Top 7 Things to Do in El Calafate, Argentina

Let’s be honest, if you’re looking for things to do in El Calafate, you’re probably either passing through to visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina’s Glacier National Park and home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier) or heading north to El Chaltén to hike Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre.

For us, our stop in El Calafate was part of our 10-day Argentina itinerary to get to Patagonia, but we quickly realized this small town has way more to offer than just a quick overnight stay.

Back in 2001, El Calafate had only about 6,000 permanent residents. When the airport opened in 2000, the town really took off – and today it has around 20,000 residents and welcomes thousands of travelers every year.

El Calafate is the gateway to Patagonia, surrounded by incredible landscapes, glaciers, and the deep blue waters of Lago Argentino. Whether you’re planning to explore the national park, cruise across the lake, or simply enjoy the local food and wine scene, there are so many unforgettable things to see in El Calafate that make it worth spending at least a few days here.

Short on Time? Here are the Key Takeaways:

• Stay: Near downtown El Calafate for easy access to restaurants and tours, or by Lago Argentino for quieter views.
• Do: Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, explore Lago Argentino, stroll downtown, and don’t miss a taste of Calafate berry liqueur.
• Time needed: Unless you are doing multiple day trips, a full day actual in El Calafate is enough. Plan for 2-3 days if you’re using it as a base.
• When to go: November to March offers the best weather and most tours.

This post was originally published in April 2019, and was updated in October 2025.

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Best Time to Visit El Calafate

El Calafate is open year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do.

If you’re here to explore Los Glaciares National Park or visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, the ideal time to visit El Calafate is during Patagonia’s summer months (November through March). Days are long, temperatures are milder (usually between 45°F–65°F / 7°C–18°C), and most tours and hikes are running at full capacity.

If you prefer fewer crowds and slightly cooler weather, October and April are great shoulder-season months. You’ll still have good weather, but you might get better prices on accommodation and tours.

Winter in El Calafate (June through August) brings snow, colder temps, and fewer visitors. Some tours slow down, but the town remains open – and it’s a beautiful time to visit if you want to see Patagonia in its quiet, frozen state.

Quick Breakdown:

• Best overall time: November to March (warmest weather and full tour access)
• Best for fewer crowds: October or April
• Best for a winter experience: June to August

Getting to El Calafate from the airport 

First things first, the El Calafate airport (FTE) is about 20 to 30 minutes – roughly 21 km or 13 miles – outside of downtown, so you’ll need some form of transportation to get into town.

When you arrive, you’ll see several transport stands right in the baggage claim area offering shuttles, taxis, and private transfers to the city center.

From what we saw, there are two main options:

• Shuttle bus: The cheapest way to get from El Calafate airport to town. It’s a shared ride, so expect a few stops along the way. Great if you’re traveling on a budget and not in a rush.
• Taxi or private transfer: We chose a taxi since it was faster and dropped us directly at our Airbnb. It’s a fixed rate and takes about 20 minutes. Prices vary depending on exchange rates, but expect to pay around $20-25 USD one way.

If you’re flying out of El Calafate, it’s easy to arrange a taxi back through your hotel or Airbnb host the day before your flight. Shuttles also run regularly between town and the airport.

No need to book in advance unless you’re arriving late at night – it’s a very straightforward process.

Where to Stay in El Calafate

If you’re planning your trip to Patagonia, finding the right place to stay in El Calafate can make a big difference in how you experience the town. While it’s not a huge place, location matters – especially if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and pickup points for tours to Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier.

If it’s your first visit or you’re short on time, the best area to stay in El Calafate is near the downtown center. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops, and most tours and airport shuttles depart from this area. If you prefer a quieter stay with beautiful views, the lakefront area near Lago Argentino offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

We personally use Booking.com for almost all of our travels. Their listings are easy to filter by location and budget, and we love the no-money-down policy and free cancellation on most stays. It’s saved us more than once when plans changed mid-trip (which happens more than we’d like to admit).

Here are a few great places to stay in El Calafate for every budget:

Splurge Worth: Hotel Posada Los Alamos

• Guest Rating: 9.1/10 on Booking.com
• Average Price: Around $240+ USD per night

If you’re looking for a stay that feels special without completely breaking the bank, Hotel Posada Los Álamos is a great choice. It’s located right near downtown El Calafate, so you’re within walking distance of restaurants and shops, but it still feels quiet and tucked away. The rooms are warm and elegant, there’s an on-site spa and indoor pool, and the service gets top marks from guests. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring Patagonia.

