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Looking for the top activities in El Calafate? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve been to El Calafate more times than I can count, and we lived there while studying glaciology at university. Obviously, we came here to be amazed by the outdoors, and it sure delivered! We spent our days exploring glaciers, taking scenic boat rides, and hiking our hearts out.
To help plan your travel itinerary, we rounded up the absolute best things to do in El Calafate. We love these experiences because they make traveling around the Patagonia region seamless, so all you have to do is sit back and take in the views (unless you’re hiking, of course!).
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE experience in El Calafate is this trekking tour on Perito Moreno glacier. It includes hiking, a boat ride, amazing views, and an incredible local guide. You can check out the 150+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
We spent a lot of time on the glacier while studying and this was our favorite tour!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina
- 1. Mini Trekking Excursion on Perito Moreno Glacier
- 2. Full-Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation
- 3. Torres Del Paine Full-Day Overland Truck 4×4 from Calafate
- 4. One day in El Chalten with Trekking
- 5. Sailing to Upsala Glacier
- 6. Rio Miter Horseback Riding
- 7. Kayak Experience through the Perito Moreno Glacier
- 8. Walichu Caves with 4×4 tour
- Where to Stay in El Calafate, Argentina
- Renting a Car in Argentina
- Thanks for reading!
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in El Calafate, Argentina
1. Mini Trekking Excursion on Perito Moreno Glacier
Glacier trekking in Patagonia was a dream come true for us. And with this guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, there was no stressful planning to speak of! All the necessary equipment is provided, allowing you to focus solely on the exhilarating experience.
After a stunning drive to the national park, we had some free time to walk around the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways. These balconies have amazing views of the glacier, so you can catch a glimpse of what you’ll be hiking across!
Then, a boat takes you from the Bajo las Sombras pier to the face of the glacier. Here, you’ll begin the highlight of the tour, an epic trek over an actual glacier! The whole hike takes about five hours. You’ll need to be reasonably fit since it is a workout, but the stunning scenery is well worth it.
Plus, the guides made it super accessible (even if you have zero experience). They provide crampons, but make sure to wear warm clothes and hiking shoes. Since food isn’t included, I’d also bring a packed lunch, snacks, and drinks.
But I assure you that this 10-hour excursion is any intrepid traveler’s dream come true. It brings you up close to one of the rarest and most inhospitable ecosystems on Earth – yet, the tour makes you feel safe every step of the way!
Prices range from $384 USD to $535 USD, depending on the time of year you visit. It takes off at 8 am and includes roundtrip transport from your hotel in El Calafate and all the gear you need for this icy adventure.
However, you’ll need to pay the admission fee in pesos when entering Los Glaciares National Park. At the time of writing this article, it was $30,000 ARS (about $30 USD) per person, but you can check the updated prices here.
Book this tour with over 150 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
2. Full-Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation
If many hours trudging across the ice isn’t really your style, take this scenic tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll witness the glacier from walkways, viewpoints, and aboard a boat tour! Seeing this natural wonder from different perspectives is absolutely incredible – and makes for the best photos.
After a 9 am pick up, you’ll head straight to the Perito Moreno walkways. You will arrive early in the morning, beating most of the crowds so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll in peace!
These walkways bring you face to face with the ferocious ice beast – and you’ll immediately understand why it’s a top attraction in Argentina. This intricate system of balconies offers awe-inspiring views from different vantage points, so bring your camera!
After you’ve explored by foot, this tour takes you on an hour-long navigation across the icy water. Sailing next to glaciers is an unforgettable experience. And since you get within 490 feet (150 meters) of the glacier, you really feel like you meet this ice beast head-on!
For just $165 USD, you get roundtrip transportation, a boat ride, and a professional guide. It really is great value for your money, and the entire tour lasts 8 hours. Again, you’ll need to pay the admission fee for Los Glaciares National Park in pesos. Currently, it’s $30,000 ARS (about $30 USD) per person, but you can check the updated prices here.
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before you go.
3. Torres Del Paine Full-Day Overland Truck 4×4 from Calafate
If you have a burning desire for adventure, few things come close to an overland truck experience in Patagonia. On this exhilarating journey to Torres del Paine, you’ll travel in a rugged vehicle, taking offroad shortcuts that normal busses couldn’t dream of. And once in the park, expect hiking and exploring through the Chilean wilderness!
