Top El Calafate Historical Tours

Dig into the ancient history of Patagonia with a visit to the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center. On a self-guided tour of the engaging museum, trace 100 million years of history, from the dinosaurs and mega-mammals of the Pleistocene era to the cultural legacy of native Tehuelche people. Skeletons, fossils, and multimedia displays offer a scientific look at how a dramatic landscape was carved by time.

Travel to Torres del Paine in a rugged adventure truck, using an unpaved short cut to shave hours from your time in transit. That means more time in Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll spend the morning hiking to viewpoints with spectacular perspectives on the mountain landscape. After a provided, picnic lunch, set out on a 2-hour hike to Lake Pehoé and Lake Nordenskjöld.

Don’t just admire the Perito Moreno Glacier from a distance, discover the highlight of Los Glaciares National Park from three different perspectives during a trekking tour that reveals panoramic views of the landscapes. Hike at your own pace on the ice using provided equipment, sail along the glacier walls by boat, and visit several viewpoints of the glacier. Upgrade to include convenient pickup and drop-off in El Calafate.

Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier in just one day is easy on this guided tour from El Calafate with hotel pickup included. An early-morning departure helps you beat the crowds, so you can wander along the walkways in front of the glacier without too much interference once you arrive. Then, get close within 490 feet (150 meters) of the glacier on a sailing tour around the south face (available as an upgrade option upon checkout).

Experience a memorable day at Estancia Cristina with this exclusive tour, where you’ll explore the rich history of this charming estancia, founded in 1914. Navigate the northern arm of Lake Argentino, enjoying breathtaking views of glaciers and icebergs. Then, embark on a delightful horseback ride through the picturesque Caterina River Valley, surrounded by lagoons and majestic mountains, with the stunning Cerro Norte by your side. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and discover the extraordinary landscapes that only El Calafate can offer. This tour promises a perfect blend of adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable day.

Spend an afternoon hiking and exploring outside of El Calafate on a visit to La Leona Petrified Forest. Along the way you’ll stop at Hotel La Leona, an old roadhouse that once housed Butch Cassidy, and travel past some of Patagonia’s most alluring scenery, including Mt Fitz Roy and Argentino Lake. Then enjoy an easy guided trek through La Leona’s moon-like forest, keeping an eye out for fossilized dinosaur bones and petrified trees. Your day-long tour includes round-trip air-conditioned transport and a boxed lunch.

Discover a side of Patagonia that’s different from the usual mountains and lakes on a day trip to La Leona Petrified Forest, home to trees said to be more than 70 million years old. Letting someone else drive you from El Calafate saves you the hassle of navigating, while your guide provides insight that puts the fossils and ancient trees into context.

Experience a truly unique adventure with our Estancia Cristina Discovery tour! You’ll navigate through stunning ice floes and travel in specially equipped 4x4 vehicles along mountain roads once concealed by glaciers. Then, embark on a trek through breathtaking landscapes unlike anything you’ve seen before. The journey begins with a boat ride among the ice floes to Cristina Ranch, where you’ll explore the Museo Costumbrista. Along the way, take in spectacular views from the Upsala Viewpoint, Lago Guillermo, the South Patagonian Ice Field, and the majestic Murallón and Don Bosco Hills. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Patagonia!

Get a more intimate glimpse at the UNESCO-listed Perito Moreno Glacier than you would from the viewing platforms during this private day trip with a boat cruise from El Calafate. Letting someone else drive you along the scenic Route 11 allows you to enjoy views of Lake Argentino as you ride, rather than focusing on the road. You’ll then board a shared boat for a first-hand encounter with the imposing ice walls of this massive glacier.

It is a 4x4 tour where every moment is a unique experience. The coast of Lake Argentino is surrounded by nature and history. The ascent to Punta Bonita cliff allows you to have an excellent panoramic view. The archaeological site where the cave paintings made by natives on the walls of caves are interpreted. We finish the tour in one of the caves, where you have lunch or dinner, with an impressive view of the lake and the mountains.

