El Calafate is a town in Argentina's Santa Cruz province, in Patagonia, on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, the largest lake lying entirely within Argentina (1,415 km²). It has about 23,000 residents, sits 2,800 km from Buenos Aires and was created by a national decree on December 7, 1927.
It is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, covering 726,927 ha with almost half of it under ice. From town you can visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, 80 km away, whose front is about 5 km wide and 60 to 70 m high above the lake, and take boat trips across Lake Argentino to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
You can visit year-round: the Perito Moreno stays open in winter, although some excursions, such as Big Ice or Estancia Cristina, only run from spring to autumn. The best time to go is October to March, when every boat trip and glacier hike is operating.
Things to do in El Calafate
- 1
Perito Moreno Glacier walkways
The one trip you can't skip. Facing the glacier there are about 4 km of walkways and balconies, split into six trails from 150 m to 1.1 km long, including an accessible one. With luck you'll see ice calving into the Canal de los Témpanos. From September to April access is open 8 am to 6 pm, and 9 am to 4 pm in winter; the park entrance fee is paid on the way in.
See tours - 2
Boat safari to the glacier face
A one-hour boat ride from Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, on Route 11, that gets to about 400 m from the glacier's south wall. Suitable for all ages and runs year-round.
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Minitrekking and Big Ice on the glacier
Guided hikes on the Perito Moreno with crampons. Minitrekking spends about an hour on the ice and is open to ages 8 to 65; Big Ice spends about 3 hours on the ice, is for ages 18 to 50 and runs from September 15 to April 30. Book well ahead.
See tours - 4
Boat trip to Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers
Lake Argentino cruises leave from Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from town, and sail through icebergs to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, whose walls reach 135 m. The full-day Todo Glaciares trip takes about 7 hours and runs daily from September to April and every other day in winter.
See tours - 5
Estancia Cristina
A historic ranch inside the national park that can only be reached by boat from Puerto Punta Bandera. The full-day trip includes about 4 hours of sailing (round trip) plus several hours at the ranch. It runs from October 1 to April 30.
See tours - 6
Glaciarium
An interpretation center about glaciers and Patagonian ice, 6 km from town on Provincial Route 11, with an ice bar (Glaciobar). A free shuttle runs from downtown. A good plan for your arrival day or a windy afternoon.
- 7
Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve
A municipal nature reserve 800 m from the main street, on the shore of Lake Argentino. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) with a 3 km interpretive trail for spotting waterbirds. Open year-round.
- 8
Punta Walichu
An archaeological site 8 km from downtown with rock paintings about 4,000 years old in sandstone shelters, surveyed by Francisco P. Moreno in 1877. Visits come with an audio guide and it is open year-round.
- 9
Day trip to El Chaltén
The northern section of Los Glaciares National Park, at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, is 220 km away on a paved road, about 3.5 hours. It works as a day trip, but the best-known hikes, like Laguna de los Tres, are worth at least one night there.
See tours
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El Calafate weather
| Month | High | Low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C 61°F | 9°C 49°F | 15.8 h |
| Feb | 17°C 62°F | 10°C 49°F | 14.3 h |
| Mar | 14°C 56°F | 8°C 46°F | 12.4 h |
| Apr | 10°C 50°F | 5°C 41°F | 10.5 h |
| May | 7°C 44°F | 2°C 36°F | 8.9 h |
| Jun | 4°C 39°F | -1°C 31°F | 8.1 h |
| Jul | 3°C 37°F | -2°C 29°F | 8.5 h |
| Aug | 4°C 39°F | -1°C 30°F | 9.9 h |
| Sep | 7°C 44°F | 1°C 33°F | 11.8 h |
| Oct | 10°C 49°F | 4°C 38°F | 13.7 h |
| Nov | 13°C 55°F | 6°C 43°F | 15.4 h |
| Dec | 15°C 59°F | 8°C 47°F | 16.3 h |
2015–2024 averages calculated from Open-Meteo historical data (ERA5 reanalysis). They may differ by one or two degrees from the local weather station.
Best time to visit El Calafate
El Calafate is a year-round destination. October to March is the best time, with every excursion running; in winter the Perito Moreno is still open, with fewer visitors and fewer hotels and tours available.
Summer
December to February
Peak season: long days and every boat trip, glacier hike and ranch excursion running. Book accommodation and Minitrekking or Big Ice well in advance.
Autumn
March to May
Crowds thin out. Big Ice and Estancia Cristina run until April 30; from May the glacier switches to winter hours.
Winter
June to August
Perito Moreno access is open 9 am to 4 pm, the boat safari keeps running and the Upsala and Spegazzini cruise sails every other day. Fewer hotels and services are open.
Spring
September to November
From September 1 the glacier is back to 8 am–6 pm hours, Big Ice starts on September 15 and Estancia Cristina opens in October. Fewer crowds than in summer.
How to get to El Calafate
By plane
The easiest option. Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, 23 km from downtown, has direct flights from Buenos Aires (under 3 hours), Córdoba, Bariloche, Trelew and Ushuaia.
By road
Río Gallegos is 316 km away via National Routes 3 and 40 and Provincial Route 11. El Chaltén is 220 km away on a paved road.
From Chile
Buses from Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine, take about 5 hours and cross the border at the Río Don Guillermo pass in Cerro Castillo.
How many days in El Calafate
3 or 4 full days cover the highlights. If you want to add El Chaltén, plan at least 2 or 3 more days and stay overnight there.
Day 1
Perito Moreno Glacier: walkways and boat safari, or Minitrekking or Big Ice on the ice.
Day 2
Lake Argentino cruise to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, or Estancia Cristina (October to April).
Day 3
Glaciarium, Laguna Nimez Reserve and Punta Walichu, in and around town.
Day 4
Day trip to El Chaltén, or a second day at the Perito Moreno with a different activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit El Calafate?
October to March, when every excursion runs: boat trips, Minitrekking, Big Ice and Estancia Cristina. The Perito Moreno is open all year, so winter is an option if you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind a shorter list of tours.
How many days do you need in El Calafate?
3 to 4 full days: one for the Perito Moreno Glacier, one for the Upsala and Spegazzini cruise or Estancia Cristina, and one for the Glaciarium, Laguna Nimez and Punta Walichu. Add 2 or 3 more days for El Chaltén.
What is the weather like in El Calafate?
Summers are mild and winters cold, with prevailing winds from the west and southwest. Average temperatures and daylight hours for each month are in the weather section of this guide. Dress in layers in any season, especially for the glacier.
Is El Calafate worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Perito Moreno access is open 9 am to 4 pm from May to August, the boat safari runs year-round and the Upsala and Spegazzini cruise sails every other day. Big Ice and Estancia Cristina don't operate in winter, and fewer hotels are open.
How do you get to El Calafate from Buenos Aires?
By plane, with direct flights of under 3 hours to Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, 23 km from downtown. The town is 2,800 km from Buenos Aires.
How far is the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate?
80 km on Provincial Route 11. You can go on a tour, by regular bus, by transfer or in your own car. The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee is paid at the park gate on the way to the glacier.
How do you get from El Calafate to El Chaltén or Puerto Natales?
El Chaltén is 220 km away on a paved road, about 3.5 hours by bus or car. To Puerto Natales, in Chile, buses take about 5 hours and cross the border at the Río Don Guillermo pass in Cerro Castillo.