What to do

Family: El Calafate and El Chalten

Walking on glaciers and sheering sheep are a few of the adventures that can be sampled in this area of the world!

El Calafate and El Chalten -Glacial lake
El Calafate and El Chalten - Glacial lake

Located right over on the western edge of Argentina, El Calafate and El Chalten are hugely popular destinations and offer an interesting mix of activities that will suit a whole range of age groups. The main draw to the area is the Perito Moreno Glacier that flows down from the Southern Iceshelf and can be accessed from El Calafate. On top of this, the nearby El Chalten gives some walking and more active options for those that prefer.

As mentioned above, the real beauty of an area like El Calafate and El Chalten is that there is a truly varied mix of options and activities for all the family. For those that would like to be more visual then the region around El Calafate really offers something special. Using the town as a base it is possible to walk on ice, as well as witness the glacier itself from up close and personal. On top of this there are also options to take a guided boat ride round to a few of the other glaciers in the area while drifting past ice bergs and stunning scenery.

For families that are more active, it is also possible to spend a day on a traditional Argentine ranch in the area seeing how they still sheer the sheep by hand and finishing the experience with a traditional lamb “Parilla” (barbeque).

For those in the family that would like to be a little more active still, then the nearby village of El Chalten has a whole host of walks and hikes to suit any age or level of fitness. The beauty of the area is that, at its centre, is the outstanding Fitz Roy mountain and surrounding peaks. Regardless of hike or activity this backdrop is ever present. Along with the walks and hiking there is also a strong community of rock climbers and ice climbers over here and so, should someone like to have a go, it is easy arranged.

Click here to view some video footage of the El Calafate area.

Click here to view some video footage of the El Chalten area.

When to go to El Calafate and El Chalten:

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    El Calafate and El Chalten

    At a glance…Western Patagonia

  • Size: 250,000 sq kms
  • Location: Southern Argentina
  • Recommended time: 3 to 5 nights
  • Time to visit: September to April
  • Go here for: Walking, the southern ice shelf, The Perito Moreno glacier
  • Further reading...

  • › Nature and wildlife
  • › Walking
  • › El Calafate
  • › What to do in El Calafate
  • Our Top Five Family Holidays Hotels in El Calafate and El Chalten:

    1. Blanca Patagonia - Lounge

      Blanca Patagonia

      A new addition to our list of recommended hosterías in El Calafate, Blanca Patagonia is a cosy and welcoming 12-bed B&B located on the way out of El Calafate. While the location on the edge of town may not suit everyone, for us the sweeping lake views and quiet position more than make up for... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    2. La Cantera El Calafate - External View

      La Cantera

      Hotel La Cantera is a small boutique hotel built into the hillside in El Calafate. As long as you don’t mind taking the hotel’s shuttle into town in the evenings, the good service and comfortable accommodation make it a more than adequate base for a couple of nights in El Calafate while visiting... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    3. Hotel Mirador del Lago - Frontage

      Hotel Mirador del Lago

      Hotel Mirador del Lago is a very reliable choice if you are looking for a reasonably priced, comfortable property near the centre of El Calafate. The hotel is only a short walk from the main ‘strip’ of downtown; and with its slightly elevated location, also offers good views of the lake. As is... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    4. Hotel Posada Los Alamos

      Hotel Posada Los Alamos

      With the town being so new, it may not appear important that the Posada Los Alamos is the oldest 5 star in town, but it is worth noting….mainly as they, therefore, have much more room than anyone else. This hotel incorporates a golf course, 2 dining areas, a clubhouse, spa, pool and Jacuzzis, along... More...

      Our rating:
      3
      User rating:
      3
      Price:
      4
    5. Hotel Sierra Nevada

      Hotel Sierra Nevada

      A small, three star hotel located on the way out of town, the Sierra Nevada is a cheap and cheerful option in town. Simply designed in an “L” shape, all of the simple rooms offer views out to the Lago Argentina. While the main areas are also fairly non-frills, we still think it is a great option... More...

      Our rating:
      2
      User rating:
      2
      Price:
      1