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EL CALAFATE

El Calafate is a small, picturesque tourist village, located in the southwestern corner of the Patagonia Argentina in the province of Santa Cruz.

The "Village of the Glaciers" is located at the foot of Mount Calafate and settled in Round Bay on the south shore of Argentino lake, 185 meters above sea level. With a stable population of 20 000 inhabitants has a great tourism infrastructure, accompanying its magnificent natural setting with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

With its proximity to the imposing Glacier National Park, only 80 kilometers; is known as the Glacier National Capital. It is the closest town to visit the National Park and its famous Perito Moreno Glacier, declared Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981.

How to get there

By Plane

The arrival is the International Airport of El Calafate. Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, LAN and LADE have daily connections to the city of El Calafate with the city of Buenos Aires. There are also flights between El Calafate and major destinations of Patagonia: San Carlos de Bariloche, Trelew and Ushuaia, and two weekly flights to the city of Mar del Plata.

By Bus

El Calafate is 315 km from the city of Rio Gallegos, capital of the province of Santa Cruz. From Rio Gallegos can be reached by landlines, with daily throughout the year. There are also tours and ground services that connect the city of El Calafate with major cities and Patagonia.

In private vehicles

You can reach El Calafate by vehicle, traveling throughout Patagonia Argentina, living an unforgettable experience. Patagonia Argentina is crossed by two major routes which cross from north to south, the RN Nº 3 and RN Nº 40.

The RN Nº. 3 joins Capital Federal City with Ushuaia passing through the province of Buenos Aires and Patagonia by the Atlantic margin. This journey, completely paved, crosses the cities of Puerto Madryn, where you can see the Southern Right Whale and Magellanic penguins, then the cities of Trelew, Comodoro Rivadavia, Puerto San Julian and Rio Gallegos. From Rio Gallegos should join the RP Nº 5 to El Calafate.

National Route 40 runs through its 5100 km long, the whole of Argentina bordering continental Andes. From Cabo Virgenes in Santa Cruz to La Quiaca in the province of Jujuy, the RNº 40, joins a host of places full of magic, and along its route crosses 11 provinces, 236 bridges, passes about 23 lakes and salt lakes and over 200 cities and towns. Also announced five sites declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO among which is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This route can get from the north Patagonian living a real adventure, and connects to El Calafate with resorts of El Chalten Patagonia, Esquel, Bariloche, Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. (This route has gravel sectors and it is advisable to check the status of it on National Highways).

Table of distances from El Calafate

· International Airport 23 Km
· Perito Moreno Glacier 78 Km
· El Chalten 220 Km
· Roca Lake 50 km
· Rio Gallegos 320 Km
· Rio Turbio (by El Cerrito) 212 Km
· Rio Turbio (by Esperanza) 321 Km

The climate

El Calafate is located at 50° 20' south latitude (equivalent to the city of London in the northern hemisphere). Its proximity to the large body of water of Lake Argentino, the north-facing slope and the protection of their groves allows to benefit with a much gentler microclimate than the surrounding plateaus.
The climate is predominantly dry. Large temperature variations are not impediment to enjoy the options of walks throughout the year.
Winds predominate west and southwest, and it is during the summer when an increased frequency and intensity of these. The average annual temperature is 7.2 °C, while the average in July is around 2º C and January is 18.6 ºC.
Rainfall decreases eastward. In the area of ??the Continental Ice reach 8.000 mm. year, dropping to 1,000 mm. in the Glacier National Park. As the westerly winds carry a little humidity to the steppe zone, receiving only 300 mm El Calafate. annually.

Excursions

The majestic landscape of the area offers plenty of activities, unforgettable sights and places to visit and enjoy the outdoors.

Perito Moreno Glacier

In Glacier National Park, go trough the circuit of walkways and viewpoints to get the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Magallanes Peninsula. This unmissable tour will also provide the most panoramic views, see the unpredictable ice breaks of the front wall of the glacier in all its magnitude.

Mini trekking Perito Moreno Glacier

This unforgettable experience to walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier. This tour is accompanied by experienced guides and special shoes with crampons for ice provided by the organizer. The tour starts with a sailing on the south wall of the glacier, continues with a hike of 20 'on the edge of Lake Argentino and then delve into the Perito Moreno Glacier during two hours of trekking in where we will see a variety of formations as ice, crevasses, seracs, drains and small ponds.

Safari Boat to Perito Moreno

One of the more traditional tours to see the Perito Moreno glacier is to sail a catamaran to its higher walls and stop to appreciate it fully. This tour lasts approximately one hour and provides the ability to observe a completely different perspective the stunning Perito Moreno glacier walls and continuous landslides on the waters of Lake Rico. Can see icebergs that have broken off the walls.

Big Ice "Journey to the Center of the Glacier"

This unforgettable experience, accompanied by experienced mountain guides, begins early in the morning with a 10 minutes navigation in Rico lake. Then even closer to the glacier starts the landing approach. The trail runs along the southern moraine of the glacier Perito Moreno, and in just over an hour you will reach a spectacular viewpoint, which gives access to the ice. Once on the glacier with crampons, the world takes a new perspective: blue lagoons, deep crevasses, huge sinks, magical caves, and the unique feeling of being in the center of the glacier. Always with experienced guides will explore for three hours over the world especially glacier. Also, live a unique experience of having lunch on the white carpet and wonder in a place of unparalleled beauty.

* Excursion available from September through to April.