You’ll venture into Torres del Paine National Park, where you will come face to face with turquoise lakes, jagged snow-capped mountains, and grazing guanacos. One of my favorite things about this park is just how many animals there are – and your guide will help you spot as many as possible! Plus, your driver will stop at all the best viewpoints to snap amazing photos.
We pulled over for a scenic lunch along the riverside at Cascada Paine. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive puma in the area! Overall, we loved the lunch they provided, fueling us up for the second half of the day: a 2-hour trek leading to the shores of Lake Pehoé and Lake Nordenskjöld.
There are many tours through Torres del Paine National Park. But if you’re coming from El Calafate, this is definitely one of the most efficient. So if you want to visit Chile for the day, here’s your chance!
Make sure to bring your passport and that it allows you to cross the border, of course! You should also bring cash to exchange for Chilean pesos (you’ll need this to pay the park admission fee). The Torres del Paine entrance costs $8,000 CLP ($10 USD). Lunch is provided, but you can bring extra dry snacks (but any meats or produce will be tossed at the border!).
This massive 14-hour excursion costs only $200 USD per person and includes lunch, a hiking guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. You’ll just need to be ready to go around 6:30 am to start your fun-filled day!
Check out the 100+ 5-star reviews and secure your spot on this adventure here.
4. One day in El Chalten with Trekking
El Chalten is seen as the trekking capital of Argentina. As such, we had to seize the opportunity to explore the southern Andes on foot. And this day trip to El Chalten isn’t only for the hiking-minded. While you do get to hike, you can also join the tour for the marvelous drive and free time in El Chalten town.
On this tour, you have two different options depending on the time of year. The first option is available all year long. It involves a guided journey to Mirador de los Cóndores for a spectacular view of El Chalten. You’ll also visit the Chorrillo del Salto, where you’ll walk the 500-meter (0.3-mile) trail to a beautiful waterfall.
The second option runs from September to April (although it’s weather-dependent) and is a self-guided hike up Mount Fitz Roy. We found the 8-kilometer (5-mile) round-trip trail very manageable. Also, we were simply blown away by the vistas that just wouldn’t quit! Within 1.5 hours, we reached Laguna Capri, where we stood frozen, peering at the striking edges of the mighty mountain.
This tour is a fun addition to your trip – and it won’t break the bank at only $89 to $134 USD, depending on when you book. It includes roundtrip transportation from your El Calafate hotel and your friendly guides, and you can choose if you want lunch included or not.
The tour begins at 7:30 am and lasts 10.5 hours. So if you’ve been dying to visit El Chalten – this is the perfect day trip from El Calafate!
Access FREE cancellation options when you book this tour here.
5. Sailing to Upsala Glacier
Los Glaciares National Park has many faces, and this sailing trip to Upsala Glacier brings you one step closer to uncovering them all. We love this tour because it visits two really cool destinations you wouldn’t see on just any cruise. You’ll pass by Upsala Glacier, the largest of its kind in South America. Plus, you get to step off the boat to explore Estancia Cristina, a historical ranch nestled at the very edge of the world.
This tour starts with an early pick-up at 7:30 am. You’ll immediately board your ship and enjoy hot drinks and croissants, or as the locals call them, “medialunas” which translates to “half moons”.
On this boat excursion, you’ll glide over the turquoise water of Lago Argentino as you pass majestic icebergs. Feel the crisp Patagonian breeze brush against your skin as you sail toward Estancia Cristina.
Unlike most cruises in the area, this one offers you the chance to set foot on land. First stop at a historic sheep and cattle ranch where time seems to stand still. Wander through the hallowed halls of Estancia Cristina, each weathered beam and worn brick holding a secret from the past. Afterward, enjoy a gourmet lunch served by their amazing staff.
Then comes the moment of choice … will you embark on an off-road odyssey, gripping the handles of a 4×4 vehicle as you conquer the untamed terrain? Or will you opt for a gentle trek leading you to a hidden waterfall?
