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El Calafate

Argentina travel guide

What to see in El Calafate

The gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier, on the shores of Lago Argentino.

Updated 19 October 2026 · How we make our guides

  • 6 must-see places
  • Best time: from October to April
  • Stay in Bahía Redonda
Photo: Luca Galuzzi (Lucag) · CC BY-SA 2.5

El Calafate highlights

The places you can’t miss. In the app we sort them by day and close to each other.

  1. Perito Moreno Glacier

    A glacier with walkways and calving ice.

  2. Los Glaciares National Park

    A park of Patagonian glaciers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  3. Upsala Glacier

    A glacier you visit by boat across the lake.

  4. Lago Argentino

    The country’s largest lake, with boat trips.

  5. Glaciarium

    A museum of Patagonian ice next to the town.

  6. Mount Fitz Roy

    The iconic peak at El Chaltén, 215 km away.

Where to stay in El Calafate

The handiest areas for getting around and going out.

  • Recommended areas

    Bahía Redonda · Punta Soberana · Los Pioneros

Day trips from El Calafate

We take you straight to the best-rated tour on GetYourGuide, with its reviews and dates.

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When to travel to El Calafate

The months with the fewest warnings to travel to El Calafate are from October to April. If you can, avoid from June to August (southern winter: lots of things closed).

  1. Jan no warnings
  2. Feb no warnings
  3. Mar no warnings
  4. Apr no warnings
  5. May with warnings
  6. Jun with strong warnings
  7. Jul with strong warnings
  8. Aug with strong warnings
  9. Sep with warnings
  10. Oct no warnings
  11. Nov no warnings
  12. Dec no warnings
  • from May to September

    Southern winter: lots of things closed

    From May to September many places to stay, excursions and trails close (El Chaltén is almost empty).

    What to do: If you go in winter, focus on Ushuaia and El Calafate (Perito Moreno is open all year).

Where and what to eat

To eat like a local: the parrilla (grill house). The dishes you can’t miss are in the Argentina guide.

Frequently asked questions about El Calafate

What to see in El Calafate?

Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, Upsala Glacier, Lago Argentino, Glaciarium and Mount Fitz Roy.

What to see in El Calafate in one day?

Don’t miss Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park, Upsala Glacier, Lago Argentino, Glaciarium and Mount Fitz Roy. To split it into days and areas without crossing the city back and forth, the Bagintravel app plans your trip in a minute.

Where to stay in El Calafate?

The handiest areas to stay are Bahía Redonda, Punta Soberana and Los Pioneros.

What’s the best time to travel to El Calafate?

The months with the fewest warnings to travel to El Calafate are from October to April. If you can, avoid from June to August (southern winter: lots of things closed).

What day trips can you take from El Calafate?

Perito Moreno Glacier, Mini-trekking on the glacier and Glacier boat trip.

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Guide reviewed 19 October 2026. Places, areas and seasons: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.