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Get InspiredSouth AmericaArgentinaSanta CruzEl Calafate

El Calafate

Santa Cruz, Argentina
City·Scenic, Gateway, Natural
El Calafate
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Caio Portela from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by James Cheung from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Rachel Jarboe from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Caio Portela from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by James Cheung from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Rachel Jarboe from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Jens Peter Olesen from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni from Unsplash
El Calafate
Photo by Juan Pablo Mascanfroni from Unsplash

El Calafate, located in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, is a picturesque city on the southern border of Lago Argentino. It is renowned as a hub for tourists visiting Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and other natural attractions like Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre. The city is named after a local bush known for its yellow flowers and dark-blue berries. Visitors are drawn to El Calafate for its stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and the unique opportunity to explore the majestic glaciers of Patagonia.

El Calafate, located in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, is a picturesque city on the southern border of Lago Argentino. It is renowned as a hub for tourists visiting Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and other natural attractions like Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre. The city is named after a local bush known for its yellow flowers and dark-blue berries. Visitors are drawn to El Calafate for its stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and the unique opportunity to explore the majestic glaciers of Patagonia.

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Highlights

  • Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

  • Proximity to Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Picturesque views of Lago Argentino.

Before you go: El Calafate essentials

  • Close access to Los Glaciares National Park, ideal for hiking and glacier tours.

  • Beautiful natural surroundings with opportunities for outdoor adventures.

  • Rich cultural heritage with local traditions and cuisine.

Getting Around

El Calafate is best explored by renting a car or joining guided tours to reach the national parks and glaciers.

Local Cuisine

Try the local delicacy, Patagonian lamb, at one of the city's traditional restaurants.

Best For

Nature enthusiasts and glacier explorers.

Currency

ARS $

Average Cost

$100-$200 p/day

Languages Spoken

Spanish, English

Weather

Pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable, with chilly winds even in summer.

Photography

Don't miss the golden hour for stunning photographs of the glaciers and surrounding landscapes.

Occasion Tags

Tourists, Nature Lovers, Adventurers

Best time to visit El Calafate

November-March

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit El Calafate with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.

Summer

Summers are popular for glacier tours, but expect crowds and book accommodations in advance.

Best Season

Fall

Fall offers fewer tourists and stunning autumn colors, perfect for photography.

Winter

Winters are cold, but it's a unique time to experience the glaciers in solitude.

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Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

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Location

El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Where to stay in El Calafate

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Matices Hostel

4.4(513)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Friendly, Basic, Convenient
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Place
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América del Sur Hostel Calafate

4.6(1,4 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Social, Friendly
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Place
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Hospedaje Manantiales

4.1(122)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Welcoming, Family Friendly
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Place
Place
Place
Place

Calafate Hostel

4.4(1,6 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Social, Cozy, Budget Friendly
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Place
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Place
Place

Hostel Elal

4.4(314)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Basic, Budget Friendly, Convenient
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Place
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Place

Lago Argentino Hostel

4.7(561)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Relaxed, Charming, Social
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Place
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Posada Los Alamos / Categoría 4 estrellas

4.7(4,3 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Refined, Traditional, Country Style
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Place
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Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate

4.4(1,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Elegant, Polished, Scenic

Food & drink in El Calafate

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Place
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Place

Viva la Pepa

4.5(1,9 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Colorful, Relaxed
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Place
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Place

Pietro's Cafe

4.4(4,6 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Charming, Antique, Relaxed
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Place
Place
Place
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Calafate Coffee Roasters

4.9(740)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Modern, Cozy, Polished
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Place
Place
Place
Place

Waffles Como En Casa

4.8(647)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Welcoming, Homey
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Place
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Cafe Brown

4.9(538)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Artistic, Welcoming
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Place
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La Chacrita de Nimez

4.6(1,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Scenic, Relaxed, Musical
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Place
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Don Luis

4.5(6,3 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Buzzy, Casual, No Frills
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Place
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La Zaina Cocina Patagónica

4.5(2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Historical, Welcoming

Things to do in El Calafate

Full Day on Board Maria Turquesa Cruise and Perito Moreno Glacier
From $428

Full Day on Board Maria Turquesa Cruise and Perito Moreno Glacier

Duration: 10h
El Calafate
Southroad Calafate Balcony Experience with Tour Mode Options
From $100

Southroad Calafate Balcony Experience with Tour Mode Options

4.6(73)
Duration: 4h
El Calafate
Adventure Minitrekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
From $400

Adventure Minitrekking on Perito Moreno Glacier

Duration: 10h
El Calafate
El Chaltén Full Day with Viedma Glacier and Chorrillo del Salto
From $274

El Chaltén Full Day with Viedma Glacier and Chorrillo del Salto

Duration: 12h
El Calafate
Patagonian Ranch: Nibepo Aike Adventure with Horseback Riding
From $183

Patagonian Ranch: Nibepo Aike Adventure with Horseback Riding

4.2(27)
Duration: 24h
El Calafate
Nativo Experience - Lakes & Caverns
From $130

Nativo Experience - Lakes & Caverns

4.8(268)
Duration: 3h
El Calafate
Perito Moreno boat tour from El Calafate: Glaciares Gourmet
From $255

Perito Moreno boat tour from El Calafate: Glaciares Gourmet

4.5(99)
Duration: 10h
El Calafate
Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation
From $126

Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation

4.4(14)
Duration: 8h
El Calafate
Explore on Viator

Attractions in El Calafate

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Letras de El Calafate

4.5(122)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Casual, Scenic, Family Friendly
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Centro de Interpretación Histórica Calafate

4.4(2,3 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Educational, Intimate, Thought Provoking
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Mirador Lago Argentino

4.7(1,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Serene, Windy, Picturesque
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Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum

4.4(6,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Modern, Educational, Scenic
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Cave Restaurant Nativo

4.8(806)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Unique, Historic, Adventurous
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Reserva Laguna Nimez

4.3(6,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Tranquil, Windy, Scenic
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Mountain Park

4.6(102)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Adventurous, Windy, Scenic

Natural & historic sites near El Calafate

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Los Glaciares National Park

Protected Area · Majestic, Vast, Raw, Inspiring