Either option allows you to venture deeper into the lush Patagonian landscape. If you’re anything like me, your senses are closely tied to your memory. The smell and feel of the fresh air, along with the stunning scenery, make this journey unforgettable.
Both options last 11 hours and include roundtrip transportation, knowledgeable guides, lunch, and snacks. The serene waterfall walking tour to Los Perros costs $300 USD, while the adrenaline-fueled 4×4 trip costs $360 USD per person.
Don’t wait to book this tour – reserve your spot now and pay later when you book here!
6. Rio Miter Horseback Riding
We sailed, we walked, and we drove all across the Patagonian wilds, but one adventure was still looming: horseback riding! Gaucho culture has a strong legacy in Argentina, and we were hungry to explore this side of local life. Not to mention hungry for some legendary Argentinian steaks! So, we saddled up and joined this horseback riding tour.
The tour took us to the Rio Mitre Estancia, an authentic Patagonian ranch. With the Andes Mountains and the Magallanes Peninsula as our backdrop, we immediately felt the tranquil vibes of this area. We were greeted with coffee, tea, and mate (an Argentinian staple you must try!).
After a brief introduction, we embarked on a horseback ride along the shores of Lake Rico. We loved our gaucho tour in Buenos Aires, but this one in Calafate offered more actual horseback riding, which was so much fun! As we traversed the landscape, our guide shared captivating tales of the region’s geography and history. What’s great is these guides tailor the narrative to the interests of your group – so you’re sure to stay entertained!
Our journey led us to a grove where we discovered the remnants of the old main house, a testament to the rich heritage of this land. Here, in this most idyllic setting imaginable, a mouthwatering feast awaited us: a sizzling array of grilled steaks accompanied by fresh, vibrant vegetables and crisp salads.
The longer tour costs $300 USD and includes 4 hours on horseback, so might not be suitable for everyone. But if you can stay in the saddle that long, it’s well worth it! You can also take a shorter ride to the Miter River for only $185 USD if you aren’t up for a lengthy journey. However, the whole tour is 6 hours, so you would spend more time at the ranch than on a horse.
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll get a little taste of the gaucho life along with the local cuisine. Both options have a 9 am or 3 pm start time and include roundtrip transportation from El Calafate, a hearty meal, and your guides.
Reserve this horseback riding tour here and get FREE cancellation options.
7. Kayak Experience through the Perito Moreno Glacier
Kayaking around glaciers sounds like the kind of adventure best left to the likes of seasoned adventurers, but this kayaking experience in Patagonia begs to differ. You can get all of the adventures with none of the worries. Plus, you’ll be eye-level with and super close to one of the best sights in Argentina – the mammoth Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s the perfect experience for thrill-seekers who love an active tour!
Although we didn’t get to kayak, we heard amazing stories from those that did. They described how you could hear the cracks and thunders from the ice as it moved at, for lack of a better word, a glacial pace. Let’s just say we definitely got some FOMO, and kayaking is at the top of our list next time we visit!
Plus, you don’t need any prior kayaking experience. The knowledgeable guides will give you a briefing and make sure you feel super safe. You’ll be fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, including a Gore-Tex dry suit, a thermal suit, boots, gloves, and a life jacket. The kayaking experience lasts 1.5 hours, and you’ll be treated to warm drinks and snacks when you get back to dry land.
What I love about this tour is that you’ll see the glacier from multiple perspectives – since you’ll also get 2 hours to walk around the fabulous walkways. This gives you a chance to enjoy more time with the glacier’s southern front and practice those photography skills!
This tour includes lunch, snacks, warm drinks, quality equipment, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Prices range from $410 to $620 USD, depending on the time of year. You do need a minimum of two people to book, but it makes for a great bonding experience! The only extra fee is the National Park entry fee which is $30,000 ARS (about $30 USD).
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!
8. Walichu Caves with 4×4 tour
Every minute spent in El Calafate is precious, and we wanted to maximize our time with one last tour before departing. This 3-hour tour to Walichu Caves gave us exactly the sendoff we longed for. We entered million-year-old caves to learn the history of the region – and feast on Patagonian cuisine.
