El Calafate & the Glaciers.
Perito Moreno and the ice of Lago Argentino
El Calafate is a small town on the turquoise shore of Lago Argentino, and the gateway to the southern half of Los Glaciares National Park. Its reason to exist is the Perito Moreno glacier: a wall of ice several kilometres wide that ends in the lake, where chunks the size of houses break off with a crack like gunfire.
Walkways on the facing peninsula let you watch from close range for as long as you like. Boats take you up to the face, and guided walks go out onto the ice itself. Further up the lake, boat trips reach the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
- Getting there
- 3 h 15 flight from Buenos Aires
- How long
- Two or three nights, usually paired with El Chaltén.
- Best time
- October to April. The glacier can be seen year-round, but winter days are short and some boat trips stop.
What to see.(04)
-
01
The walkways at Perito Moreno
Several levels of balconies facing the ice. Give it half a day and listen.
-
02
On the ice
Guided walks with crampons on the glacier surface. Age and fitness limits apply.
-
03
Lago Argentino by boat
A full day among icebergs to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
-
04
Estancia day
Sheep-farming estancias near town offer lunch, riding and shearing demonstrations.
From El Calafate.
Straight-line distance and typical door-to-door time to every other stop.
How we work these out| To | Distance | Door to door | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iguazú | 3,140 km | about 11 h | 2 flights via Buenos Aires |
| Salta | 2,902 km | about 11 h | 2 flights via Buenos Aires |
| Purmamarca | 3,014 km | about 12 h 30 | 2 flights via Buenos Aires |
| Mendoza | 1,961 km | about 9 h 30 | 2 flights via Bariloche (not every day) |
| Buenos Aires | 2,081 km | about 6 h | 1 flight |
| Bariloche | 1,027 km | about 5 h | 1 flight (not every day) |
| Puerto Madryn | 1,006 km | about 11 h 30 | 2 flights via Buenos Aires |
| El Chaltén | 121 km | about 3 h | by road |
| Ushuaia | 564 km | about 4 h | 1 flight |
Practical.
The things to know before you add El Calafate to a trip.
Getting there
Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (FTE), a little over three hours. The glacier is about an hour and a quarter by road from town.
When to go
October to April. The glacier can be seen year-round, but winter days are short and some boat trips stop.
How long to stay
Two or three nights, usually paired with El Chaltén.
Watch out for
The national park charges an entry fee at the gate, in pesos and higher for foreigners. Check the current rate and how to pay.
Where to stay
See the 2 kinds of place we look for on our stays page.
Pairs well with.(03)
Plan a trip with El Calafate.
We will tell you what fits with it, and in which order.