Calafate Sightseeing

Must-Do Tours from El Calafate

The charming town of El Calafate has become the tourist capital and gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia. Less than 80 kilometers from the Perito Moreno Glacier and close to other natural attractions, El Calafate serves as the starting point for numerous excursions and activities that allow you to explore the untouched wilderness of Patagonia.

Boat Trips to Perito Moreno

One of the most popular activities is a boat trip on Lake Argentino to the Perito Moreno Glacier. On catamarans, you can sail through the Canal de los Témpanos and admire the towering 60-meter ice walls. The calving phenomenon, where massive ice chunks break off and crash into the water, is a breathtaking spectacle of nature.

Walkways at the Glacier Front

The modern walkways along Lake Argentino offer visitors stunning views of the glacier front. Observe the ice cascades, crevasses, and caves up close. For the more adventurous, there are also viewpoints and opportunities for trekking over the glacier’s moraine.

Hiking in El Chaltén

Just over three hours away by car lies El Chaltén, the trekking capital of Argentina. Surrounded by the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and the Cerro Torre, El Chaltén offers numerous hikes and treks into the Andes. Multi-day hikes take you deep into the heart of this stunning mountainous landscape.

Catamaran on Lake Viedma

From El Calafate, you can also explore the Viedma Glacier and Viedma Lake. On special catamarans, you will sail over the turquoise waters and get close to the immense 120-meter-high ice walls. You can also witness the calving phenomenon here.

Boat Safari and Wildlife Observation

The lagoons and lakes around El Calafate offer numerous opportunities for boat safaris. On special boats, you can observe flamingos, cormorants, gulls, and, with a bit of luck, even huemules or the elusive Patagonian puma. A perfect outing for nature lovers!

Hikes to Panoramic Viewpoints

There are several hiking trails around El Calafate that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Popular routes like the Sendero al Mirador del Cerro Frias offer unique views of the ice fields and snow-capped peaks of the southern Andes.

Horseback Riding and Trekking

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s the option to explore the Patagonian landscape on horseback. These rides take you through ancient forests, glacial valleys, and peat bogs, providing an authentic nature experience.

El Calafate is undoubtedly the gateway to some of Patagonia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Whether by boat, on a hike, or horseback riding, you’ll find unique opportunities to experience the untouched wilderness here.