Location: El Calafate
Top Things to do in El Calafate
Top 10 Cultural Tours in El Calafate, Patagonia
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. 4 Patagonia Activities in El Calafate and Ushuaia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Four amazing activities, really "a must to do in Patagonia": The visit to the incredible Perito Moreno and the full day boat navigation called Rios de Hielo in El Calafate, and two visits in Ushuaia: Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel Navigation. you need three full days at least to enjoy this package
Inclusions: Pick up from hotel, Drop off to hotels, English Speaking Guide (Check other languages)
Exclusions: Entrances to National Parks
Reviewed By Cheryl B
Go with a good appetite, so many variety of meats, take just a little so you can make it to the end! Loved the lamb, filet mignon, garlic beef the best. Even saved room for dessert and left feeling very satisfied
2. Calafate Balcony
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The track takes you to marvelous landscapes with an incredible variety of vegetation in high altitudes. Reaching 1050 m over the sea level, our first stop is a natural viewpoint where you will enjoy the most stunning sights of El Calafate and the central part of the Lake Argentino. You will also enjoy sights of the magnificent Andes mountain range at the back and at certaintimes, the area of accumulation of the glaciers, towards Boca Del Diablo, (the narrowest part of the lake, on the road to the Upsala arm).
Inclusions: Local taxes, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By V3155FJlisak
Fun day! The hike was fun and once we were at the top the views were amazing. It was a long drive from El Calafete but our guide was terrific providing a lot of great history and info. The 4x4 part of the excursion was a bit misleading as there was not a true 4x4 adventure as we were expecting (four wheeling) but rather a 40 min ride in a van over some rough terrain to get to the start of the hike. Overall we would do this trip again!
3. 16-Day South America Tour: Argentina, Uruguay, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This South American tour is the adventure of a lifetime enabling you to experience the jewels of Argentina, Brazil & Uruguay on this enthralling 16-day tour which will take you to the main sights in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay including the two main cities of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Starting in Buenos Aires, you’ll catch a Tango show and head out to dinner to sample some of the country’s world famous beef and Malbec wine and a visit to the historic city of Colonia. El Calafate is your next stop. It’s the gateway to Los Glacieres National Park, where highlights include the awe inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. Then on to Mendoza to taste the world famous Malbecs and experience the mighty Andes on horseback before heading to the thundering waters of Iguazu Falls, where you’ll get to experience both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides. Finally, we take you to the city of Rio de Janeiro, where you will get to see its iconic sites and feel its vibrant culture.
Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transfers in air-conditioned vehicle, Tours & activities as listed, 24 hr emergency service
Exclusions: Gratuities, Travel insurance, International and local flights, Entrance fee to National Parks
Reviewed By CC0913
We did a 12 day customized trip in 2018. Found this company through Zicasso, Kieran was great arranging it all and communication was easy. Our trip started in Buenos Aires where we did a cooking class at the Argentine Experience and took a tango lesson. Our dance instructors took us out to a milongo afterwards and we ended up staying out until 2am. It was great! We felt completely immersed in the culture. We then flew to Iguazu and toured the jungle, got blasted by the falls in a boat ride and saw all the incredible creatures that live there. Our last 5 days were spent hiking in Patagonia where we trekked the Perito Moreno Glacier, visited a ranch, and then drove to El Chalten for the final days. All of our transportation was provided, all internal flights booked by Kieran, and everything was just wonderful. To this day, it’s one of my favorite vacations!
4. Natural Argentina and Brazilian beaches
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A very diverse and complete trip to enjoy the adventure of the glaciers, the vibrant city of Buenos Aires and the wonderful Iguazú Falls. End your journey relaxing at a fascinating Brazilian beach.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation in Charming 5* hotels, All land transportation mentioned in the itinerary, All excursions are operated in small, exclusive groups, Entrance fees to the national parks, Personalized concierge service to assist you before and during the trip, 24/7 assistance during your trip
Exclusions: Domestic and regional flights quoted separately. International flights..., Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price., Food and beverage, unless specified
5. Argentina Highlights in 12 days: Buenos Aires, Southern Patagonia & Iguazu Falls
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 9 reviews
Explore Argentina’s most featured destinations on this 12-day inclusive tour visiting Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El Calafate and Ushuaia; the southernmost city in the world. On this tour you will visit our most renowned national parks which showcase natural wonders such as the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Iguazu Falls, the Beagle Channel and so much more! Explore beautiful Buenos Aires, our marvelous cosmopolitan city, in our half-day city tour and tango show. This tour is a once in a lifetime experience you would not want to miss!
