Summer holidays in El Calafate

If you’re planning a summer holiday in El Calafate, we are telling you: it’s the best time to enjoy this destination of the Patagonia Argentina. The sun during this season makes the days longer; allowing you to take outdoor walks and thus the opportunity to explore all corners of this city where nature is the protagonist.

It happens that during this time –from September to March– the temperature is around 15°C. A perfect weather for the vegetation and warmth that our body seeks without missing the majesty and charm of La Tierra de los Glaciares.

The forests are green and lush. Meanwhile, the must-see Perito Moreno Glacier is apt to give us the best of the shows “the ice landslides”, and the local lakes are ready for those braver travelers who take advantage of this not-so-cold conditions, to immerse themselves in its waters.

 SUMMER IS THE HIGH SEASON IN CALAFATE

To make you have a clearer reference, summer is the high season in El Calafate. A factor to keep in mind when putting your trip together as prices go up a little compared to the off-season. Therefore, it’s suggested to plan the trip in sufficient time.

And it’s the fact that hiring the services in advance can save help you save a significant amount on expenses that you could have if you leave everything for the last moment. The idea is to take advantage of good rates! Actually, there is the possibility of obtaining discounts for advance booking, which helps you secure other important issues such as accommodation.

You should also know that the arrival of people is massive. Travelers from inside and around the world come to witness the most fascinating natural scenarios, as ATMs can be left empty. Therefore it is recommended to bring enough cash, make your transactions on time and, most importantly, book in advance, even in restaurants.

That said, it’s appropriate to mention gastronomy in this destination. Calafate has a variety of restaurants, pizzerias, cafés and bars. As always, prices diverge depending on the elegance of the place, the quality service and the type of food, but we advise you to visit them an hour before or two hours after lunch.

The idea is that you don’t have to make long lines. You will get a place to sit without problem and also be able to taste the exquisite food you choose, after a considerable waiting time. It is also important to be kind with others, not using the facilities for more than two hours. Get to know some options in the 5 best restaurants in El Calafate and have a clearer idea of what to eat on a summer holiday in El Calafate.

WHAT EXCURSIONS TO DO DURING THIS TIME IN EL CALAFATE

Unlike other cities and towns in Patagonia Argentina, El Calafate is not a winter destination. Due to its geographical location, it doesn’t have ski resorts, private or nearby. However, it offers many activities and excursions to keep you entertained, all of them possibly done if you visit this city during summer!

The imposing Perito Moreno Glacier is presented as a must-see, it can be found within Los Glaciares National Park, either through a tour of Las Pasarelas (3-level viewpoint suitable for the whole family), with a day of minitrekking or trekking (Big Ice), or by sailing along the southern arm of Lake Argentino with the Promenade Rivers of Ice.

There are also lake walks through the Uppsala and Spegazzini glaciers, kayaking, 4X4 crossing through Nativo Experience and a fantastic adventure through the Balcones de Calafate, which give us the best views of the Andes Mountains, the Fitz Roy hills and Torre de El Chaltén.

A different option is Estancia Cristina which, located on the northeast of Lake Argentino, allows us to enjoy the South Patagonian Ice Field, hike through semi-arid spaces, ascents, 4X4 by the Cordón Feruglio, horseback riding and much more! As if that weren’t the case, you can also get to know the most stunning landscapes of southern Chile with the Torres del Paine excursion. See the 10 best excursions and tours in El Calafate .

Consider that in some cases there are age restrictions, limited quotas and even some walks cannot be contracted within the National Park. Just as Las Pasarelas have an accessible circuit for wheelchairs and people with reduced mobility, there are excursions of greater difficulty and physical demand. But don’t worry, there are still many thrilling things to see at El Calafate. If all of the above weren’t exciting enough, there are museums that you can visit on your own on your summer holiday in El Calafate! That’s why  we invite you to talk with our experts via whatsapp, they will help you with your personal preferences and suggest the best itineraries for you.

HOW TO DRESS FOR THIS SEASON IN EL CALAFATE

While the months between December and March are sunny and dry, during summer we find the greatest frequency and intensity of the winds. With an average temperature ranging from 18°C to 7°C, days are cool, nights are cold and the rains, although few, are still registered. In short, the overall ending feeling is always low.

After the above, it is recommended to wear light clothing against rain and wind, good glasses and creams to protect yourself from the sun, hat or cap in case you go for the mountain, a good coat and warm gloves for any scenario and, in the case of going to the glaciers or trails: a parka, gloves and trouser, all of them waterproof. The footwear, on the other hand, must be light, comfortable and strong (trekking type). Rubber boots and high heels are not appropriate.

Keep in mind, for any activity or ride, the importance of carrying a backpack where you can keep abundant water, snacks and, if possible, an extra battery for your mobile device. There are many moments you will want to capture in photos to make them last in time.

In short, with a summer holiday in El Calafate you have a guaranteed enjoyment; becoming the best time to travel to this city of Patagonia Argentina. The most pleasant weather is from December to February, attracting the biggest amount of people to the city, so don’t forget to also consider October and November or March and April, based on influx of people, weather and price.

However, do not discard other dates to enjoy El Calafate. Spring –from September to December– and autumn –from March to June– are times with equal pleasant climates to vacation and with more affordable prices. There isn’t many people. Besides, the colors of vegetation, flora and fauna are fascinating to see.

Consult options with our experts, we can help you assemble a travel package that fits your needs and meets your expectations.

Summer, the best time to explore El Calafate “La Tierra de los Glaciares”