El Calafate is the starting point for many Patagonia adventures. Here’s what to know beforehand:
El Calafate is equivalent to a ski town: one main street with hotels modeled as lodges and cabins. The restaurants have a rustic look and the breweries are teeming with people all afternoon into evening.
Travelers come here for 2 reasons: to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier, or as a base for the world famous hiking, located hours south and north of the town.
Everything is centered around the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is the third largest reserve of fresh water on the planet. Just 18,000 years old, the guide books love to share that the glacier is not receding…but it’s complicated. It may be moving forward 7ft a day, but it’s also losing snow on either side and in the back.
Visitors can walk the boardwalks around the Perito Moreno Glacier, kayak or take a boat cruise. My advice: the hike ON the glacier. There’s nothing else like it. Opt for the mini trekking, or the “big ice” a longer hike which leads you further on the glacier, without a pre-planned path.
El Calafate is nestled just next to Lago Argentino, the largest lake in the country. A 10-minute walk from town, stop by at sunrise/sunset for beautiful views of the mountains and flamingos that call it home. During the winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a gigantic ice skating rink.
Otherwise, there’s honestly not a ton to do in town! Stroll, bike, shop, eat, drink.
There are adorable little flea markets (La Aldea de los Gnomos and Paseo de Los Artesanos) though they don’t open until later in the day.
A few hotels have spas. Otherwise stop by Ana Ro for a massage.
Don’t trust Google when it comes to planning dinner. The open hours are not accurate.
The restaurants all blend in and the steakhouses have very similar menus. My recommendations are: Casimiro Biguá and Mako.
An adorable church lies on the Main Street. The gardens around it are free to wander in peace.
There is one Western Union and one ‘Cambio’ Exchange. When they open, there will be lines out the door. If that’s the case, ask your hotel – there are also restaurants that don’t publicize it, but will offer a similar rate.
Expect a slower lifestyle and laid back attitude. Give some extra time during meals.
Dogs are everywhere. Some will follow you. You’ll even find the occasional pup hanging out in a restaurant.
For souvenirs, the best store is ARTE INDIO on the main street, Av. del Libertador.
You can rent clothes and camping/hiking equipment at La Barraca. It’s a great alternative to packing ski pants, hiking poles etc.
No Ubers in town but plenty of taxis.
The El Calafate airport is approximately 20 minutes from town. It’s not a big airport – you should arrive about an hour before the flight. A ride to/from the airport should cost 5,000-5,400 pesos.
