El Calafate
Visit the Beloved Gateway to Patagonia


In the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, there is the town of El Calafate, known as the gateway to Patagonia and the
capital of glaciers. Travelers can see an impressive forty-seven glaciers here, including the impressive Perito Moreno.
El Calafate has quickly become a popular eco-tourism destination as globetrotters grow more and more curious about
our natural world and protecting the Earth. The cozy, chic town welcomes intrepid travelers who seek out the majesty of
Patagonia. Not only will this destination provide you with easy access to the untouched paradise of South America, but
you’ll also find plenty of exciting activities hosted by the locals.
Argentinian home cooking is a staple in El Calafate, where people are cooking up savory grilled meats, warm Andean stews, hearty dishes, and comforting sweet treats. You can also find international food with an Argentine spin, including some pizzas and pub food that will be a welcome treat after long days of adventuring. The wine selection in El Calafate is also excellent since most restaurants will supply nothing but the best regional varieties.
The region that’s now called El Calafate was first inhabited by an indigenous group known as the Tehuelche people. After horses were introduced to this community, Argentinian gaucho culture became more widespread. Soon, there were several estancias in the area which continue to operate today. If you want an immersive cultural experience, book an overnight stay in one of these estancias to see what life is like for the Argentine gaucho.
Hike through El Calafate to see some of the most impressive glaciers up close. Or, go kayaking in the crystal blue waters of Patagonia to get glacial views unlike anything else. If you want to see more of the countryside in Patagonia, hop on horseback for a tour through the El Calafate mountains. You can even take a zip-lining tour for a thrilling experience getting scenic views.
Nature is certainly the main attraction in El Calafate since you will have easy access to all of the splendor of this UNESCO-listed national park. Don’t miss El Perito Moreno, the icy freshwater glacier that extends across 97 square miles of frozen crystal waters. Go bird-watching at Laguna Nimez, and see if you can spot some flamingoes. You can even cross the border into Chile if you want to see the incredible Torres del Paine.
El Calafate is a town that’s full of wellness retreats, spas, and resorts that will indulge every need and leave you feeling extremely relaxed and refreshed. Of course, in a place as peaceful and magnificent as Patagonia, what more could you ask for? Every luxury tour of Argentina is complete with five-star accommodations, but travelers who want a vacation full of R&R should be sure to spend a few days unwinding in El Calafate.
But, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Although your luxury trip to Argentina will be hand crafted by a
team of Kuoda experts, we recommend taking inspiration from a few model itineraries! Decide how you want to
experience the passion of Argentina, and prepare for your own private luxury vacation, curated with Kuoda!
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Travelers who wish to embark on various hiking excursions should plan to visit in the summer months from December
to February. This will give you more hours of sunshine, warmer weather, and an ideal climate for you to enjoy as much of
Patagonia as possible.
Explore El Perito Moreno Do not miss a chance to see El Calafate’s main attraction, the gargantuan ice field known as Perito Moreno. You don’t need to be an expert ice hiker to take a private journey to Perito Moreno and explore every corner of this icy expanse. If you want to see the vibrant blue ice giant, there are plenty of options. Take an ice hike, a kayaking tour, or marvel from stationary balconies depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
Stay in a Local Estancia Imagine yourself unwinding in a cozy ranch cottage after exploring the icy forests of Patagonia. If that sounds dreamy, then you should book a stay at one of the many local estancias found in El Calafate. This is one of the most authentic ways to experience Los Glaciares National Park. You’ll learn about local gaucho culture, enjoy homemade Argentinian food, and see the stunning region on horseback with a personalized tour.
Head Off the Beaten Path to Lago Roca If you want to get a look at some of Patagonia’s less explored sites, consider taking a trip to Lago Roca. This is a lesser-known lake south of Brazo Rico, where Perito Moreno meets the larger Lago Argentino. Here, you can spend a day fishing, hiking, and bird-watching for a relaxing excursion at one of the most coveted spots for local residents. Pack a picnic for yourself and enjoy the serene beauty of this hidden gem.