The Walichu Caves are only a 20-minute drive from town, along the beautiful Lake Argentino. Once you arrive, you’ll dive right into the enigmatic atmosphere of the caves. Your expert guides will lead you, unveiling the secrets and significance of these remarkable caves and their paintings.
As you venture deeper into the caverns, the vivid colors and intricate details of the artwork really come to life. They offer a glimpse into the beliefs, traditions, and lives of those who lived here long ago.
Lunch was served in one of the caves, a truly unique experience in itself! We indulged in a feast fit for the senses, savoring tender lamb and rustic country bread. We warmed up with a comforting vegetable soup, finishing it off with a delectable chocolate mousse. And like any proper Argentine meal, we washed it all down with delicious local wine.
If you love history, anthropology, or even just novel experiences, you’ll love this tour. It brings you in touch with those who forged a path through these lands, and the guides bring their stories to life.
All of this only costs between $129 to $161 USD (depending on the time of year) and includes roundtrip transportation from El Calafate hotels in a rugged 4×4. Tours begin at 11 am, so come hungry and curious, and you’ll leave satisfied! The tour helped us wrap up the true trip of a lifetime. However, it would also make a wonderful introduction to your visit!
Book this unique El Calafate experience here and access flexible cancellation and payment options.
Where to Stay in El Calafate, Argentina
El Calafate is a big tourist destination, so there are plenty of places to stay! However, I always recommend booking in advance so you can snag the best deals on your ideal accommodations. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some of my favorite options below!
Luxury – $$$
Aparts Calafate Suites – This place specializes in self-contained apartments for optimal privacy. The apartments are modern, well-furnished, and perfect for those wanting more comfort and quality in El Calafate. They have kitchens, a seating area, and private bathrooms.
Rooms start at $148 USD, and some can fit up to four people and include balconies. If you want a home-away-from-home, book your apartment well in advance.
Boutique Hotel La Cantera – If you really want a slice of luxury, then this hotel is perfect. The building itself is stunning, and the location and views are amazing. They serve a buffet breakfast and have an onsite restaurant and bar. The lounge has cozy seating with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sunset.
The stylish rooms have a mountain lodge feel and balconies and some even have a hydro-massage tub. When you book the Boutique Hotel La Cantera in advance, you can get prices as low as $142 USD a night!
Mid Budget – $$
Hotel Amado – This beautiful hotel is located as close as you can get to the center of town. It’s clean, modern, and a great place to stay for those looking for a quiet room. It has 24-hour reception with a currency exchange. They offer a continental breakfast, but there are also plenty of restaurants around. With prices starting at $119 USD per room, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance!
Del Glaciar Libertador Hotel – This simple hotel is located only 5 minutes from town and includes a good breakfast. They also have a social bar, a restaurant, and a mini movie theater screening movies nightly! This is a great option for groups or families, with everything from a twin room to a family room. Prices start at $105 USD, and you can reserve your dates online here!
Budget – $
Hostel Lago Argentino – A really good budget option that I have stayed at before. These guys include a nice breakfast, a well-equipped kitchen, and very friendly staff. The location is also perfect – right in the center of town!
They have shared rooms for up to 4 people and private rooms with en suite bathrooms starting at $49 USD. After my positive experience, I wouldn’t hesitate to book Hostel Lago Argentino online with either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com!
Folk Hostel – This is arguably the best budget hostel in El Calafate. It’s a great option (if it’s available). It’s designed for the traveler by the traveler and has that community vibe. The staff are amazing, the facilities are modern and clean, they offer a free breakfast, and it’s located right by the bus station!
Dorms start at $25 USD and private rooms go for $63 USD. Folk Hostel is available to book through Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car in Argentina
On one of our visits to Patagonia, we enjoyed renting a car – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!
But how? Well, if you’re renting a car in Argentina, the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! It’s a great website and the one we used for our rental.
If you do want to compare prices (and you should), do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor, and each company often has its own deals to offer!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There are a lot of fun and exciting things to do in El Calafate, as you can see from this list. It’s also a great launch point for some memorable day trips. Argentina is astoundingly beautiful and I know you’ll fall in love with it while exploring El Calafate!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other Argentina blogs! There is a lot of research that goes into traveling here, so I’ll leave a few helpful blogs below.
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