Top Activities on the Ground in El Calafate

The hilltop location offers privileged panoramic views of the region's main attractions. You can also enjoy our cuisine in the ranch's barbecue area and experience a unique experience in Southern Patagonia, Argentina.

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.

Check out the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which can reach up to over 260ft (80m) high, on this full day trek, either guided or non-guided- your choice. You'll have a chance to walk along the glacier walkways, and get tons of photos from viewpoints along the way. This tour starts in Los Glaciares National park, which is about 50m (80km) from El Calafate.

Break less of a sweat than you would on traditional El Chaltén hiking tours on a gentle trekking day trip that’s ideal for less-experienced walkers. You’ll embark on two low-exertion walks that still reveal spectacular views of the landscapes, at a relaxed pace that’s tailored to the whole group.

Experience the majestic icy expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier on this full-day tour from El Calafate. Enjoy views of the peaks of Los Glaciares National Park with a professional guide, and take an optional boat ride on Lago Argentino for an up-close perspective on the fantastic formation. You might even witness the glacier’s signature movement and cracking sounds from detaching icebergs.

Set off on a thrilling multi-adventure excursion along the historic Santa Cruz River, where Charles Darwin once explored. This unforgettable journey blends a scenic 4x4 ride along Route 40 with an exhilarating kayak descent of 15 km. After a technical briefing and gearing up in dry suits, paddle downstream while observing stunning geological formations and diverse wildlife. The adventure culminates at Estancia Río Bote, where a delicious riverside lunch awaits. Experience the beauty of Patagonia like never before, guided by experts who ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the day.

It is ideal to have a meeting with the Perito Moreno Glacier face to face, in the front row, without physical demand. The excursion includes the accompaniment of a guide who will provide all the necessary information and then give the recommended time to explore its impressive trails that allow you to enter the Andean Patagonian Forest and enjoy nature in one of its greatest splendors. Without a doubt a must-see on your trip to El Calafate.

Go beyond the tourist trail and spend time in Estancia Nibepo Aike in Los Glaciares National Park and experience Patagonian rural life on this tour from El Calafate. Choose a full-day horseback riding option, marvel at rugged scenery, watch a sheep shearing demonstration, hike, and enjoy a local grilled-lamb lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off at select El Calafate hotels are included for convenience.

Discover the Perito Moreno Glacier with Patagonia Dreams. Visit the walkways of the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier at your own pace or accompanied by our expert guides, who will help you interpret every detail of this unique landscape. Complete the experience with a one-hour sail in front of the majestic glacier walls, which reach up to 80 meters high above the lake. Hopefully, you’ll be able to witness spectacular icefalls while capturing unforgettable photos. An unmissable experience in one of the most impressive natural icons on the planet.

I lived the unique experience of walking on one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. For about an hour, you will explore its crevasses, caves and formations accompanied by specialized guides. The excursion includes a sailing through the South Arm of Lake Argentina, which offers breathtaking views of the glacier from the water. At the end, you will enjoy a toast with views and walk the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park. Depending on the contracted option, the experience may include transfer to and from your hotel, or take place without transfers. A complete and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Patagonia.

Embark on a thrilling 4-hour hike across Patagonia's iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. Traverse crevasses, ice caves, and waterfalls more safely with the help of a professional guide. Experience breathtaking views from various vantage points and enjoy a 20-minute boat ride on Lake Argentino. A unique adventure for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike.

Chaltén is Argentina’s trekking capital and home to some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Patagonia. This full-day experience combines scenic hiking, iconic viewpoints, and dramatic views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in a small-group setting. Enjoy guided insight into the region’s unique geography and wildlife while exploring trails to Mirador de los Condors and Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. A perfect balance of adventure, nature, and breathtaking scenery — all in one unforgettable day.

Get ‘wild’ on your visit to El Calafate by enjoying this full-day trek to El Chalten in Los Glaciares National Park. Marvel at the rugged peaks of the Andes and Argentino Lake as you drive along the famous Route 40. When you reach El Chalten, you’ll get to enjoy a range of independent or guided hiking trails within this scenic area. A boxed lunch is also included to help fuel the adventure.

Unique activity in nature, exclusive landscapes, ranch animals. One of the longest zip lines in South America, with a total length of 2000 meters.

Spend a full day trekking the Perito Moreno Glacier on this tour from El Calafate. Leave the city life behind to explore the glacier's balconies and some hidden corners of the glacier with your guide. Navigate the area more efficiently with a guide and avoid the hassle of organizing transportation as you travel aboard an air-conditioned coach.

Simplify arrival to El Calafate in Argentina with a private airport transfer and hotel pickup. Get picked up by your private driver in the airport arrivals hall and receive help with your luggage. Skip the stress of finding a taxi and travel directly to the address of your choice in El Calafate. Drivers are bilingual and a round-trip transfer option is also available.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the Minitrekking Tour on the Perito Moreno glacier. The Perito Moreno Glaciers are one of the most impressive destinations in the world in terms of glacial landscape. The experience of walking on ice allows you to closely appreciate the majesty of these glaciers, with their unique shapes, shades of deep blue and spectacular panoramic views. Mini trekking in the Perito Moreno Glaciers is a special experience recommended due to its combination of natural beauty, adventure, environmental education and accessibility, which allows you to connect deeply with a truly extraordinary natural environment.

Discover Chilean Patagonia without worrying about crossing the border between countries alone on a tour of Torres del Paine National Park from El Calafate. Take in the park’s magnificent scenery of alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and glaciers without having to worry about navigating. See the spectacular Grey Glacier and Grey Lake, and hike to the Salto Grande waterfall. Round-trip transportion from your El Calafate hotel and lunch are included.

In this activity you will really get to know the traditional Patagonian culture. Upon arrival at the ranch you will be welcomed with fried cakes and coffee, listening to the story of how the first settlers lived. You will learn about the traditional sheep herding, you will see the corrals and constructions of the ranch, observe the work of the corrals and a shearing demonstration, then a walk on the banks of the Calafate stream, observe the flora according to the time of the year. You will taste a wine from Montañes and a lamb confit. We continue to a room of the estancia to see a projection of recognition to the pioneer families. To end this spectacular afternoon/evening, you will enjoy dinner together with a folkloric show of various typical dances of our country.

Take the stress out of planning a trip to El Perito Moreno Glacier with this full-day tour from El Cafate, which includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in El Calafate, a boat ride from Bajo de las Sombras port, and crampons so that you can safely and efficiently navigate the ice. You just need to pack your own lunch.

Surrounded by a landscape of great natural beauty and geological interest, Kayak Santa Cruz invites you to paddle and walk through the wild steppe where the senses are heightened and the sounds of silence are witnesses to us.

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.