El Calafate is a Patagonian city located on the southern shore of the spectacular Lake Argentino, in the province of Santa Cruz.
Its name comes from the native shrub “calafate,” whose berries are irresistible for making delicious jams. Tradition says that whoever tastes these berries will return for more—and the same is true of El Calafate: once you visit, you’ll surely want to come back.
It is surrounded by incredible scenery—mountains, forests, and of course, glaciers. This charming spot is famous as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, a natural paradise spanning 600,000 hectares and home to more than 40 glaciers.
Every season has its own charm in El Calafate. However, from November to March the city awakens with milder temperatures, making it the perfect time to visit.
It’s a dream destination for lovers of nature, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Its stunning vistas and chances to connect with the region’s history and culture make it an ideal place to explore.
El Calafate offers attractions for all tastes and ages: trekking, horseback riding, 4×4 tours, river fishing, museums, city tours, great dining, and other outings or adventure excursions.
Here’s what you can’t miss:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is named for the many glaciers within it. Among them, the Perito Moreno Glacier stands out as one of the most famous—imposing and beautiful, surrounded by forests and mountains.
You can visit this glacier by walking the network of viewing walkways inside the national park, or by navigating Lake Argentino, which also takes you to other glaciers such as Upsala and Spegazzini.
For thrill-seekers, there are guided ice-trekking excursions on the glacier—lasting from about 1.5 to 3.5 hours—in small groups led by specialized guides due to the difficulty of the activity.
This municipal reserve is identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). It’s located 800 m from the main avenue.
Here you can spot over 80 bird species, such as the Chilean flamingo, tawny-throated dotterel, caracara, great grebe, bank swallows, and the black-faced ibis, among others.
The walk includes an interpretive trail, birdwatching lookouts and hides, and access to Lake Argentino—perfect for taking in a beautiful natural landscape with the city as a backdrop.
A space to learn about the history of Argentine Patagonia—from the age of dinosaurs to European colonization. You’ll find giant skeletons of dinosaurs and megafauna, plus multimedia archives on the ecological processes that shaped this part of the world and the history of the Tehuelche people who originally inhabited these lands.
This unique museum invites you to relive childhood memories and explore the evolution of toys—Argentine and international—over the years. It features pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries up to the 1970s, recognized and sought after by collectors worldwide, many listed in international catalogs.
If you’re looking for a different experience in El Calafate, the ice bars are an excellent option. Choose GlacioBar, the oldest in the area, located downtown near the Perito Moreno Glacier Museum; or Yeti Ice Bar, located to the south, near Los Glaciares National Park.
Both bars are made entirely of ice—from walls and ceiling to chairs and tables. The interior temperature is around −15 °C, so it’s important to dress warmly and take the chance to enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a comforting cocktail.
