El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. This small city of approximately 25,000 residents, sitting on the shores of Lago Argentino in Santa Cruz province, is the starting point for visiting one of nature's most awe-inspiring wonders: the Perito Moreno Glacier. In this updated 2026 guide we cover everything including the ice mini-trekking, the Glaciarium museum and the day trip to El Chalten.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires → Bariloche | 1640 km | 2 h 20 | 22 h | 18 h |
| Buenos Aires → El Calafate | 2700 km | 3 h 15 | 40 h | 35 h |
| Buenos Aires → Ushuaia | 3050 km | 3 h 35 | 50+ h | — |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1490 km | 1 h 45 | 28 h | 24 h |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 600 km | 1 h 15 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | High season | |
| Feb | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | ||
| Mar | 6° / 18°C | 50 mm | ||
| Apr | 3° / 14°C | 70 mm | ||
| May | 0° / 10°C | 90 mm | ||
| Jun | -2° / 6°C | 110 mm | Ski season | |
| Jul | -2° / 6°C | 120 mm | ||
| Aug | -1° / 8°C | 90 mm | ||
| Sep | 1° / 12°C | 60 mm | ||
| Oct | 4° / 16°C | 40 mm | ||
| Nov | 6° / 19°C | 40 mm | ||
| Dec | 7° / 21°C | 40 mm |
The town is named after the calafate bush (Berberis buxifolia), abundant throughout Patagonia. According to Tehuelche legend, "whoever eats the calafate berry will return". And indeed, most travellers who visit El Calafate feel exactly that: an irresistible desire to come back.
Perito Moreno Glacier: the ice colossus
The Perito Moreno Glacier is, without exaggeration, one of the most impactful experiences in world travel. This giant covers 250 km² (the size of Buenos Aires city), has a 5 km wide front and walls rising up to 70 metres above the water. What makes it truly special is that it is one of the few glaciers on Earth that is still advancing, even as most retreat due to climate change.
A system of walkways brings you within a few hundred metres of the glacier face, where you can witness spectacular calving events: enormous blocks of ice crashing into the lake with a thunderous roar. The national park entry costs approximately USD 28 for foreigners, and a guided tour with transfer from El Calafate starts from USD 35.
Mini-trekking on the glacier
The mini-trekking is the ultimate Perito Moreno experience. You literally walk on ancient ice wearing crampons for approximately 1.5 hours, guided by specialists who explain the glacier's formation, crevasses and the fascinating world of compressed blue ice. The experience culminates with a glacial whisky toast using ice over 400 years old. Cost: approximately USD 200. The extended Big Ice version offers 3.5 hours on the glacier for about USD 300. Both require advance booking — they sell out weeks ahead in high season.
Glaciarium: the ice museum
South America's first glaciology museum offers interactive exhibits about glacier formation and climate change, plus a glaciobar built entirely of ice at -10°C where you can enjoy a drink wearing thermal clothing. Entry: USD 12, glaciobar: USD 15 extra.
El Chalten: Argentina's trekking capital
El Chalten, 220 km north of El Calafate, sits at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy (3,405 m). A full-day trip from El Calafate (from USD 85) lets you hike to the Fitz Roy viewpoint. For the full experience, stay 2-3 nights and trek to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre — all trails are free and don't require a guide.
Where to stay
Accommodation centres on Avenida Libertador. Hostels: USD 15-20. 3-star hotels with breakfast: USD 70-120. Premium lakeside lodges: USD 150-250. Don't miss the Patagonian lamb slow-roasted over an open fire, the signature dish of the region (USD 15-25/person).
