The Calafate is to discover the land of Los Glaciares

Meeting the Perito Moreno Glacier, “La Octava Maravilla del Mundo” is one of the unforgettable experiences offered by the visit to El Calafate. It’s an imposing and endless mass of ice, surrounded by forests and mountains where you can live the experience of making walks on land, alternating with navigation between its icebergs and walks on the ice.

A must-see adventure that can be expanded to other places such as the Uppsala glacier, Sepegazzini, Onelli, Seco and other destinations like El Chaltén to get to know the Fitz Roy hill and even the Torres de El Paine in Chile; the latter ideal for trekking or hiking, for all levels.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT?

While visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is the main attraction to organize a trip to El Calafate, there is much more to discover starting from the city itself, where you can visit places such as the Glaciarum Cultural and Scientific Center, taste a few drinks at El Glacio Bar (armed entirely with glacier ice), or do so many other activities, among which you cannot miss a walk along the Argentino Lake.

A natural space of the city in whose surroundings are organized variety of activities such as: visits to tourist stays, crossings in 4×4 to the Hills Fries and Huyliche, horseback riding, excursions to the Ecological Reserve Laguna Nimez and hikes on Lake Roca. Right there on the lake, in front of the Round Bay, there are other attractions that vary depending on the season.

In winter, when the Bay freezes, skates and sleds are rented. While in summer you can sail in Kayaks (accompanied by guides). Another option is to navigate the canals of the same lake visiting Onelli Bay and the immense glaciers that make up the National Park. But, if you want more details here you can get to know the top 10 best excursions and tours in El Calafate .

In short, there are many attractions offered by the city. There are for all ages, tastes and for those traveling alone or as a family. It will all depend on your expectations or needs and the days you plan to vacation. Although, a plus is the fact that you can put together a travel itinerary that allows you to live the experience of getting to know El Calafate, according to your tastes and preferences.

For this we show you different proposals that will help you organize your trip more optimally. Meet some of them on the top 5 best itineraries to travel to El Calafate. Depending on the type of stay you can make combinations with Torres de El Paine in Chile or combine with some other destination such as Bariloche or Ushuaia.

Don’t forget that an important topic in every trip is gastronomy. After a long day of excursions, living the culinary experience is part of the adventure. Fortunately, this city of the Patagonia Argentina offers a series of restaurants where you can taste the most exquisite meals, the lamb being the specialty of the house. See what to eat at El Calafate, typical dishes .

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO GO?

Although the beauty of the glaciers surrounding this city can be enjoyed in any month of the year under a cold and dry climate, the best time to go to El Calafate is summer, especially between January and February, when pleasant temperatures –with an average of 13°C and maximums of 28°C– allow you to take all the outdoor walks. Seize the opportunity and read these tips regarding the date of travel, which will help you define the best season to travel to Calafate:

•     Summer is the time of glacial landslides: a natural spectacle that summons countless tourists, between nationals and foreigners. There is only snow in the mountains!
•         In winter (June to August), temperatures average between -2°C and 1°C, with absolute lows of -15°C. Rains are scarce, but snowfall is frequent, as snow sports are not expected.
•         Autumn is the rainiest season: with not-so-low temperatures, it shows us colorful landscapes with a little snow. However, the strong winds of this time may make you uncomfortable during some walks, a case very similar to spring.

Whatever the case may be, consider that the main excursions to the glaciers are made throughout the year and the itineraries can be put together to your liking. If you are going to travel in Family, it’s appropriate that you know the pleasant temperatures to visit El Calafate with children .

CALAFATE: A GUIDE TO PRICES AND SEASONS

Like any tourist destination, El Calafate Argentina is more or less crowded depending on the time of year, from there that the prices of tourist packages or typical food of the area increase in a few months. Getting to know the seasons will help you plan your trip!

1.   Low season: since many water surfaces freeze and not all tolerate super cold climates, the months between May and September are considered the low season in El Calafate. There is less influx of people and therefore a more relaxed and quiet city with cheap prices, although some restaurants, hotels and shops close.
2.   High season: after the possibility of all outdoor activities, enjoy a sunny day and still a cold climate, visit the glaciers and a little snow –although not much– in the mountains. Indeed, summer is the high season in El Calafate.

Prices rise from the end of October to the beginning of Easter Week and demand is strong, thus why it’s recommended to book tours and accommodation in advance.

To do this, you can check out the top 10 best hotels in El Calafate in 2020. While related to Tripadvisor suggestions, our recommendation is based on knowledge and what it takes to have a good stay, offering you interesting tips about things that you can combine (comfort and low cost), also considering the options for those traveling with children.

We invite you to see the classic tour packages and special itineraries and organize the best travel experience. Remember that early planning will help you save money when buying air tickets or making accommodation and excursion bookings.

We know Argentina! So don’t hesitate and message us in case of the slightest doubt, we would love to help you organize your trip through El Calafate, “La Tierra de los Glaciares”.