On the water
Sail into the scale of Patagonia.
A boat trip to the glaciers turns the lake into your window on the mountains and ice. The changing views are part of the journey, with time to watch, photograph and take in the landscape.
Argentina destinationsEl Calafate
Southern Patagonia · The glaciers
El Calafate
A world made of blue
A wall of ice rising above the lake. A deep rumble breaking the silence. Around El Calafate, the scale of Patagonia becomes something you can feel.
A place to picture yourself
The glaciers, in your own way.
El Calafate is the starting point for exploring the glacier landscapes of southern Patagonia. Perito Moreno brings the ice close to its viewing walkways, while boat journeys on Lake Argentino reveal other glaciers and changing mountain horizons.
There is more than one way to be moved by this place. You might want a quiet morning looking across the ice, a day on the water, or the exhilaration of a guided glacier trek. We begin with the experience you want to have.
Experiences to make your own
What will you remember
about El Calafate?
On the ice
Step into a landscape you usually admire from afar.
A guided trek on Perito Moreno puts you on the ice itself. Crampons on, you walk among deep-blue crevasses and frozen ridges, with the glacier cracking and rumbling around you.
On Patagonian land
Another side of life at the edge of the lake.
An estancia visit brings a human story to the wide-open landscape. Discover rural traditions and enjoy a different rhythm between glacier experiences.
More ways to explore El Calafate
Something else calling to you? Explore these experiences and tell us which ones you would like to include.
Discovery of the Colossal Upsala Glacier & Adventure Trek by the Valley of the Sea Fossils in Patagonian Estancia
An Off-the-beaten Patagonian Panoramic Hiking Experience to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado (private tour)
Discovery of Colossal Upsala Glacier and Experiencing a Patagonian Estancia
Seven Panoramic Boardwalks of the Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier (private tour)
The Torre Lagoon & Mount Experience: Scenic Trekking through Nature’s Stunning and Impeccable Work of Art (private tour)
The “Big Ice” Challenge: Trekking Deep into the Mighty Perito Moreno Glacier
In our guests’ own words
Time to enjoy what you came this far to see.
“What truly sets Exploration Journeys apart is their ability to provide an entirely worry-free experience. It was such a relief to focus on enjoying our trip, knowing every detail was handled with care.”
El Calafate, as part of your Argentina
See the journey take shape.
These sample itineraries include this destination. Start with the places that appeal to you; we’ll shape the experiences, hotels and pace together.
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Request your itinerary
Let’s make El Calafate part of your Argentina journey.
Tell us how you picture your time among the glaciers: watching from the walkways, sailing on the lake, trekking on the ice, or a little of each. We’ll match the experiences to your comfort and build the rest of Argentina around you.
Which places would you love to experience?
Your time away, at your pace
Share the dates you have in mind, or leave the possibilities open. We’ll help you decide what fits.
Choose a date
Trip duration
We’ll suggest
Travelers
2
- Fully customized
- No planning fees
- In under 24 hours
Where your curiosity could lead next
A different side of Argentina.
Ushuaia
Continue south for forests, islands and the Beagle Channel.
Explore Ushuaia
Iguazú Falls
Pair the stillness of the ice with the energy of the falls.
Explore Iguazú Falls
Bariloche
Explore another Patagonia, among lakes and forested shores.
Explore Bariloche