Today, Southern Patagonia welcomes you with open arms. El Calafate is a starting point for adventure travelers who desire to unearth the most spellbinding natural wonders of Patagonia, like the Perito Moreno Glacier.
The Perito Moreno glacier is one of the only glaciers in the world that’s still advancing. Though it’s not the only glacier in the area, it’s the one that made the city of El Calafate famous worldwide. For many years now, El Calafate has been considered capital of the glaciers. Located at the shore of Lago Argentino (the southernmost, largest Patagonian lake) it’s also home of the Spegazzini glacier, which forms the natural border between Argentina and Chile, and the Upsala glacier, named Glaciar del Gigante (Giant’s glacier) It’s discovery was the biggest glacier to sit at the mouth of Lake Argentino.
Is El Calafate all about the glaciers? Well, yes and no…glaciers are main attractions that you can visit via hiking or a boat ride but you have a lot more to discover about Argentine rural culture. From Calafate, you can also visit a typical Patagonian finca (ranch) and learn all about the gaucho (cowboy) culture and enjoy a great asado (barbecue). You’ll soon realize that Calafate offers more than just being the gateway to the Perito Moreno glacier.
Upon arrival, you will be taken to the hotel,where you will have the rest of the day to relax or explore the surroundings.
Say Hueque Tips
Take a look at our Calafate Travel Guide to find more practical information about the city. Our advice: if you feel like exploring a bit on your own, you can visit The Glaciarium Museum and learn about the history of glaciers and its first explorers. To get to the museum there is a transfer you can take at the Tourist Office.