El Calafate & The Glaciers

El Calafate & The Glaciers

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  • Discover the Patagonian nature around the town of El Calafate
  • Walk along the boardwalk as the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier creaks and calves into Lake Argentino.
  • Take a boat cruise close enough to feel the crisp breeze from the ice on your face!
  • Best time to travel: From October to April

In this 3-day adventurous tour, Perito Moreno Glacier will be the highlight. It is arguably one of the most impressive natural wonders in Patagonia and a “must-see” for all visitors! Only 50 miles away from the bustling town of El Calafate.

Itinerary

Welcome to your 3-day tour in El Calafate
Day at leisure

 

  • Transfer from El Calafate airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Southern Patagonia welcomes you with open arms. Upon arrival, we will bring you to your hotel and have the remainder of your day to relax or explore the surroundings.

El Calafate is a starting point for adventure-seeking travelers who chase to unearth the most spellbinding natural wonders of Patagonia, like the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the only glaciers in the world that’s still advancing. Though it’s not the only glacier in the area, it’s the one that made the city of El Calafate famous worldwide. For many years now, El Calafate has been considered capital of the glaciers. Located at the shore of Lago Argentino (the southernmost, largest Patagonian lake) it’s also home to the Spegazzini glacier, which forms the natural border between Argentina and Chile, and the Upsala Glacier, named Glaciar del Gigante (Giant’s glacier) it’s the biggest glacier that sits at the mouth of Lake Argentino.

But there is much more to see in El Calafate than glaciers. Make the most of your free day and discover other secret gems of the region.

 

Say Hueque Tips

Our recommended activities in El Calafate for your free day:

  • Glaciers are main attractions that you can visit via hiking or a boat ride, but you have a lot more to discover about Argentine rural culture. On your free day, you can visit a typical Patagonian finca (ranch) and learn all about  Argentine rural culture, the traditions of the gaucho (cowboy) and enjoy a great asado (barbecue).
  • If you are really into knowing more about Perito Moreno Glacier and other famous icy giants of the region, you can visit The Glaciarium Museum and learn about the history of glaciers and its first explorers. Getting to the museum is really easy— There is a transfer you can take at the Tourist Office in downtown Calafate.
Day1

Mayo Trek Spirit & Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

 

  • Meet the icy giant of Patagonia

Start the day with a pick-up at your hotel, travel to Puerto Bandera, and embark on an 8- hour nautical safari to discover secluded glaciers and waterfalls of Glacier National Park that can be only reached by boat!

Sail Mayo Channel and disembark on Toro Bay to hike through the Patagonian forest; your specialized guide will tell you about the vegetation of this area (very different from other kinds inside the park) and show you the millenary cherry tree and its 3-meter in diameter trunk.

Set sail again to reach the Cerro Negro (Black Hill) and make a half-mile soft hike to the base of the hill to admire the hanging Black Glacier. Enjoy your free time in this place that not many travelers have seen, before departing for our third stop, the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Our boat will pass by the immense icy wall -take your beanie and grab your camera, you may see a piece of ice breaking!- before stopping at Puerto Moreno. Enjoy your free time, wander the traditional catwalk circuit that surrounds the glacier before sail back to Puerto Bandera, and be driven back to El Calafate.

 

Say Hueque Tips

 

  • Why is the Perito Moreno Glacier the main attraction in El Calafate?

Because is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Due to this phenomenon, once a while, the glacier reaches the other side of Rico’s lake arm, forming a dam which is carved by the waters. A 16-feet vault appears, a kind of bridge between the glacier and the continental lands can be seen for a long period, until one unpredictable day, it falls and sinks into the water.  Few people in the world have been in the right time and moment to see this spectacle of nature.

 

  • What clothes should I wear?

Like we always say, the best to travel to Patagonia is to wear layers, since you can have 4 kinds of weather in one day. For the tour wear warm clothes, comfortable hiking boots, a windbreaker. A beanie and gloves to take the boat trip. And sunblock!

 

What time of the year is the best to take this tour?

From October to April (spring, summer, and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere). During winter there are many closed places in Patagonia due to the snow.

 

  • There is an age restriction for this tour?

No, there is non.  The hikes are easy and the catwalks are stroller-friendly, so this tour is ideal for all ages (minors always under the care of adults). On the contrary,  if you decide to add the Minitrekking excursion to walk over the glacier (a different tour), it’s only available for people from 8-65 years old.

 

 

Day2

The end of your 3-day tour in El Calafate

 

  • Transfer from your hotel to the airport

At the appropriate time, we will drive you to the airport where you’ll take your flight to your next destination. 

This is the end of your tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier and the city of El Calafate.  Don’t be discouraged! You can return whenever you want (we will welcome you with open arms) or…continue your trip towards the North area of Argentina, to the beautiful Salta region or the wine area in Mendoza. We have still a lot to offer!—Check out our travelers’ favorite itineraries throughout Argentina and Chile.

Day3

If this trip doesn’t meet your expectations we can tailor it to your needs and budget.

Prices per person

INN & B&B

From

USD 500

View INN & B&B Hotels

Comfort

From

USD 595

View Comfort Hotels

Superior

From

USD 660

View Superior Hotels

PRICING

  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2023 (ask for prices in Christmas and New Year).
  • Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
  • Flights are not included in the price, but can be arranged on request.
  • We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible and meaningful ways of exploring South America.

PEACE OF MIND THIS IS A CARBON NEUTRAL TRIP

We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible and meaningful ways of exploring South America. It feels good to do it right. Learn more about our actions against climate change here.

INCLUDED

  • 2-night accommodation in El Calafate
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bilingual guide (English / Spanish)

NOT INCLUDED

  • National Park entrance fees
  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – To get a free quote please follow this link: World Nomads

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights needed for this trip. Trip starts and finishes at El Calafate.

Flights in South America cost approximately $100 to $250 USD per segment (destination). We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights needed for this trip. Trip starts and finishes at El Calafate.

Flights in South America cost approximately $100 to $250 USD per segment (destination). We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.