Overview to El Calafate: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
Most travelers come to El Calafate for one reason: to stare in awe at the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. Dipping its toes into the water of Lago Argentino, it's undoubtedly one of the world’s natural wonders; a fact reflected in UNESCO declaring the whole Parque Nacional Los Glaciares a World Heritage Site.
Entrance to see the glacier is not particularly expensive, but it’s worth considering the slightly pricier boat trips. The town is full of different tour operators and most will take you out on the lake for several hours to admire the majesty of Perito Moreno.
But El Calafate is far from being a one-trick town, although most of its other attractions also revolve around nature...
In addition to Lago Argentino, there’s also Lago Viedma and other slightly less prestigious glaciers such as Onelli, Upsala and Spegazzini. Not far from the town, there’s more fantastic hiking and trekking in El Chalten. And, as if the region wasn’t blessed with enough natural riches, the soaring peaks of the Fitz Roy Massif also offer some of the country’s best climbing.
Nightlife in the real, cosmopolitan sense of the word is practically nonexistent, although the town does have a couple of cozy (and hard-drinking) bars and restaurants should the weather close in. On this front, the local lamb is truly delicious and comes strongly recommended.
The sense of solitude is tangible throughout this part of Argentina. At night, sitting out under a sparkling canopy of stars and surrounded by the immensity of Patagonia, it's one of the most incredible sensations you're likely to experience.
