Join millions of curious travelers.

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

We promise not to spam you!
  • How It Works
  • Get Inspired
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Login
Get InspiredBlogTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 TravelPal, Inc.

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Contact

Follow us

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026, TravelPal, Inc. All rights reserved.
0/200
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.

You might want to ask

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.

Join millions of curious travelers.

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

We promise not to spam you!

Location

El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Open in Maps

Where to stay in El Calafate

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

La Cantera Hotel Boutique Calafate

4.4(610)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Scenic, Informal, Rustic Leaning
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Lagos Del Calafate

4.4(2,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Modern, Functional, Polished Leaning
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate

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

Hospedaje Manantiales

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

Lago Argentino Hostel

4.7(561)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Relaxed, Charming, Social
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Destino Calafate

4.7(215)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Quiet, Modern, Efficient
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Hotel Mirador del Lago

4.6(2,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Welcoming, Rustic Chic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Calafate Parque Hotel

4.5(1,3 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Traditional, Comfortable, Central

Food & drink in El Calafate

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Pura Vida

4.7(1,9 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Vibrant, New Age, Relaxed
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Don Luis

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

Viva la Pepa

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

Mako Fuegos y Vinos Restaurante

4.5(1,3 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Polished, Warm, Sophisticated
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Casimiro Biguá

4.3(5,9 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Polished, Buzzy, Professional
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Buenos Cruces Pasta Bar

4.8(1,9 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Cozy, Funky, Authentic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

La Tablita

4.4(6,4 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Rustic, Buzzy, Meat Focused
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

NINA Pasión y Sabores

4.5(2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Inviting, Casual, Eclectic

Things to do in El Calafate

El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour
From $387

El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking Adventure Tour

4.4(66)
Duration: 10h
El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Optional Boat Safari
From $80

Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Optional Boat Safari

4.7(550)
Duration: 8h
El Calafate
Shuttle Bus from El Calafate City to El Chalten
From $80

Shuttle Bus from El Calafate City to El Chalten

5.0(1)
Duration: 4h
El Calafate
Monte Leon 4x4 Sea Lions and Penguins
From $250

Monte Leon 4x4 Sea Lions and Penguins

4.8(40)
Duration: 14h
El Calafate
Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation
From $128

Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation

4.4(13)
Duration: 8h
El Calafate
Extreme Adventure 4x4
From $250

Extreme Adventure 4x4

5.0(56)
Duration: 3h
El Calafate
One Way Transfer from Airport-Hotel downtown(Calafate) vice versa
From $13

One Way Transfer from Airport-Hotel downtown(Calafate) vice versa

4.0(37)
Duration: 30 min
El Calafate
Full Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier including Navigation
From $189

Full Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier including Navigation

4.8(26)
Duration: 8h
El Calafate
Explore on Viator

Attractions in El Calafate

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Mountain Park

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

Letras de El Calafate

4.5(122)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Casual, Scenic, Family Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum

4.4(6,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Modern, Educational, Scenic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Centro de Interpretación Histórica Calafate

4.4(2,3 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Educational, Intimate, Thought Provoking
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Reserva Laguna Nimez

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

Mirador Lago Argentino

4.7(1,2 K)
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Serene, Windy, Picturesque
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Cave Restaurant Nativo

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

Natural & historic sites near El Calafate

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Los Glaciares National Park

Protected Area · Majestic, Vast, Raw, Inspiring