Discover the hidden beauty of Patagonia on this thrilling day trip. Ride 4x4 vehicles along a mountain road once covered by glaciers, leading to the Hielos Continentales Shelter. From there, trek through stunning landscapes, with highlights including the Upsala Glacier Viewpoint, Lago Guillermo, the South Patagonian Ice Field, and the Murallón and Don Bosco Hills. The adventure ends at Fossil Canyon, where ancient fossils exposed by glaciers offer a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past. A perfect journey for nature lovers and adventurers alike!

I lived a unique journey to the top of Cerro Frias, designed for lovers of trekking and Patagonian adventure. The tour begins in the hull of the stay and, after an initial walk, we arrive at the Woodsman's Refuge, where the ancient farmhands collected firewood at the beginning of the 20th century. The trail then enters the lengas forest and, after a challenging ascent of an hour and a half, the landscape opens up to offer views of the Cordon de los Cristales, the valley of the Sentinel River and, hopefully, the Torres del Paine. At 1,095 meters above sea level, the summit gives a 360° panoramic view: Lake Argentino, the Andes Mountains, Cordon de los Baguales and, on clear days, the Fitz Roy on the horizon. The descent along alternative paths reveals new perspectives of the hill and allows you to stop at historical refuges to enjoy a Patagonian life. The experience culminates in the hull of the stay, where a traditional snack brings the end to an epic day in the middle of Patagonia. Distance: 13 km

This fascinating tour will take you through Los Glaciares National Park to Estancia Nibepo Aike, a place where centuries of stories converge. At the Nibepo Aike Ranch, dedicated to raising cattle, sheep and horses, you will have the opportunity to tour its corrals and sheds, and witness a demonstration of manual shearing, a tradition that has been kept alive for more than 100 years. After the visit, you will enjoy a delicious Patagonian lamb roast in the ranch's Quincho. Then, a walk awaits you to the Los Pioneros pier, where you will begin a navigation along the South Arm and Rico Arm of Lake Argentino. During the navigation, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the imposing south face of the Perito Moreno glacier, where you will be able to witness landslides and see how its front approaches the Magellan Peninsula. A unique and unforgettable experience that will connect you with the history and nature of Patagonia!

This unique experience offers an anthropological approach that will immerse you in the history and culture of this region. Aboard our all-terrain vehicles, you will depart from El Calafate towards the East, enjoying a panoramic tour that borders the crystalline waters of Lake Argentino until you reach the Mirador del Acantilado. From there, you will witness spectacular views of the lake and the majestic Andes Mountains. Descending towards the coast, you will have the opportunity to enter the fascinating world of the Natives through an archaeological site that protects ancient cave paintings. These ancient cultures left their mark on the rock, inviting us today to interpret their legacy and better understand their history. To culminate this unforgettable adventure, we invite you to explore another cave where you will enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, transporting you back in time and providing you with a unique gastronomic experience that evokes times gone by.

On this tour, passengers will be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the Perito Moreno Glacier and its surroundings, in a pleasant and familiar environment accompanied by certified guides, who will provide them with information about Glaciers and their stories. A tour that leaves from the door of your hotel in vehicles adapted to circulate in Patagonia. The passenger does not need to take long walks to get to appreciate its landscapes, along the way we have panoramic stops that are beautiful. Technical stops for use of bathrooms. When arriving at the footbridges, the passengers have the freedom to follow the path that best suits each one. The paths will be detailed by the guide, informing them of their difficulties. Transfer to restaurants for those who do not wish to have lunch with a view of the Glacier. After a pleasant afternoon, the passengers meet the guide at a meeting point and we begin the return to the hotel where we pick them up.

Discover El Calafate on a scenic tour that explores its history, growth, and stunning landscapes. Enjoy panoramic views of the town and Lake Argentino, and visit the Glaciobar Branca, Argentina’s first ice bar, for a sensory experience at -16°C. Continue to the Glaciarium, an interactive museum where you’ll learn about Patagonia’s glaciers, especially those in the Southern Ice Field—an ideal introduction to the region. Stroll along the Redonda Bay waterfront and savor Patagonian flavors at a local restaurant with lake views. The tour includes key highlights like the historic center, Redonda Bay, the Glaciarium, and Glaciobar. In winter, the experience ends with hot chocolate, while in summer, it concludes with a traditional dinner.