Take a Luxury Cruise Through Calafate If you want the ultimate carefree vacation surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes, embark on a mini cruise around the Patagonian waters. The length of your El Calafate cruise can vary depending on your itinerary, but you can enjoy a super short cruise that lasts only 1-2 hours to see Perito Moreno up close, or you can spend a full day on the waters exploring the sites of Patagonia with a 10-hour glacier-filled cruise!
Visit the Glaciarium Ice Museum For an exciting educational adventure, visit El Calafate’s Glaciarium, one of the world’s only Glacier Museums full of unique installations. This museum not only explores the fascinating science behind glacial formations but also serves as a lesson in sustainability and environmental protection. It’s an enriching experience complete with a café and ice bar for an unforgettable experience.
La Posta Enjoy the delicacies of Patagonia at La Posta, which serves offers local favorites like grilled lamb, local meats and freshly caught fish, a variety of homemade pasta, and more. There is a combination of regional and international cuisine served here, but every dish is sure to engage your senses in a flavorful journey.
La Bahia Restaurante Indulge in Argentinian cuisine at La Bahia Restaurante, one of El Calafate’s premiere dining locations. Indigenous flavors are celebrated in gourmet fashion here, with an elaborate menu exploring regional delicacies with innovative presentations inspired by international gastronomy. Every meal should be complimented with a glass of wine, hand-picked from a collection of national wineries.
Shackleton Solo Shackleton Solo is a unique dining spot in the village of El Calafate that has a delicious cocktail bar and indulgent menu options. As you dine here, you’ll also get to enjoy the unparalleled views of the bay of Lake Argentino. The culinary experience here is paired in a less traditional way, not with wine but with music. There’s a historic vinyl collection available for guests to peruse, and the occasional live performance for dinner and a show.
Don Pichón One of the can’t-miss dining experiences in El Calafate is Don Pichón. The specialty here is authentic, Argentinian grilled lamb, and it is some of the best you will try in all of Patagonia. Sip on some of their exquisite regional Malbec wines or craft beers while digging into the rich, savory meats prepared in a traditional way. The city unfolds to provide you with a beautiful view as you relax and dig into one of the most amazing meals imaginable.
EOLO Patagonia Spirit - Relais & Châteaux EOLO Patagonia Spirit is an excellent luxury destination for travelers who want to be surrounded by natural beauty. The property is built on a 10,000-acre estancia, surrounded by nothing but the natural world. You will stay in one of only seventeen rooms, so it is guaranteed to be a relaxing escape. Designed with understated elegance, EOLO allows couples to embrace the splendor of Patagonia while enjoying the gift of five-star accommodation and amenities!
Los Ponchos Hotel Enjoy ultimate comfort while exploring Patagonia when you stay at Los Ponchos Hotel, a boutique experience that prides itself on making you feel right at home. The warm rooms provide travelers with a cozy space to recharge after long days of exploration. You’ll be very close to some of the major attractions in Los Glaciares, but still, get to savor the peaceful isolation and quiet of Argentina’s pristine paradise.
Imago Hotel & Spa Travelers seeking a wellness adventure should spend their trip enjoying the spoils of the Imago Hotel & Spa. The philosophy here is to help guests achieve balance so you can feel well and glow from within. There are plenty of unique programs that help travelers relieve stress, detox, and focus on self-care for a few days. Create your perfect spa experience by choosing from their many different options, and enjoy the beauty of Patagonia while destressing.
Xelena Hotel & Suites Escape to the splendid modern accommodations available at Xelena Hotel & Suites. This space provides guests with all the necessary amenities to enjoy Patagonia to the fullest. You’ll find a delicious restaurant on site, a calm spa to unwind in, and rooms that provide stunning views of Argentina’s pristine natural wonder. This hotel is perfect for families who want to explore the outdoors during their luxury tour of Colombia.
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