El Calafate is a famous Patagonian destination known for the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. But what else is there? Check out these El Calafate tours that will give you more options to do once you’ve seen the glacier.
1. El Calafate Tour: Discover
Where to: Upsala Glacier + Estancia Cristina + 4×4 Upsala Viewpoints + Museum
The excursion begins early in the morning; the bus will pick you up from your hotel and will take you up to the National Park Los Glaciares where you will depart from port Punta Bandera (NPC) at 8 o’clock in our modern and comfortable boat. Sailing among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala glacier and then through Cristina Canal to disembark at the Estancia.
You will be arriving at Estancia Cristina around 11 am where you will spend 6 hours. You are going to visit the “Costumbrista Museum”. Ascent in all-terrain vehicles, traveling 9.5 km through mountainous roads. After this, you will arrive at the Continental ice shelter and will take a 30-minute walk. You will visit the oriental front of Upsala Glacier. Lake Guillermo, Southern Patagonian Ice, and Andes.
2. El Calafate Tour: Navigations
Where to: Rivers of Ice
It’s a full day of sailing. Depart from El Calafate at 7:15 AM, and after traveling 50 km you’ll reach Puerto Banderas. Once aboard, you will sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino until the Upsala Channel, where we will find the great Barrier of Icebergs. From there we will have a panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier.
Then we will sail the Spegazzini Canal, where we can see the Seco Glacier and then reach up to the front of the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the National Park.
3. El Calafate Tour: Upsala Kayak Experience
Where to: Upsala Glacier
The experience starts with ground transportation to Punta Bandera Port, where the guides and the ferry will be waiting.
While navigating Argentino Lake, a guide will explain what you are seeing: landscape, flora, fauna (condors, wild cows, lengas, ñires) interpretation. You will always be surrounded by imposing mountains. Sweet pastries and beverages will be at your disposal. After two hours of navigation, the kayaking briefing will start. Each passenger will be given their own equipment and they will show how to put it on along with all other security tips.
Once a safe place is located according to weather conditions and the Iceberg at Upsala channel and Onelli Bay, you will disembark with the kayaks. After warming up, you will start the kayak expedition, paddling for two hours approximately (depending on the weather conditions and physical conditions of the group).
Paddling will be paced and always taking into account the group’s physical level. The guides will communicate by radio with the crew on the ferry, which will be your support boat. You will eat lunch once aboard the ferry. After kayaking, you will practice some relaxing and stretching exercises before changing on the ferry. A snack will be offered. Arrival at Punta Bandera Port at 7 pm, to take the transfer back to Calafate.
So which one—or two—of these El Calafate tours strikes your fancy? If you’re still looking for more options, get in touch with us at Say Hueque! We have many more up our sleeves. Or, to keep reading about Patagonia, check out this part of the blog.