Inclusions: 11 nights of accommodation (4 in Buenos Aires, 3 in Ushuaia, 2 in El Calafate & 2 in P. Iguazu) , Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Transfers mentioned in the itinerary, Tours described in the itinerary, National Park Entrance fees , Bilingual guide (English / Spanish), Ecotourism Tax
Exclusions: International or Domestic Flights, Port Tax (approx $2 USD), Transfers to and from the pier for the Beagle Channel Navigation (taxis cost less than $7 USD), Food and beverage, unless specified , Optional tours & Tips
Reviewed By NancyOD
Karen Rosa worked with me and my sister-in-law, Pat Holland, in arranging a unbelievable trip to Chile in March 2020. She was very accommodating when we kept tweaking our plans and she responded to each of our wishes professionally. We were sent a detailed itinerary delineating our private pick up times, where we should meet for our private tours as well as group tours and description of the sites we would be experiencing . We arrived in Chile on March 12 and due to the pandemic we chose to depart on March 13, late evening. We had arranged our own travel from United States. Karen worked with our wonderful travel insurance agency, Travel Guard. From the beginning, Karen told us she would seek refunds for the hotels, travel and tours that we were not able to participate in. We did receive a refund today from Say Hueque. I know this must be difficult financial times for travel agencies but Karen and her travel company follow through on their promise. When things get a little bit more normal I would not hesitate to use Karen Rosa and the services of Say Hueque
6. Nativo Experience - Lagos & Cavernas
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 3 reviews
Do not miss the opportunity to discover an unknown side of Patagonia! Departing from El Calafate for a 3-hour tour, this excursion is ideal for lovers of nature and history, and includes sightseeing of flora, fauna and caves with rock art. Enjoy a typical Argentine lunch! Nativo Experience - Lagos y Cavernas is a 4x4 midday excursion along the coast of Lake Argentino. Ideal for the day of arrival or departure. Between the cliffs and overlooking the Andes Mountains, the excursion focuses on the first contacts of those expeditionaries with the natives, and then enter the Tehuelche world. On the banks of the lake are the caves where thousands of years ago that culture left its marks on the rock and that today induce us to its interpretation. The excursion culminates in another cave, with lunch or dinner that will transport us to those remote years
Inclusions: Pickup From El Calafate Hotels, Lunch Or Dinner, Arqueological Area Entrance, Driver / Guide In English Or Spanish
Exclusions: Any extra that is not included
Reviewed By kim537
Narration good, but bus very crowded and many audio hookups were broken. Actual tour routes very good. Buenos Aires is a huge old city. A problem with tickets was resolved onsite but only because a bystander was kind enough to translate the problem with downloading the ticket. The actual bus personnel were not helpful at all and simply refused us passage.
7. Calafate Wine Tour | City Tour Peatonal Maridado con Vinos
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 6 reviews
Único en Calafate, conoces la historia del lugar y sus pioneros de una forma divertida y dinamica; acompañado de vinos Patagonicos.
