El Calafate, Argentina: The Ultimate Guide

Wandering among glaciers and lakes in Argentina’s southern Patagonia.

Perito Moreno Glacier. photo: Speak Spanish BA

El Calafate is an integral part of Argentina’s Western Patagonia region. Situated in Santa Cruz Province and near the Chilean border, it has become synonymous with outdoor adventures and glaciers. Here, you’ll find one of Argentina’s stellar attractions, Perito Moreno Glacier - where giant blocks of ice crash into the calm waters of Lago Argentino.

Arguably, the best times to visit the region are spring (October to mid-December) and autumn (March to April). During these seasons, you’ll be met with a healthy balance of sufficient tourism services, yet not many tourists will make the region feel claustrophobic. The Southern Hemisphere summer (mid-December through February) is the region’s peak season when the average high temperatures hit around 66°F (19°C). If you are coming in January and February, be sure to book ahead, as even the growing number of hotels and hostels sometimes struggle to accommodate everyone. Note that January and February are also the most expensive months of the year. 

Average daily winter temperatures are 35°F (1.8°C). Limited services operate in El Calafate during winter, although the Perito Moreno Glacier is still accessible. Just remember to check transport and accommodation arrangements before traveling. 

El Calafate

Sat on the southern banks of Lago Argentino (the biggest exclusively Argentine lake), the dominant reason for visiting El Calafate is to experience the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, which lies around 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of the city. To be more specific, the star attraction is Perito Moreno Glacier. According to scientists, this is a non-retreating glacier that is ‘in balance,’ thus growing and shrinking constantly. You can visit the glaciers by bus, boat, or trek, and the city is well-equipped with tour operators, accommodations, and restaurants that all cater to a burgeoning tourism population. 

The city takes its name from the calafate, a bush commonly found in Patagonia. The bush produces dark blue berries which locals frequently use to make jams and syrups. Established in the 1920s, for many years the city served as a remote frontier town that estancia (ranch) owners and wool traders would pass through. Its development began in 1937 after the foundation of Los Glaciares National Park, a designated UNESCO region of exceptional beauty and one of the oldest national parks in Argentina.