To choose the best experience in El Calafate, you should define your activity level and the type of scenery you're looking for. If you want to walk on ice , choose the Minitrekking; if you prefer to sail effortlessly among giant icebergs , opt for the Argentino Lake Navigations . If you're looking to explore accessible walkways , the Traditional Perito Moreno Glacier is the option. To complete your trip, you can add day trips to El Chaltén or Torres del Paine .
At Tangol , we have designed this practical guide to help you select the perfect excursion according to your profile, age, budget and length of stay.
What kind of experience should you look for in El Calafate?
| Excursions Category | What does it include? | Level of Demand | Ideal for... | Go to Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Walkways and Balconies | Observation balconies and short boat trips | Very Low (Accessible) | Families, senior citizens, photos | View Excursions |
| 2. Trekking on Ice | Hikes with crampons on the glacier | Medium to High | Adventurers (18 to 65 years old) | View Excursions |
| 3. Navigations and Rivers of Ice | Catamarans and cruises on Lake Argentino | Low (Comfortable) | See glaciers inaccessible by land | View Excursions |
| 4. Day Trips | Trips to neighboring towns and parks | Medium to High | Hiking in El Chaltén or Torres del Paine | View Excursions |
| 5. Stays and Land Adventure | 4x4 tours, quads and country life | Low to Medium | Gaucho tradition, dinners and sunsets | View Excursions |
1. Traditional Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier
It's a must-see stop on any trip to Patagonia. The walkways of Los Glaciares National Park offer more than 4 kilometers of balconies with direct views of the glacier.
Traditional Footbridges + Nautical Safari
This option combines a self-paced walk along the walkways with an optional 1-hour boat trip. The boat approaches within 300 meters of the southern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier. It's perfect if you want to comfortably watch the ice calving.
- Ideal for: Families with children, senior citizens, or people with reduced mobility.
Duration: Full day or half day (6 to 8 hours).
Book the Classic Excursion to Perito Moreno with Transfer
2. Ice Trekking Excursions
If you're not content with just watching and would prefer to walk on ice, put on some crampons and walk on it. These are the most highly recommended immersive options.
Mini-trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
After a short boat trip across the Brazo Rico, you'll disembark on the south shore. There, you'll put on your crampons and hike for an hour and a half on the glacier with mountain guides. You'll see crevasses, blue lagoons, and natural sinkholes.
- Important restriction: Valid only for people aged 18 to 65 with a physical condition suitable for uneven terrain.
- Duration: Full day (10 hours).
Book the Minitrekking tour on the Perito Moreno Glacier
Big Ice at Perito Moreno: In the Heart of the Glacier
It's the ultimate experience for adventure trekking enthusiasts. It includes a preliminary hike across the glacier to reach the deep ice. You'll be equipped with a harness and crampons for a 3.5-hour trek in the heart of the Perito Moreno Glacier . You'll reach pristine areas with blue ice caverns, enormous sinkholes, and giant seracs.
- Total duration: Full day (12 hours).
- Age restriction: Exclusively for people aged 18 to 50 .
- Level of difficulty: High (requires very good physical condition).
Book the Big Ice Expedition on the Perito Moreno Glacier
3. Navigations and Ice Rivers on Lake Argentino
Navigating the various arms of Lake Argentino is the only way to get close to glaciers inaccessible by land. This way you can see ice walls over 130 meters high.
Blue Safari: Coastal Approach and Walk
Set sail from Puerto Bajo las Sombras and disembark on the south shore. Take a gentle walk along the moraine. This will bring you face to face with the Perito Moreno Glacier, right at the water's edge.
- Ideal for: Those who want to see the ice up close without the demands of Minitrekking.
- Duration: 6 hours.
Book the Blue Safari Excursion in El Calafate
All Glaciers Navigation (Ice Rivers Express)
Explore the northern arm of Lake Argentino, passing gigantic icebergs, until you reach the Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers . Sail past these unique glaciers and enjoy a stop at the Spegazzini Refuge.
- Ideal for: Families and photographers looking for a very complete panoramic tour.
- Duration: 9 hours.
Book the All Glaciers Catamaran Cruise
Gourmet Glaciers Cruise: Luxury Aboard the Maria Turquesa
An exclusive sailing experience that combines a visit to the Spegazzini, Upsala and Perito Moreno glaciers with a gourmet tasting menu and VIP lounge.
- Ideal for: Couples and travelers seeking high-level comfort.
- Duration: 9.5 hours.
Book the Glaciers Gourmet Experience
May Spirit Trek: Patagonian Forest and Glaciers
Combine sailing on the Mayo Sound with hikes through the Patagonian Andean forest. Discover two less-visited glaciers: the Mayo Glacier and the Cerro Negro Glacier .
- Ideal for: Nature lovers and routes with less crowds.
- Duration: 9 hours.
Book the Mayo Spirit Trek Tour in El Calafate
4. Day Trips from El Calafate
If you want to make the most of your stay and explore other iconic locations in Patagonia, these day trips are perfect. You won't have to change accommodations or move your luggage.
