Day Trips from El Calafate. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

El Chaltén: Trekking Capital

El Chaltén, referred to as the "Trekking Capital of Argentina," is about 3 hours north of El Calafate by bus. It rests within Los Glaciares National Park, opening pathways to Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The town centers on outdoor enthusiasts.

Multiple daily bus services connect A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field's bus terminal with El Chaltén. Companies like Caltur and Chaltén Travel run this way. Booking return tickets in advance is wise, particularly in high season, as buses fill.

Travel Options

Organized tours start from El Calafate, with getting around and guides.
Independent travel by public bus permits full flexibility for hiking trails.
A full day (10-A 12-hour period, including travel) suffices for a one-day trip.
For longer treks like Laguna de los Tres, an overnight the stay is ideal.

Natural Wonders Beyond Perito Moreno

Discover more of Los Glaciares National Park and its distinctive environments.

Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier

This full-day boat tour on Lago Argentino ventures innorthwardern arm of Los Glaciares National Park.

Tour Highlights

Boat travel through icebergs to view Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers.
Disembarkation at historic Estancia Cristina.
Activities include 4x4 tours or historical walks.

La Leona Petrified Forest

An excursion to an unique paleontological location east of A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field. This trip traverses rough terrain to fossilized trees millions of years old.

Journey Details

Organized tours from A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field make travel to this remote area practical.
The site has a fascinating glimpse into Patagonia's geological past.
This tour spans a half-half-day or full-day-day, depending on the operator.

Cultural Immersion

Estancia La Leona

This historic site offers day visits.
A small museum details its past as a distant post.
Tours may feature traditional Patagonian tea or horseback riding.
A connection to historical figures like Butch Cassidy is present.

Gaucho Experience

Several estancias present day programs for ranching culture.
Horseback riding, sheep shearing, or sheepdog herding demonstrations occur.
A traditional Patagonian asado (barbecue) lunch is often included.
The experience presents a true taste of pastoral life.

Multi-Day Extensions to Patagonia

Extend your Patagonian adventure to neighboring regions.
Torres del Paine national park National Park (Chile): Famous for granite peaks, lakes, wildlife.
Plan 3-5 days for Torres del Paine national park for the "W" circuit or day excursions.
A Port city in chilean patagonia, Chile, serves as the park's gateway.

Daily bus services connect A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field to The harbor Natales (5-SIX hours, including border).
From Puerto Natales, local buses head to Torres del Paine sectors.
A common loop involves El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Torres del Paine.
This creates a comprehensive Patagonian adventure.

Booking Tip

Look into discovering and booking day trips and excursions in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season. A wide range of options exist. Discover more day trips here.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the historical and rural dimensions of Patagonia.

Horseback Riding

Experience Patagonian landscapes from horseback, a traditional mode of travel.

Asado Feast

Savor a traditional Patagonian barbecue, a culinary highlight.

Ranch Life

Observe sheepdog demonstrations and daily things to do at a functioning estancia.

Estancia La Leona Historical Tour

This ancient site, also a hidden gem, has day tours.

What to Expect

A small museum details its history as a distant post.
Insights into historical figures like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Some tours include traditional Patagonian tea.

Patagonian Gaucho Experience

Various local estancias present day programs for Patagonian ranching culture.

Authentic Rural Life

Horse riding excursions.
Demonstrations of sheep shearing.
Sheepdog herding displays.

Multi-Day Extension Destinations

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile): A popular extension.

Famous for dramatic granite peaks, turquoise lakes, diverse wildlife.

Add 3-5 days for this park.

Puerto Natales, Chile, acts as the gateway town.

Daily buses link A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field to Puerto Natales.

An itinerary can combine A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field, El Chaltén, and Torres del Paine national park.

Plan Your Longer Route

Consider a loop for a full Patagonian journey.
A Town near the edge of the southern patagonian ice field for glaciers and attractions in the area.
El Chaltén for world-class hiking.
A Port city in chilean patagonia/Torres del Paine for Chilean Patagonia's beauty.
Return from Puerto Natales or connect back to El Calafate.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your Patagonian journey to neighboring regions.

Torres del Paine: Chile

One of Patagonia's most iconic national parks, located in Chile. It has dramatic granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Park Highlights

Famous for the "Torres" and "Cuernos" peaks.
turquoise lakes enhance the scenery.
Rich with diverse wildlife sightings.

Planning Your Visit

Many travelers combine a visit to Torres del Paine with their trip to El Calafate.

Stay Length

Add 3-5 days to your itinerary for Torres del Paine.
Time for the popular "W" circuit (multi-day trek) or several day excursions.
Puerto Natales, Chile, serves as the gateway town.

Transportation Connections

Getting There

Daily buses provide connections El Calafate to Puerto Natales.
The journey typically lasts 5-6 hours.
This duration includes border crossing formalities.

Suggested Regional Routes

A common and rewarding itinerary for an extended Patagonian trip forms a loop.

Journey Flow

Begin in El Calafate for Perito Moreno Glacier.
Travel to The Chaltén for world-class hiking.
From El Chaltén, bus back to The Calafate, then to A Port city in chilean patagonia for Torres del Paine.

Local and Regional Travel Combinations

Different landscapes and activities come together for a comprehensive Patagonian exciting experience.

El Calafate Base

Focus on Perito Moreno Glacier and local points of interest.

El Chaltén Hiking

World-class hiking around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Chilean Extension

Several days spent discovering Torres del Paine national park national park National Park.

Extended Travel

This itinerary creates a comprehensive Patagonian adventure, combining different landscapes and activities for a deep experience.

Seasonal Activities

Each season reveals a different El Calafate experience.

Annual Highlights

DEC

Summer Peak

Ideal for trekking and glacier tours, requiring early bookings.

MAR

Autumn Colors

Stunning fall foliage in El Chaltén, fewer crowds, good weather.

JUN

Winter Tranquility

Snow-covered landscapes, few visitors, lower prices.

Winter Activities

Opportunities for unique winter pursuits.
Ice skating on Lago Argentino if frozen.
Snowshoeing tours.
Preparation for low temperatures is wise.
Some street closures may occur.
Confirm opening hours in advance.

Spring Revival

Witness thawing landscapes.
Blooming wildflowers grace the scenery.
Services gradually resume operations.
Fewer crowds compared to summer.
Good balance before peak season.
Gusts can be strong during this period.

Travel Season Overview

Summer Travel

December-February. Peak season with all tours available. Book ahead.

Autumn Charm

March-April. Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors, pleasant weather.

Spring Awakening

September-November. Thawing landscapes, wildflowers, gradually increasing services.

Plan by Season

Each season has an unique experience in El Calafate. Choose your travel dates according to your preferred activities plus vibe.

Day Trips from El Calafate