El Calafate, Gateway to Argentine Patagonia
Posted by Vivianne Cuq, August 11 2021
A Patagonian town, this settlement at the shores of Lake Argentino has become a golden destination. From here, we can discover in one day the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the many impressive glacier tongues that descend from the South Patagonian Ice to the continent.
El Calafate deserves, however, a more extended stay. Not only to visit and discover this small town of artisans but also to visit one of the various estancias that have opened their doors to travelers. Above all, do not go through El Calafate without discovering at least one of them! The Patagonian estancia, a big ranch destined for sheep farming, contains all the history, culture, and soul of these lands. Some of them are El Galpón del glaciar, Estancia Huyliche, Estancia Nibepo Aike.
For those who have a little more time, navigating Lake Argentino to admire the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers will take them to a remote and impressive nature. You descend in the vicinity of the Spegazzini Glacier. It is possible to walk along the trails in the middle of the Patagonian forest, a unique experience.
For those who seek mountaineering and trekking, we recommend continuing the journey to El Chalten. There are various alternatives for walks and ascents from this charming little Patagonian town, of different duration and difficulty. The must-sees are the day hikes to Laguna Torre and Laguna de Los Tres to see Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz-Roy up close, respectively. For another day of trekking, the Pliegue Tumbado trail takes us to a different view of the mountain range, putting this whimsical landscape in perspective. All these trails can be covered starting from the town on foot, with or without a guide. Each requires an entire day.
El Chalten also offers us the possibility of climbing some peaks in its vicinity. It is not necessary to be an experienced mountaineer. Still, it is highly recommended to hire local logistics services and a guide. Some of the most accessible peaks are Cerro Gorra Blanca, Cerro Solo, Mojón Rojo, Cerro Madsen, among others.
And indeed, for those seeking mountain expeditions, the Circo de Los Altares Crossing is an ambitious goal. Still, totally possible if you have a minimum of experience in the mountains and are willing to camp on the Patagonian ice for a few nights.
El Calafate and El Chalten are this and much more. Do not hesitate to contact us to help you personalize your experience in these distant lands.
Get more ideas on what to do on the El Calafate Travel Guide