Inclusions: Snacks
Exclusions:
8. El Calafate City Sightseeing Tour Including Walichu Caves
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Get under the skin of El Calafate and see the ancient rock paintings of Patagonia’s earliest settlers on this 3-hour sightseeing tour. Traveling in an air-conditioned coach, drive to the shores of beautiful Lake Argentino to visit the Walichu Caves, home to rock paintings believed to date back 4,000 years. Next, enjoy a panoramic tour of El Calafate Old Town, look for flamingos and other birds on Laguna Nimez, and visit the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center to learn about the area’s incredible history, geology, peoples and glaciers.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Use of binoculars at Laguna Nimez
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entrance fees
Reviewed By adcdiving
Once we have arrived at the terminal of the Solo Patagonia shipping company, there is a lot of activity and dense crowds of people are packed together. First we have to exchange our purchased voucher for boat tickets and afterwards we have to sit down again to pay the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park (800 Argentine Peso per person). At the stroke of 9:00 am the chock-full boat leaves under a bright blue sky for a magnificent trip on the clear and ice-cold water of Lago Argentino. Once we reach full speed, a strong fresh wind can be felt and only the die-hard fans with their thick coat (us!) Remain on deck. We sail along beautiful rugged landscapes with snowy mountain peaks. We can really look at this for hours! After a while we reach a part of the lake where there are huge ice floes that broke off the Upsala glacier. Most blocks of the Upsala glacier have a typical blue color that glows even brighter in the sunlight. We stop for a while at different ice blocks so that everyone has enough opportunity to take the ultimate photo. Then we continue the trip from the Upsala glacier to the impressive Spegazzini glacier where we also get enough time to shoot the necessary fabulous pictures. When we start the return trip to Punta Bandera and take a last look at the Spegazzini glacier from the aft deck, we just see a large ice block breaking off the Spegazzini glacier and splashing into the water. What a wonderful end to this wonderful boat trip to the Upsala and Spegazzini glacier.
9. Estancia Nibepo Aike with Lunch or Dinner
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
It is the only excursion of tourist estancia in El Calafate which still continues practicing the traditional tasks that characterize them and why they became famous. You can participate in the activities of shearing and herding, hiking to the lake shore or horseriding accompanied by a gaucho (ride is not included in price), climb up the Crystal Mountain, where the panoramic view is incredible and visit the organic garden. Following the visit to the garden, you will enjoy a lunch (morning tour) or you will enjoy a dinner (afternoon tour) which includes grilled patagonian lamb. There is an organic vegetarian lunch option.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, for morning tour option, for afternoon tour option, English and spanish speaking guide
Exclusions: horse riding, Beverages, Gratuities, other services not especified
Reviewed By V3155FJlisak
Fun day! The hike was fun and once we were at the top the views were amazing. It was a long drive from El Calafete but our guide was terrific providing a lot of great history and info. The 4x4 part of the excursion was a bit misleading as there was not a true 4x4 adventure as we were expecting (four wheeling) but rather a 40 min ride in a van over some rough terrain to get to the start of the hike. Overall we would do this trip again!
10. 21-Day Best of South America Tour: Rio,Iguazu,Buenos Aires,Patagonia & Santiago
Realise your dreams and enjoy the best of South America on this enthralling 21-day tour which will take you to the main sights in Brazil, Argentina & Chile including the main cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires & Santiago and the rugged beauty of Patagonia. Your tour includes accommodation and a professional guide. Feel the unique latin vibe of Rio, discover the natural wonder of Iguazu, experience the passion of Buenos Aires, trek in the Patagonian wilderness and catch your breath in Santiago.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Accommodation as per itinerary, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Port/airport pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Tours and activities as listed
Exclusions: Local flights, Travel Insurance, Gratuities, National Park Entrance fees
Reviewed By CC0913
We did a 12 day customized trip in 2018. Found this company through Zicasso, Kieran was great arranging it all and communication was easy. Our trip started in Buenos Aires where we did a cooking class at the Argentine Experience and took a tango lesson. Our dance instructors took us out to a milongo afterwards and we ended up staying out until 2am. It was great! We felt completely immersed in the culture. We then flew to Iguazu and toured the jungle, got blasted by the falls in a boat ride and saw all the incredible creatures that live there. Our last 5 days were spent hiking in Patagonia where we trekked the Perito Moreno Glacier, visited a ranch, and then drove to El Chalten for the final days. All of our transportation was provided, all internal flights booked by Kieran, and everything was just wonderful. To this day, it’s one of my favorite vacations!
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