>> Click here to check current prices and availability

Mid-Range Stay: Hotel Sierra Nevada

• Guest Rating: 8.8/10 on Booking.com
• Average Price: Around $160+ USD per night

Just a short walk from downtown, the Hotel Sierra Nevada has spacious rooms, friendly service, and views of both the lake and mountains. A solid choice for travelers who want comfort without splurging.

>> Click here to check current prices and availability

Budget-Friendly Stay – Hostal Schilling

• Guest Rating: 8.9/10 on Booking.com
• Typical Price: From around USD $60–80+ per night (varies by season)

If you’re trying to keep costs low but still want a place that feels comfortable and classy, Hostal Schilling is a top pick. It’s located within walking distance of El Calafate’s main street, yet tucked away just enough to feel peaceful. The staff are super helpful, the rooms are clean and cozy, and breakfast has been praised by previous guests. For the price, it’s hard to beat – especially in Patagonia.

>> Click here to check current prices and availability

Want to see more options? Check out all hotels in El Calafate and compare current prices on Booking.com

Getting Around El Calafate

Once you’re in town, getting around El Calafate is simple. The city is small and walkable, with most restaurants, bars, and shops centered around Avenida del Libertador, the main street. If you’re staying near downtown, you can easily explore on foot.

For longer distances – like heading to Laguna Nimez, the bus terminal, or your hotel on the outskirts – taxis are your best option. They’re easy to find at taxi stands or by asking your accommodation to call one. Most drivers only speak Spanish, so having your destination written down can make things smoother.

If you’re planning day trips to El Chaltén or other Patagonia spots, the El Calafate bus station (Terminal de Ómnibus) is just a few minutes’ drive from downtown. Buses are comfortable, affordable, and a great way to take in the Patagonian scenery without worrying about navigation.

Things to Do in El Calafate

Even though El Calafate is often seen as the gateway to Patagonia, this small town is worth more than just an overnight stay. It’s packed with incredible views, local charm, and easy access to some of Argentina’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re here for glaciers, food, or a little bit of both, here are some of the best things to do in El Calafate.

1. Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier

This one’s a no-brainer – it’s the main reason most people come to El Calafate. Located inside Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Argentina.

You can experience it a few different ways:

• Walk the balconies: A series of walkways that offer panoramic views of the glacier and frequent calving (ice breaking) events.
• Take a boat ride: Get an up-close look at the glacier walls and hear the thunderous cracks of the ice.
• Go trekking on the glacier: For the adventurous, join a guided tour like the Mini Trekking or Big Ice experience with Hielo & Aventura.

We covered everything you need to know – from pricing and booking details to what it’s really like hiking on the ice – in our full guide: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour – Everything to Know Before You Go.

Even if you don’t have time for a full trek, just standing in front of this massive glacier is one of the most unforgettable things to do in El Calafate.

2. Explore Lago Argentino

Lago Argentino is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina, and it’s impossible to miss when you’re in town. Its turquoise-blue color is unreal, especially on a sunny day.

You can stroll along the shoreline, rent a kayak, or take a scenic boat trip that passes by floating icebergs and nearby glaciers. It’s one of the best things to see in El Calafate if you love peaceful views and being near the water.

3. Check Out the Glaciarium Ice Museum

This museum is dedicated to Patagonia’s glaciers, combining education and entertainment in a surprisingly engaging way. Learn how glaciers form, explore interactive exhibits, and finish your visit with a drink in the on-site ice bar – where everything from the walls to the glasses is made of ice.

It’s touristy but fun, and a great rainy-day option if you’re spending more than one night in town.

4. Stroll Through Downtown El Calafate

The downtown area of El Calafate is small and charming, centered around Avenida del Libertador. It’s where you’ll find most of the shops, restaurants, and bars. The main street is lined with string lights, a grassy median, and (our favorite part) friendly stray dogs who have mastered the art of hanging around restaurants that smell like grilled Patagonian lamb.

On our one night in town, we wandered into Borges y Alvarez Libro Bar, a cozy second-floor spot lined with bookshelves and filled with locals. We ordered a local craft beer on tap, listened to a couple of musicians play guitar and harmonica, and watched the world go by below.

If you have time, try anything made with the Calafate berry – the town’s namesake fruit. You’ll find it in jams, wines, and liqueurs, and legend says if you eat one, you’ll return to Patagonia someday.

5. See Flamingos at Laguna Nimez Reserve

Just a short walk from the town center, this small nature reserve is home to flamingos, ducks, and other Patagonian birdlife. There’s an easy walking trail and great photo spots overlooking Lago Argentino.