Full Day El Chaltén (National Capital of Trekking)
Located 220 km from El Calafate, this tour allows you to explore Lake Viedma. You can also stop at the historic Parador La Leona and enjoy self-guided or guided hikes. The trails lead to viewpoints overlooking Mount Fitz Roy.
- Ideal for: Hikers and mountain lovers.
- Duration: 12 hours.
Book the El Chaltén Day Tour from El Calafate
Full Day Torres del Paine (Chile) from El Calafate
Cross the Chilean border in a specially equipped vehicle and explore the viewpoints of Torres del Paine National Park. Discover Lake Pehoé, Salto Grande waterfall, and the legendary Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine).
- Requirement: Keep in mind that you will be leaving Argentina, so bring your visa and passport up to date for the border crossing.
- Duration: 14 hours.
Book the Full Day Excursion to Torres del Paine
5. Land Excursions and 4x4 Adventure
For arrival days, departure days, or times when you're looking for half-day activities near the city center.
Balconies of El Calafate in 4x4
A 4x4 tour that ascends the Cordón Torta mountain range to reach natural viewpoints over 800 meters high. It offers breathtaking aerial views of Lake Argentino, the Andes Mountains, and Mount Fitz Roy.
- Ideal for: Arrival afternoon or morning before a flight.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Book the 4x4 Adventure through the Balconies of El Calafate
Estancia Cristina: Upsala Glacier and 4x4 Expedition
Located within the National Park, this ranch combines high-end boating on the North Arm of Lake Argentino with a 4x4 mountain tour to the Upsala Glacier viewpoint . It also includes a historical visit to the main house of the traditional ranch founded in 1914.
- Ideal for: Lovers of Patagonian history, mountain photography and absolute tranquility.
- Duration: Full day (10 hours).
Book your Day Trip at Estancia Cristina
Native Experience: Lakes and Caves
A 4x4 trip along the shores of Lake Argentino to the Walichu Caves archaeological site. View ancient cave paintings dating back thousands of years. Enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner inside a natural cave overlooking the water.
- Ideal for: Those passionate about history, archaeology and unusual gastronomic experiences.
- Duration: Half day (3.5 hours).
Native Experience Reserve and Walichu Caves
4x4 Excursion in Cerro Frías
An off-road tour that ascends the southern slope of Cerro Frías, reaching an altitude of 1,030 meters. During the ascent in specially equipped 4x4 vehicles, you'll cross lenga forests and the Patagonian steppe. You'll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Argentino, Brazo Rico, and the Centinela River Valley. On clear days, you can see the Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy in the distance.
- Ideal for: Families, photographers and travelers looking for top-notch mountain views without physical exertion.
- Duration: Half day (3.5 to 4 hours).
Book your 4x4 excursion in Cerro Frías now
Things to consider before the Tour in El Calafate
- Don't forget your National Park entrance fees: Excursions do not include the entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park . This must be paid separately, either digitally or at the entrance gate.
- Pack clothing appropriate for the weather: In Patagonia, the weather changes rapidly. Don't forget a thermal base layer, a warm layer, and a windproof/waterproof jacket.
- Book in advance: Tours with limited daily spaces, such as Minitrekking, Big Ice, and Glaciares Gourmet , sell out quickly. During peak season, from October to March, they often sell out weeks in advance, so book your Patagonia tours well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions in El Calafate
How many days are recommended for visiting El Calafate?
I recommend at least three full days . On the first day, visit the Perito Moreno Glacier to explore the walkways or walk on the ice. On the second day, take a boat trip along the ice rivers, including the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. On the third day, choose to visit El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, or a Patagonian ranch.
What is the difference between Minitrekking and Big Ice?
The Minitrekking takes 1.5 hours walking on the ice and is of medium difficulty. The Big Ice is a 3.5-hour trek in the heart of the glacier, requiring a high level of physical exertion.
What is the best time to travel to El Calafate?
The peak season runs from October to April , when temperatures are milder and the days are longer. However, you can visit Perito Moreno year-round.
Do the excursions include entrance to Los Glaciares National Park?
Yes, you can add tickets to your Perito Moreno National Park ticket for an additional fee. Otherwise, you can purchase them directly from the official website or at the park entrance.
How far in advance should I book the Minitrekking or the Big Ice?
Ideally, you should book at least 30 to 60 days in advance for trips between November and March. Since these activities have limited daily spaces, availability fills up very quickly.
Do all excursions include round-trip transportation from my hotel?
The vast majority of excursions operated by Tangol include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in El Calafate. If you're staying in an Airbnb outside the designated area or at a more remote location, a central meeting point will be arranged.
Are excursions or sailing trips cancelled if it rains or is windy?
Excursions operate normally even in rain or moderate snow. They are only rescheduled or canceled if the port closes due to extreme winds, preventing access to the Patagonian Ice Field. In such cases, you will be offered the option to reschedule or receive a refund, according to the booking policies.
Book excursions in El Calafate with Tangol!
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