What to do

El Calafate and El Chalten

The infamous Perito Moreno Glacier is just the tip of the iceberg...

El Calafate and El Chalten - Perito Moreno advancing glacier
El Calafate and El Chalten - Perito Moreno advancing glacier

El Calafate and El Chalten, sitting right on the western-most edge of the Patagonian Steppe, are one of the most visited regions in Argentina. Lying at the very edge of the Southern Ice fields, the second largest ice shelf on the planet, the area is full of glaciers, icebergs and stunning nature. The Perito Moreno Glacier, just an hour’s drive from El Calafate is one of the last advancing glaciers left today. To the north, the citadel of the Fitz Roy mount provides all sorts of great walking and outdoor opportunities.

This area of western Patagonia has been experiencing a huge boom in business over the last 10 years or so with the ever-growing popularity for seeing the famous glaciers and ice flows of the area.

The region itself is fairly barren, especially El Calafate, as it sits in the open grasslands that lead up to the mountains, but, once you get in amongst the peaks, the experience is outstanding and, with the Perito Moreno glacier running right down to the lake side, the views are jaw dropping.

For the more intrepid, there is a range of activities that can be done, with El Chalten being one of the best walking destinations in Argentina, horse riding, 4x4 excursions etc. There are also cruises that can be booked to go out onto Lago Argentina to go and see both the Perito Moreno and a few of the other major ice flows of the area, such as the Upsala glacier, up close.

On the whole, while the main areas around the glaciers can be busy, this is still a truly untouched wilderness area and, given all this space, it is hard not to be overwhelmed by its raw beauty.

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

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

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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...

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

    1. Estancia Cristina - External View

      Estancia Cristina

      A secluded lodge with exclusive access to the Upsala Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park, Estancia Cristina is one of the more difficult places to get to in and around El Calafate but is more than worth the effort once you do. Offering a range of activities and an insight into the history of... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      5
    2. Hosteria Los Notros - External

      Hosteria Los Notros

      Undoubtedly the most famous hotel in and around El Calafate, Los Notros Hotel offers one the best, natural views in all of Argentina, with the full southern face of the Perito Moreno glacier a few hundred meters away. Along with this, the hotel prides itself on its level of food, comfort and... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      5
    3. Hosteria Kaulem - Interior

      Hosteria Kaulem

      The Hosteria Kaulem is a great little 4 bed hotel located on the second street of the town. Simple inside, they have tried to make a feature of the large windows and sky view that they have in the main areas, that really bring the nature in and give it a welcoming feel. The rooms are, again,... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3
    4. Destino Sur - Location

      Destino Sur

      Destino Sur is a new arrival in the now fast developing town of El Chalten, Argentina’s trekking capital. It is certainly not cosy and small like some of the lodges present here and so like the nearby Los Cerros, it does stand out a little amongst the properties in this sleepy town. We think that... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    5. 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