Lake Tour: Rivers of Ice, Upsala and Spegazzini

This lake excursion begins in Punta Banderas on Lake Argentino, through modern boats will sail along the north arm of the lake to the Upsala Channel where you can appreciate the spectacular barrier of icebergs, and a panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier. Then the boat will head Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the National Park and finally the boat will go to Perito Moreno for navigation on the north wall.

El Chalten (Trekking Capital of Argentina)

At 220 km from El Calafate, covering a stretch of the RN 40, bordering the Lake Argentino and Viedma get to El Chalten. This Patagonian paradise, at the foot of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy and the banks of River turns.
As well as being the youngest town in Patagonia, El Chalten is a dream place and cultural diversity. Lots of foreigners visit it because of its natural conditions ideal for lovers of the outdoors and especially the trekking. Named by fans as "national trekking capital" for the different paths that are born of their own streets can be scaled to different imposing hills that surround it, as Fitz Roy, the very particular Poincenot or Cerro Torre. And less difficulty trekking beginner walkers. Surrounding El Chalten combine the magic of nearby glaciers, hidden lagoons, cascading waterfalls, the blue lake Viedma and mystique presence of Mount Fitz Roy. From the city people can see their unmistakable majestic peak.
In El Chalten is also possible to have contact with the fauna, condors, guanacos, pumas, ostriches and foxes are part of this unforgettable Patagonian destination.

Estancia Cristina

This farm was founded in 1914, it gets there in a modern catamaran through a navigation among icebergs drifting on Lake Argentino. Once there, there is a menu of activities among which include the visit to a museum of manners, trekking tours, 4x4, fishing, horseback riding with amazing views of glaciers, forests and mountains of the Andes. Also the Estancia has a restaurant wich serves regional cuisine standing out the roasted Patagonian lamb.

Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum

This new attraction of El Calafate, shows the origin of the Glaciers of Patagonia, an experience that invites reflection on climate change and a journey through the life of Francis P. Moreno among other attractions. Located a few kilometers from the downtown has a 3D cinema and a few audiovisual also the GlacioBar, an "Ice Bar" where the vessel walls, bars and chairs are made of ice.

Full day Torres del Paine (Chile)

A little more than 300 km. of El Calafate, in Chilean territory, is the Torres del Paine National Park. This full day tour starts very early from Calafate returning at night, can also be done by adding a night's lodging in the park or in the beautiful town of Puerto Natales.
Amazing for where you look, Torres del Paine is a unique place with landscapes, shocking wildlife. In the park are the world famous Torres del Paine and Paine Horns, mountains that rise vertically from the plain forming a very particular landscape. Scattered among the peaks, lakes originated in glaciers, rich fauna of pumas, guanacos, foxes, condors, wild geese, rheas and black-necked swans, and other species that inhabit the region. Leafy forests of trees with their characteristics "whiskers" give the landscape a magical suggestion.

Estancia La Usina

At 40 km. from El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier road, this beautiful room is typical Patagonian architecture, has an organic vegetable garden, a demanding kitchen where you can taste a Patagonian tea beside the river or taste the delights of local cuisine. The estancia has facilities for horseback riding, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Estancia El Galpón

A 20 km. of El Calafate has a historic circuit guided by the estancia, a bird watching refuge and a sheep shearing show. It also presents a service of grilled lamb accompanied by a tango show and folklore.

Estancia 25 de Mayo

With an area of 16,000 ha, the estancia offers tours in 4x4 vehicles, to the steppe and the observation of flora and fauna of the region.

4 x 4 trips to Balcon de El Calafate

In El Calafate you can travel across the Patagonian steppe, a circuit "off-road" by accessing to stunning landscapes and totally exclusive places and obtaining a panoramic view of the city, Lake Argentino and the Andes mountain range.

Paraje La Leona

At 110 kilometers from El Calafate, on the national route No. 40, on the shores of the river La Leona and meters of Lake Viedma, exactly half way between El Calafate and El Chalten, is the roadhouse & rural hotel La Leona, witness and protagonist of over 110 years of legendary history of the Patagonia. Historical and Cultural Heritage of the province, is ideal for a coffee with a slice of cake and enjoy the landscape.

Walichu caves

Walichu caves and Punta Bonita is a way to travel through time. On the shores of Lake Argentino, are ideal to visit with children.

City Tour by El Calafate

In El Calafate you can hire an entertaining tour of the city, through the most traditional of the city on board an comfortable vehicle.

Landscapes of Roca

In Glacier National Park, beautiful Lake Roca offers attractive corners ideal for multiple activities.

Fly fishing along the Glacier

Fly fishing in the lake Roca and river Rico is an amazing experience. Rainbow trout with good size, provide an intense fight in the clear waters.

Knowing the history of El Calafate

Historical Interpretation Center El Calafate is a perfect invitation for the history of the place and of Patagonia, Argentina.

Reserve Laguna Nimez

At only 1 km from the center of El Calafate, in an area close to Lake Argentino will find Avifauna Reserve Laguna Nimez, where you can make a colorful birdwatching.

Horseback riding in Patagonia

Another interesting way to discover and conquer the landscape of El Calafate, is to ride through the region, making several trips riding a beautiful horse.

Regional Museum of El Calafate

Located in the center of the city of El Calafate, this museum offers a journey through local history and flora and fauna that make up this graceful around town.

Adventure Tourism in El Calafate

On the surroundings of El Calafate enthusiasts of adventure sports are able to perform a number of activities related to these matters.

Casino in El Calafate

In the downtown a modern casino presents a musical shows during the nights of the season.

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Hotels in El Calafate

Mirador del Lago Hotel

Calafate Parque Hotel

Kau Yatún Hotel de Campo

Rincón del Calafate

Sent Calafate