El Calafate

The Perito Moreno Glacier, first discovered in 1879, is today  the most popular attraction in El Calafate. It’s visited by thousands of travelers every year (mostly during Spring since winter in Patagonia can be rough), and it’s located inside the Glaciers National Park. Why is Perito Moreno famous in the world? Because it’s the only glacier that is still advancing. It can be visited from the sidewalks in front of its amazing icy walls, by you can also hike on top of the glacier!

Address: PR 11 (from El Calafate)

Days and times: Summer (from 1st Sept. to 30th April), 8am to 6pm, Winter (from 1st May to 31th August), 9am to 4pm.

Price: 23USD. This fee can only be paid in the equivalent of local currency in cash.

The Nimez Lagoon is a quiet and green place, located in the shore of Lake Argentino. It is not yet well known to tourists and therefore maintains an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It houses a great variety of birds. Among them, the flamingos stand out, which can be observed at various times during the year.

Address:  Av Costanera Presidente Néstor C Kirchner 2075, El Calafate

Days and times:  Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (in autumn from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Open all year long.

Price: approx USD 4 (in cash in Argentinian pesos)  to enter the Reserve

If you want to learn about the natural and human history of the last 100 million years in southern Patagonia, then you must visit the Historical Interpretation Center. This center is recognized with the Scientific Sponsorship of La Plata Museum of Natural Sciences of the National University of La Plata, one of the most important Argentine universities.

Address: Av. Brown 1175

Days and times: From September to April: Every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. From May to August: Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One of the best opportunities for exploring Calafate is through horseback riding.  Available through multiple local companies, these full day excursions take riders on a journey up the mountainside where some of the best views of the region await them. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, riders will see the Perito Moreno Glacier, Lake Roca, and Cerro Moreno, as well as other sites, all from an incredible vantage point. If you have a day to spare, this top attraction promises to be an enjoyable experience.

Glaciarium is a center and museum dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Patagonian Ice and its glaciers, one of the few glaciological centers in the world. Through visual and sound resources an interactive and educational space was created. It’s 6km away from El Calafate, but the entrance fee includes a free transfer that leaves from the Provincial Tourism Secretariat every hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., both outward and return.

Address: RP11 KM 6, El Calafate

Days and times: Open every day from 11:00 to 20:00. Winter hours (from April to October) open every day from 11:00 to 19:00.

Lake Roca is located 50 km away from El Calafate. It can be accessed by car (private or rented), by bus or with a travel agency. During the high season there are daily buses to this lake. This area offers quiet places sheltered from the wind, ideal for camping, hiking to the nearby hills (such as Cristal). On a clear day, from the Rock Side you can see the Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine.

Address: RP 15, El Calafate

Days and times: Open every day, 24 hours a day.

Founded in 1914 by a British settler, the Estancia Cristina is a lodge located inside Los Glaciares National Park on the northwest coast of the Argentina Lake. Maintaining the same essence from the days of its founding 100 years ago, guests at the estancia can relax in comfort while taking advantage of the numerous activities Cristina offers. Choose between boat tours to the Upsala Glacier, horseback riding through the surrounding valley, hiking in the nearby mountains, or fishing in the Caterina River.

Address: Northwest shore of the Lake Argentino Lake in Los Glaciares National Park  (Estancia)

An archaeological site that can be accessed without the need of a tour. It is located 8 km away from El Calafate, on the shores of Lake Argentino. In this site you will be able to observe cave art that dates back approximately 4,000 years. This place was used by the ancient habitants as a shelter against the Patagonian frosts.

Address: RP11 KM 4, El Calafate.

Days and times: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Museum “100 years playing” and “Evita Perón Museum” has pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, until the 1970s. A permanent exhibition with a 1600m2 structure of emotions, including a Souvenir Shop. The toys exhibited, both Argentine and foreign, are recognized and coveted by collectors around the world and, for the most part, appear in international catalogs.

