Locations El Calafate & El Chalten

El Calafate

The town of El Calafate in southern Argentina is the base for visiting the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.  Within this national park is the breathtaking Perito Moreno glacier, one of the world’s only advancing glaciers.  Covering 250 square kilometres this imposing natural formation is a site not to be missed.  With numerous platforms and walkways facing the glacier you can become mesmerized by its immense presence as you watch and listen as large chunks of ice break away and crash into the water below. 

And why not take a walk on it too!  We can arrange a full day excursion, crampons included, so you can really get to see what the glacier is like.  On arrival to the park your day starts with a boat trip across the milky green lake and a short walk through the trees until you reach the glacier itself.   Once fitted with crampons you will start your guided mini-trek on the ice – a fantastic way to get up close to the glacier and see the light reflecting off the ice, producing beautiful shades of blue.   At the end of the walk you can warm the cockles with a Famous Grouse whisky on the rocks with ice straight from the glacier!

Perito Moreno is just one of the glaciers in the park and it is also possible to take a day excursion by boat to see more.  We can book you on top deck for the best views of the Upsala, Onelli and Spegazzini glaciers, passing floating icebergs as you go by.

El Calafate itself is by and large a tourist town.   Although it has grown in recent years it is still relatively small and compact, situated in a beautiful yet desolate setting on the shore of Lago Argentino, Argentina’s largest lake.   Its one main street is filled with outdoor shops and restaurants, so you definitely won’t go hungry, and specialities of the area include cordero patagonico (Patagonian lamb) and, for those with a sweet tooth, any postre (dessert) made with the delicious and extremely nutritious calafate berries which grow in the far south of Argentina.

El Chalten

El Chalten is a small sleepy town at the foothills of the impressive Fitz Roy mountain range.  Located in the north of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, 220km from El Calafate, it is a popular destination for trekkers, perfect for those who prefer to do day hikes and return each night to the comfort of their hotel.   There are two main walks from the town, one to Laguna Torre and the other to Laguna de Los Tres, the climax of both being the fantastic views of the mountain peaks jutting high up into the sky.   But don’t forget to take to turn the other way and take in the views of valleys below, stretching for miles into the distance.

El Chalten can be reached either by bus or hire car from El Calafate and we can arrange either modes of transport for you, depending on what you would prefer.  We will also provide you with maps and tips on getting around.

Who should go?

A visit to the glaciers, especially Perito Moreno, is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on us all, with the mini-trekking on the ice being a particular highlight (although children under 10 are not permitted).  But in general El Calafate and its surroundings is a great destination for those who want to spend a few days in the depth of Patagonia with the opportunity of experiencing something completely different. 

El Chalten is definitely for those who like walking in the mountains.  The weather is temperamental; the days changing from sunny and still to windy and cold, but this exposure to the elements, along with the outstanding views from all around, make it a really special place to head to for a few days.  The well marked treks can be enjoyed by those of all ages, although a certain level of fitness is required. 

Accommodation

Accommodation in El Calafate is plentiful and we recommend staying in attractive, cosy hosterias (small hotels) and guesthouses, designed to keep you warm and toasty on your return from visiting the glaciers.

The slow-paced, dusty town of El Chalten has a number of small hotels, but our favourite is a wonderful hosteria on an old estancia (farm) just outside of the town.  Here the horses roam freely outside your bedroom window and you can enjoy delicious meals in the hotel restaurant which is based in the old farmhouse, with photos on the wall and memorabilia of the days when it was still a working farm.

Or why not opt for a completely unique and novel experience!  We can arrange for you to stay on traditional working estancia, where the open lands of Patagonia seem to go on forever.  This is a magical way to get away from it all and see how life was and still is for many country people in southern Argentina.   You will stay in a guesthouse on the farm, woken each morning with breakfasts of homemade breads and jam.  During the day you can explore the countryside, ride horses and take pleasure in the quiet and simple way of life.