What to do and see in El Calafate, Patagonia: The Best Nature & Parks

January 15, 2022 Marissa Gamble

Building on its must-visit location, the once-tiny El Calafate has grown quickly to cater to and profit from the visitors to nearby Los Glaciares National Park. Many visit to see such natural wonders as Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive glacier that’s actually composed of many other pieces of shifting ice. Yet travelers will find that El Calafate is much more than merely a gateway to the Patagonian wild—it’s a fun town offering all sorts of outdoor adventures.
Restaurants in El Calafate

1. Los Glaciares

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, El Calafate Argentina
Excellent
100%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Los Glaciares

2. Pasarelas Perito Moreno

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, El Calafate 9405 Argentina +54 2902 49-1005 http://www.losglaciares.com/en/parque/index.html
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,309 reviews

Pasarelas Perito Moreno

Reviewed By andreacrane - Alnwick, United Kingdom

Simply stunning - this was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! So beautiful - awesome in the true sense of the word.

3. Upsala Glacier

El Calafate Argentina +54 2902 49-2118 http://www.elcalafate.tur.ar/glaciar-upsala-en.htm
Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,438 reviews

Upsala Glacier

At 37 miles long, this glacier is considered one of the longest in South America.

Reviewed By 1000mL - Arnold, United States

Worth the rough boat ride, the glacial winds that literally knock you down, and the 4x4 trek to see this beauty up close!

4. Lago Argentino

El Calafate Argentina +54 2902 49-2118 http://www.facebook.com/elcalafateturismooficial
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,105 reviews

Lago Argentino

Located in Glacier National Park, this 15,000-year-old lake is the largest in Argentina.

Reviewed By Leebda

The colors were stunning and it truly is a wonderful lake next to the airport as you fly in! You can also take short or long boat trips out to see the various glaciers,

5. Onelli Glacier

El Calafate Argentina
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Onelli Glacier

6. La Leona Petrified Forest

El Calafate 9405 Argentina http://www.elcalafate.tur.ar/component/k2/item/286-bosque-petrificado.html#
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 254 reviews

La Leona Petrified Forest

Reviewed By cougfanz - Montevideo, Uruguay

This place is not highly promoted by the tours in town, but definitely not to be missed. The terrain is unreal with a landscape unlike any we've seen. Our guide was amazing as she shared the history and culture of the area. Yes...there are REAL dinosaur bones and fossils you can actually pick up and hold there. The hike is not as strenuous as it would seem. Don't miss this place!

7. Estancia 25 de Mayo

Estancia 25 de Mayo Ushuaia 200, El Calafate 9405 Argentina +54 2902 49-1450 [email protected] http://www.estancia25demayo.com
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Estancia 25 de Mayo

Estancia 25 de Mayo cuenta con 17.000 hectáreas de campo, y su antiguo casco queda ubicado a pasos del centro de El Calafate, un lugar ideal donde poder descansar y disfrutar del paisaje al pie del Cerro Calafate, respirando el más puro aire patagónico. Una propuesta para descubrir el costado rural del destino en esta gran estancia pionera.

Reviewed By 419trishap - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

I wasnt too sure about booking this tour however so glad I did. The Estancia was very beautiful . Got to know a lot about the everyday routine at the farm. Also tasted some good coffee made by dunking a smokey charcoal, mulled wine and snacks before the big fiesta we had for dinner. Dinner was delicious and much more impressive then expected. Alcoholic beverages are extra however very reasonably priced. I had a fund evening and would recommend this tour for everyone.

8. Rios de Hielo

El Calafate Argentina +54 9 2966 40-1483 http://patagoniachic.com/patagonia-chic-excursiones-detalle.php
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 1,167 reviews

Rios de Hielo

Reviewed By pepsgorba

a cruise through the Rios del Hielo (rivers of the ice) allowes you to see the amazing work of nature: glaciers, icebergs, lakeside landscapes...

9. Lago Roca

Ruta Provincial 15 Final da RP 15 proximo à estância Nibepo AIke, El Calafate Argentina http://web.facebook.com/CampingLagoRoca/info/
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
14%
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2%
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4.5 based on 76 reviews

Lago Roca

10. Laguna Nimez Reserva Natural Municipal

Av Costanera Presidente Nestor C Kirschner 2075, El Calafate 9405 Argentina +54 2902 49-5536 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/lagunanimez.elcalafate
Excellent
32%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,302 reviews

Laguna Nimez Reserva Natural Municipal

Ingles:Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve is an IBA Important Bird Area. There is a variety of 80 species of birds, both Patagonian residents and migrators between waterbirds, landbirds, shore birds and birds of pray. It has an important nesting reed area, patagonin steppe bushes, wetland and lake shore.We offer information and maps in 6 different languages, interpretation path around the 2 lagoons with signs with pictures of birds, viewpoints, walkways and two hides or blinds for wonderfull birdwatching. Takes from 1 to 3 hours visit. Bird field guides, binoculars, water and toilets on site.Entrande fee helps management, conservation and education.Espanol:Laguna Nimez es una sitio AICA, Area Importante para la Conservacion de las Aves. Alberga una gran diversidad de aves residentes patagonicas y migratorias, son alrededor de 80 especies entre aves acuaticas, terrestres, playeras y de presa. La Reserva tiene diferentes ambientes, humedal, arbustos de la estepa patagonica, costa de Lago, pastizal y una importante zona de nidificacion en juncales.Ofrecemos informacion y mapas en 6 idiomas para recorrer el sendero interpretativo con carteles con fotos de las aves, miradores y 2 refugios observatorios. La visita tiene una duracion de entre 1 y 3 horas.En el ingreso tenemos disponibles Guias de campo para la identificacion de las aves, binoculares, agua potable y sanitarios.La entrada contribuye al manejo de conservacion, ecoturismo y educacion de esta Reserva Natural Municipal, administrada por la Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral UNPA.

Reviewed By Muz435 - Lake Oswego, United States

I happen to love birding. This reserve is a very short walk from town and definitely worth the couple of hours it takes to walk along the well marked gravel or planked pathways. It is picturesque, quiet and spotting birds is so easy. I saw flamingoes, caracaras, and ibis to name just a few of the 20 plus birds I spotted. Be sure to use the binoculars they offer if you do not have your own. The landscape is gorgeous. In January, the fields were full of blossoms. There are blinds along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

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