Address: Av. del Libertador 975-998

A day tour of the La Leona Petrified Forest offers visitors an opportunity to explore a paleontological site full of petrified tree trunks and fragments of dinosaur bones. While traveling along Argentina Lake and crossing the Santa Cruz River to reach the site, participants will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Once there, the tour will take guests down into the valley to explore the endless system of gorges and ravines that is home to these magnificent fossils. 

Address: Shores of river la Leona on the 40 National Route, halfway between Calafate and Chaltén.

Considered one of the longest glaciers in all of South America, measuring 37 miles long, the Upsala Glacier is a large valley glacier located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. Flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is also the source of the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, the end point of the Upsala is in the Argentina Lake. Being one of Calafate’s top attractions, there are multiple different companies that can take you by boat to see the glacier. 

Location: Los Glaciares National Park

Price: Ask for the full day tour here

Located inside Los Glaciares National Park on the banks of Lake Onelli, the Onelli Glacier is one of the biggest glaciers in the Calafate region. Visitors who are interested in seeing the giant ice formation in person can travel by boat from Punta Bandera on the Argentina Lake toward the Onelli Bay where they will walk the rest of the way to reach the glacier. From the glacier visitors will have access to some of the most gorgeous views of the area, including the surrounding mountains, lake and forest. Don’t miss this top attraction in Calafate!

Location: Los Glaciares National Park

Gdor. Gregores 1057, El Calafate, Santa Cruz. Tel. +54 (11) 3812-7611

Traditional Grill

La Zaina is a restaurant that offers exquisite plates featuring lamb, guanaco, and more kind of meats. Pair these mouthwatering dishes with a fine wine selection for an unforgettable dining experience.

Av. Del Libertador 1876. Tel. (02902) 493356.

Natural / Vegetarian / Vegan

It is a colorful restaurant, with good music and homemade food. The portions are generous and there are many dishes and a great variety for vegetarians. Recommendation: try the stuffed pumpkin… you won’t regret it!

Av. Del Libertador and 1ro de Mayo. Tel. (02902) 491-610.

Fast food / Pizzeria

La Lechuza is perhaps the most popular restaurant in El Calafate. It is strategically located on a corner in front of the Administration of National Parks, on the main street. If you are going to eat at La Lechuza, you will surely come out smelling of olives, but the pizzas, empanadas and pastas are delicious.

Av. Libertador 963. Tel. (02902) 492590.

Grill / Regionals

They define themselves as a gourmet restaurant and grill, and their prices reflect this since it is one of the most expensive options in El Calafate. This restaurant offers a selection of wines with a great variety and Patagonian foods such as trout, salmon, and of course, lamb. We recommend it for a special night.

Av Libertador 1245. Tel. (02902) 491758.

Pasta / Vegetarian

La Cocina is one of the most traditional restaurants in town, where the dishes are very large and the specialty is pasta. However, there are several quite original salad options. The price is moderate.

Av. Del Libertador 1015. Tel. (02902) 491464.

Fast food

Borges y Álvarez Libro-Bar is more than a restaurant. It’s a bar, it’s a coffee shop, it’s a unique space in El Calafate. It’s decoration is very particular: the walls are full of libraries with hundreds of books. It also has a very nice terrace to enjoy in spring and summer. They offer a wide variety of simple and classic dishes. They also have vegan options.

Av. Del Libertador 832. Tel. (02902) 4988042.

Fast food / Vegetarian

La Zorra is a relaxed craft brewery. However, the gastronomy surprises: its classic dishes, such as hamburgers, pizzas and French fries, stand out for their taste and quality. In addition, being a craft brewery, it offers a wide variety of tasty beers. It has several options for vegetarians. Recommendation: be sure to try the Provençal potatoes, they are crazy!

Av. del Libertador 3611. Tel. (02966) 67-0694

Meat / Grill

This indoor restaurant offers an exclusive experience. With only 16 tables, reservations are obligatory to be part of this gastronomic journey. Try the personalized 3-step menu accompanied by wine.