MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Patagonia, Argentina

El Chaltén: Trekking Capital

El Chaltén, known 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 El Calafate's bus terminal with El Chaltén. Companies like Caltur and Chaltén Travel run this route. Booking return tickets in advance is wise, specifically during high season, as buses fill.

Travel Options

  • Organized tours depart from El Calafate, with transportation and guides.
  • Independent travel by public bus permits full flexibility for hiking trails.
  • A full day (10-12 hours, including travel) suffices for a day trip.
  • For longer treks like Laguna de los Tres, an overnight 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 into the northern 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 El Calafate. This journey traverses rough terrain to fossilized trees millions of years old.

Journey Details

  • Organized tours from El Calafate make travel to this remote area practical.
  • The site presents a fascinating glimpse into Patagonia's geological past.
  • This tour spans a half-day or full-day, depending on the operator.

Cultural Immersion

Estancia La Leona

  • This historical site offers day visits.
  • A small museum details its past as a remote 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 offers an authentic taste of rural life.

Multi-Day Extensions to Patagonia

  • Extend your Patagonian adventure to neighboring regions.
  • Torres del Paine National Park (Chile): Famous for granite peaks, lakes, wildlife.
  • Plan 3-5 days for Torres del Paine for the "W" circuit or day excursions.
  • Puerto Natales, Chile, serves as the park's gateway.
  • Daily bus services connect El Calafate to Puerto Natales (5-6 hours, including border).
  • From Puerto Natales, local buses go 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

Consider exploring 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 activities at a working estancia.

Estancia La Leona Historical Tour

This historical site, also a hidden gem, presents day tours.

What to Expect

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

Patagonian Gaucho Experience

Several local estancias present day programs for Patagonian ranching culture.

Authentic Rural Life

  • Horseback 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 El Calafate to Puerto Natales.
An itinerary can combine El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Torres del Paine.

Plan Your Longer Route

  • Consider a loop for a full Patagonian journey.
  • El Calafate for glaciers and local attractions.
  • El Chaltén for world-class hiking.
  • Puerto Natales/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 bus services connect 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

  • Start in El Calafate for Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Travel to El Chaltén for world-class hiking.
  • From El Chaltén, bus back to El Calafate, then to Puerto Natales for Torres del Paine.

Local and Regional Travel Combinations

Different landscapes and activities come together for a comprehensive Patagonian adventure.

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 exploring Torres del Paine 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, very few tourists, lower prices.

Winter Activities

  • Opportunities for unique winter pursuits.
  • Ice skating on Lago Argentino if frozen.
  • Snowshoeing tours.
  • Preparation for cold temperatures is wise.
  • Some road 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.
  • Winds 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 presents an unique experience in El Calafate. Choose your travel dates according to your preferred activities and atmosphere.