About Calafate
El Calafate, also called Calafate, is a city in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, in Patagonia. It is located on the southern border of Lago Argentino, in the southwest part of the province. It is the seat of government for the Lago Argentino Department within the province. The name of the city is also the name of a small bush, with yellow flowers and dark-blue berries, that is very commonly seen in the region—the calafate. The word comes from the word calafate, which is Spanish for 'caulk'.
Places to visit in Calafate
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Perito Moreno Glacier
Nature · 40 mi from centreA massive glacier whose towering wall of ice regularly collapses into Lake Argentino with a roar. Walkways face the ice front at close range; plan to spend several hours there, since the big calving events are unpredictable.
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Los Glaciares National Park
Park · 49 mi from centreA vast UNESCO-listed park of ice fields, glaciers and granite peaks in southern Patagonia. Its southern sector is reached from El Calafate; bring layers and rain gear, because the weather can change within minutes.
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Upsala Glacier
Nature · 54 mi from centreOne of the largest glaciers in Patagonia, flowing into a northern arm of Lake Argentino and shedding large icebergs. It can only be seen by boat, and full-day cruises leave from Punta Bandera, west of town.
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Lake Argentino
Nature · 11 mi from centreArgentina's largest freshwater lake, fed by glaciers that tint its water a milky turquoise. El Calafate sits on its southern shore, where a lakeside path is good for spotting flamingos and other waterbirds.
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Glaciarium
Museum · 4 mi from centreAn interpretation center that explains how Patagonian glaciers form, move and respond to a warming climate. Visit before heading out to the ice, since the exhibits make the glacier trips far more meaningful.
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Laguna Nimez
NatureA small wetland reserve on the edge of El Calafate, home to flamingos, black-necked swans and many other birds. A short loop trail makes an easy walk from town; bring binoculars and a windproof jacket.
Things to do in Calafate by type
26 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 15 experiences Big Ice Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 13 experiences Blue Safari Next to the Perito Moreno Glacier - Full-Day Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 2 experiences All Glacier Adventure: Get Closer to the Ice Giants - Full-Day Tour
- Over 6 hours 7
- 3-6 hours 4
- Flexible 2
- 1-3 hours 2
- Up to 1 hour 1
- Families 7
- Youth 7
- Couples 5
- Senior 4
- Adult only 2
- Private 1
Top experiences in Calafate
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 26 available.
The Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation
From $111 per adult
Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip and Boat Ride - Full-Day Tour
From $208 per adult
Perito Moreno Glacier: Minitrekking and Boat Ride
From $569 per adult
Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate - Full-Day Tour
From $112 per adult
El Chaltén - Full-Day Tour
From $96 per adult
Big Ice Tour
From $610 per adult
El Chalten - Desert Lake - Full-Day Tour
From $98 per adult
Walichu Caves, Private Service.
From $405 per adult
MiniTrek across Perito Moreno Glacier
From $447 per adult
Blue Safari Next to the Perito Moreno Glacier - Full-Day Tour
From $236 per adult
All Glacier Adventure: Get Closer to the Ice Giants - Full-Day Tour
From $544 per adult
Cerro Frías Experience: Trekking - Half-Day Tour
From $209 per adult
Where to stay in Calafate
Popular hotels in Calafate, out of 111 properties you can book.
Calafate Parque Hotel
From $282 per night
La Cantera Boutique Hotel
From $141 per night
Solares del Sur
From $75 per night
Marcopolo Suites Calafate
From $56 per night
Rincon del Calafate
From $103 per night
Alto Calafate Hotel Patagónico
From $205 per night
Kau Yatún Hotel Boutique
From $189 per night
Edenia Punta Soberana
From $160 per night
Lagos Del Calafate
From $249 per night
Meulen Hosteria y Apart
From $74 per night
Cerro Calafate Hotel
From $337 per night
Hosteria Lupama
From $201 per night
Best time to visit Calafate
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Calafate is July to May, when average daytime highs are around 40–62°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Calafate weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 49° 43° 12%
- Thu 22 Oct 51° 44° 2%
- Fri 23 Oct 53° 48° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 55° 50° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 55° 50° 4%
- Mon 26 Oct 54° 49° 32%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Argentine peso (ARS)1 US dollar ≈ $1,523
- Languages
- Spanish, Guaraní
- Calling code
- +54
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Argentina/Rio_GallegosUTC−3
- Capital
- Buenos Aires
Upcoming public holidays in Argentina
- National Sovereignty DayDía de la Soberanía Nacional
- Immaculate Conception DayDía de la Inmaculada Concepción de María
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- CarnivalCarnaval
- CarnivalCarnaval
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Calafate
These are the airports closest to central Calafate. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- FTE Comandante Armando Tola International Airport10 mi (17 km) from the city centre
- PNT Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport93 mi (149 km) from the city centre
Getting around Calafate
Many agencies have car rental options. The international brands Hertz and Avis have offices in town, on the main road.
Calafate travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Calafate?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Calafate is July to May, when average daytime highs are around 40–62°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Calafate?
January is usually the warmest month in Calafate, with average highs of 62°F (17°C). June is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 77 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Calafate?
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (17 km) from the centre of Calafate. Other nearby airports include Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT, 93 mi).
What currency is used in Calafate?
Calafate uses the Argentine peso (ARS). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1,523.
What time zone is Calafate in?
Calafate uses the America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Calafate?
Many agencies have car rental options. The international brands Hertz and Avis have offices in town, on the main road.
What are the best places to visit in Calafate?
Top sights in Calafate include Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, Upsala Glacier and Lake Argentino. A massive glacier whose towering wall of ice regularly collapses into Lake Argentino with a roar. Walkways face the ice front at close range; plan to spend several hours there, since the big calving events are unpredictable.
What are the top things to do in Calafate?
Popular experiences you can book in Calafate include The Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation, Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip and Boat Ride - Full-Day Tour and Perito Moreno Glacier: Minitrekking and Boat Ride. Destina Holidays offers 26 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Calafate?
The most popular types of experiences in Calafate are outdoor activities & adventure (15), zoo, aquarium & nature (13), cruise & water tours (2) and travel services (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Calafate?
Popular areas for hotels in Calafate include Calafate. Well-reviewed options include Calafate Parque Hotel and La Cantera Boutique Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Calafate?
Destina Holidays currently lists 111 properties in and around Calafate, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