It’s a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours and one of the most underrated things to do in El Calafate for nature lovers.

6. Take a Day Trip from El Calafate

If you’ve got extra time, use El Calafate as your base for exploring more of Patagonia. Popular day trips from El Calafate include:

• El Chaltén: The trekking capital of Argentina, about three hours north. You can easily catch a bus from the El Calafate terminal (a 5-minute taxi ride from downtown) and spend the day hiking trails with incredible views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
  • For more details on hiking and what to see in El Chaltén, check out our Complete Guide to El Chaltén – Patagonia’s Hiking Basecamp.
• Estancia Cristina: A scenic boat ride across Lago Argentino leads to this historic sheep ranch inside Los Glaciares National Park. You can hike, take a 4×4 to the Upsala Glacier viewpoint, or enjoy a traditional Argentine asado.
• Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers: Full-day cruises through Lago Argentino take you past massive glacier walls and floating icebergs – a must for anyone who can’t get enough of Patagonia’s icy landscapes.

For those short on time, a day trip to El Chaltén from El Calafate is one of the most scenic ways to experience Patagonia’s mountain magic. Most tours include round-trip transport, a stop at Estancia La Leona, and guided hikes with views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Check out all El Chaltén day tours and current prices on Viator to find one that matches your travel style and fitness level:

7. Eat and Drink Your Way Through Town

El Calafate’s food scene is better than you might expect for such a small town. Patagonian lamb is the local specialty, often slow-roasted over an open flame. Pair it with a bold Malbec or a cold local craft beer.

If you’re looking for something different, try the Calafate berry liqueur – locals say it’ll guarantee your return to Patagonia. We’ll take that as a challenge.

There are a few ice-bars (think dressed up in big coats to have a drink) in town, given El Calafate’s close proximity to the glacier, but we didn’t venture into any of them because they just seemed super touristy and overpriced. 

Pro Tip: If you’re heading to El Chaltén next and need hiking gear, wait until you arrive there to rent it. It’s cheaper, and you won’t have to lug it around.

Frequently Asked Questions About El Calafate

How many days do you need in El Calafate?
You can see the main highlights of El Calafate in 2 to 3 days. Spend one full day visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, another exploring downtown El Calafate and Lago Argentino, and, if you have extra time, take a day trip to El Chaltén or Estancia Cristina. If you’re short on time, you can still do a quick overnight stop and fit in the glacier tour before moving on.

Is El Calafate worth visiting?
Absolutely. While it’s often viewed as just a jumping-off point for Patagonia, El Calafate has its own charm. Between the glacier views, the food scene, and the friendly, walkable town, it’s worth spending at least one or two nights here.

How do you get to El Calafate?
The easiest way to get to El Calafate is by flying into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), which is about 20–30 minutes from downtown. You can take a taxi or shared shuttle directly from the airport to your hotel. Buses also connect El Calafate to El Chaltén, Ushuaia, and other towns in Patagonia.

Can you visit Perito Moreno Glacier without a tour?
Yes! You can take a public bus or rent a car to reach Los Glaciares National Park and explore the Perito Moreno Glacier viewing balconies on your own. If you want to walk on the ice or get closer by boat, you’ll need to join a guided tour.

What should I wear in El Calafate?
Weather in Patagonia changes quickly, even in summer, so dress in layers. Bring a windproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, gloves, and sunglasses. If you’re visiting the glacier, waterproof footwear is a must.

When is the best time to visit El Calafate?
The best time to visit El Calafate is during Patagonia’s summer (November through March) when days are long and the weather is mild. For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in October or April.

El Calafate may be known as the gateway to Patagonia, but it’s also a destination that stands on its own. Between the dramatic landscapes, warm hospitality, and that small-town charm, it’s the kind of place that quietly gets under your skin.

Even if you come here just to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, you’ll quickly realize there’s much more to enjoy – from sipping a Calafate berry liqueur downtown to watching flamingos at Laguna Nimez or cruising across Lago Argentino surrounded by icebergs.

Whether you spend one night or three, El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring southern Patagonia. It’s also the ideal stop before continuing on to El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, or deeper into Argentina’s glacier country.

If you’re planning your trip, check out our related Patagonia guides for more inspiration:

• Perito Moreno Glacier Tour – How to Visit and Trek in Patagonia
• The Complete Guide to El Chaltén – Patagonia’s Hiking Basecamp
• The Most Epic 10-Day Itinerary for Argentina and Patagonia