Argentina · September 2025
Overview
El Calafate is a small, windy town on the shore of Lago Argentino, and everything here is about one thing: the Perito Moreno Glacier. Standing on the walkways in front of a wall of blue ice that cracks and falls into the lake with a sound like thunder is one of the most impressive experiences in South America.
The Tehuelche people lived in this part of Patagonia. El Calafate was founded in 1927 as a stop for wool traders. Its name comes from the calafate, a bush with purple berries; legend says that if you eat one, you will return to Patagonia. The glacier is named after Francisco "Perito" Moreno, the explorer who defended Argentina's claims in the border dispute with Chile. Los Glaciares National Park, created in 1937, became a UNESCO site in 1981.
How long to stay: 2 to 3 days, before or after El Chaltén.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In Santa Cruz province, southern Patagonia, on Lago Argentino. The Perito Moreno Glacier is 80 km west; El Chaltén is 215 km north (about 3 hours).
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | ARS 35,000–60,000 ($23–39) | ARS 140,000–250,000 ($90–161) | ARS 450,000+ ($290+) |
| Food | ARS 35,000–55,000 ($23–35) | ARS 80,000–130,000 ($52–84) | ARS 200,000+ ($129+) |
| Glacier day | ARS 50,000 park + ARS 40,000–60,000 bus | + boat trip | Mini-trekking |
| Daily total | ARS 160,000–225,000 ($103–145) | ARS 350,000–550,000 ($226–355) | ARS 900,000+ ($581+) |
Patagonia is the most expensive part of Argentina.
Things to Do
About 4 km of metal walkways face the glacier, which is about 5 km wide and rises 60 to 70 m above the water. Unlike most glaciers, it is not shrinking quickly, and every few years it closes against the Magallanes Peninsula and then breaks in a spectacular rupture. You will hear and see pieces fall all day.
Price: park entrance about ARS 50,000 (from June 2026) · Time needed: at least 3 to 4 hours · Tip: bring snacks and warm layers; stay into the afternoon, when more ice falls.
A one-hour boat ride on the lake that takes you close to the ice wall.
Price: about ARS 40,000–60,000.
Cross the lake by boat, put on crampons and walk on the glacier with a guide, finishing with whisky on glacier ice. Big Ice is a longer, harder version.
Price: mini-trekking about USD 250–350 equivalent; Big Ice more · Tip: book weeks ahead; there are age limits.
A full-day boat trip on Lago Argentino between icebergs to other glaciers of the park.
Price: about USD 150–250 equivalent.
A modern museum about glaciers and climate, with an ice bar inside.
Price: about ARS 30,000–45,000.
A wetland next to town with flamingos, black-necked swans and walking trails.
Price: small fee.
Visit a traditional sheep ranch for a Patagonian lamb barbecue (cordero al asador) and sheep-shearing demonstrations.
Price: about USD 80–150 with lunch.
Transit Tips
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By air: flights from Buenos Aires (about 3 hours), Ushuaia and Bariloche to FTE.
From the airport: shuttle buses to town about 30 minutes.
From El Chaltén: buses about 3 hours. From Puerto Natales (Chile, Torres del Paine) about 5 to 6 hours.
Glacier buses: regular buses from the terminal to the glacier (about 1.5 hours each way).
Rental car: gives you flexibility for Perito Moreno and the drive to El Chaltén.
Keep in mind that the weather changes in minutes: sun, wind and rain in the same hour. Bring a windproof jacket even in summer.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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