El Calafate Holidays

El Calafate is a small town in southern Patagonia, set on the shores of Lago Argentino, the largest lake in Argentina. The town mainly serves the visitors who come to explore the glaciers, namely the Perito Moreno Glacier, and other attractions in the area.

The attractive town of Calafate is located in southern Argentina. The town is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Argentino, and mostly used as a gateway for visiting one of the natural wonders of the world: Perito Moreno glacier. Tourism in El Calafate has grown due to its strategic location close to possibly the most impressive of all the glaciers in Patagonia, and Torres del Paine National Park.

Getting to El Calafate from Puerto Natales requires a five-hour drive across the Patagonian plains, crossing the Chile-Argentina border. There is an airport in El Calafate with regular flights to Buenos Aires and other destinations in Argentina.

When to visit El Calafate

The best time to visit Patagonia is between October to April. Outside of this season, few tours and excursions run due to the harsh climate. Temperatures are around 12°C – 20°C, with night-time temperatures dropping to 2°C or 3°C.

El Calafate Attractions

The main attraction of El Calafate is the Perito Moreno Glacier, possibly the most impressive of all the glaciers in Patagonia. The town was only founded in 1927, as a base for wool traders, and although there is little to see in the town itself, it is a pleasant place to explore. You can visit the town’s Glaciarium, a modern glacier museum where you can learn about the history and geology of the Patagonian glaciers, or go birdwatching at nearby Nimes Lagoon. There are good restaurants and facilities in the town.

El Calafate is a great base for exploring the many natural wonders of Patagonia.