museum, is a must-see. The place also features interactive exhibits and an ice bar.
4 – Explore the city
One simply option: explore the town. Wander the charming streets of El Calafate, visit local shops and restaurants, and enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Go to the local Laguna Nimez and watch the birds.
5 – Enjoy a wonderful trekking
Enjoy a trekking experience by exploring the wonderful “Mecca” of trekking: El Chalten, and revel in the amazing treks you can undertake there. This small village offers a range of treks, from easy ones with no difficulty, to hard ones that can take up to 9-10 hours, allowing you to witness stunning landscapes of the mountain range.
6 – Visit a local estancia
There are some great options located close to El Calafate, such as Estancia 25 de Mayo or El Galpon del Glaciar, as well as some located far away from the city center, like Nibepo Aike or Estancia Cristina. You will learn about the region’s history and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
7 – Taste the local dishes
Another simply, but one of my favourite: Taste local cuisine. Sample traditional Patagonian dishes, such as lamb cooked on a spit, empanadas, guanaco, the “dulce de Calafate” a traditional seet made with a local berrie, and mate, a traditional Argentine tea.
8 – Enjoy the skies of Patagonia
Watch the stairs and enjoy the clear skies and stunning views of the stars in one of the world’s best places for stargazing. There are some amazing activities that can be organized to enjoy the amazing sky of Patagonia.
