Top El Calafate Half-day Tours

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.

See some of the world’s most amazing glaciers on this full-day tour of Lake Argentino. View multiple glaciers from the ship including Upsala and Perito Moreno, as you cruise down the Iceberg Canal. Choose between classic or gourmet options with enhanced viewing platforms, and packages that include hassle-free round-trip transfers.

Explore Lake Argentino and nearby caves, without worrying about logistics, on this exciting 4WD adventure. First, drive along the coast of the largest lake in Argentina, stopping to take in views of El Calafate and nearby Perito Moreno Glacier. Then, step back in time at the Walichu Caves, spotting ancient cave paintings. Cap off the tour with a delicious Argentinian meal overlooking the lake.

Native Experience – History and landscapes in 4x4 by Lake Argentino I experienced a half-day excursion in 4x4 vehicles along the coast of Lago Argentino, ideal for the day of arrival or departure. With an anthropological approach, this tour invites you to travel back in time and discover the traces of the first expeditions and the native peoples who inhabited these lands. Between cliffs, viewpoints and unique landscapes, I rediscovered the deep history of Patagonia accompanied by specialized guides. A different experience to connect with the essence of the past in an unrivalled natural environment.

Plan an outdoor excursion in El Calafate with this half-day tour including your choice of a guided hike, zipline adventure, or 4x4 tour. Begin the trek with a scenic drive in a 4x4 to ascend Mount Huyliche up to the Calafate balconies, offering views of Lake Argentino and the Andes Mountains. Choose your adventure at the time of booking, and continue on by zipline, hike, or drive.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Patagonia's top attractions, but reaching the rural landmark alone can be tough. Visit the glacier with ease on this full-day trip from El Calafate, which includes convenient coach transportation to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the park's scenic lookouts and walkways to see the glacier from a multitude of different angles. Opt for a boat ride along Perito Moreno's dramatic front side for close-up views of the icy giant.

The Perito Moreno Night Experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier in the magical light of the full moon and stars. Guided by a professional astronomer, participants will learn to interpret the southern sky while enjoying the spectacular reflections on the glacier. Take part in painting with light in this unique night environment, combining the majesty of the glacier with the celestial wonders. This tour is especially unique as access to the glacier walkways at night has not been available for 20 years. - Guided night tour of Perito Moreno Glacier with an expert astronomer - Learn about constellations and astronomy while stargazing - Participate in light painting activities against the backdrop of the glacier - Includes pick-up from the hotel in El Calafate at 21:00 h and return around 3:00 h

We spent an afternoon in the countryside visiting the main facilities of Estancia 25 de Mayo, where you can enjoy a chat around the stove, to learn about local history, life in Patagonian ranches and life of the pioneers of El Calafate. There is a demonstration of herding and shearing in the old warehouse. The tour continues along a flora path, where different native plants can be seen to arrive and enjoy the view of the hills, the Calafate stream and a tasting of mulled wine and candied lamb. The walk continues to the organic orchard and the old facilities that surround the main part of the ranch. The visit continues with a Show dinner at the Quincho Restaurant, where you can enjoy the traditional Patagonian lamb and the folkloric show with local artists.

It is a journey in 4x4 ideal for lovers of nature, photography and for those who like to see landscapes with great natural and historical richness. The opportunities to see species of flora or fauna are excellent, as well as to see marine fossils or to walk to panoramic points. Having lunch or dinner looking at the landscape inside an authentic Patagonian ranch house is a magnificent experience!

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.

Traveling by 4x4 gives you the option of getting off-road and exploring parts of the wild Patagonian landscape that would be nearly impossible to access by foot or by car. This tour takes you to an incredible viewpoint at the top of Huyliche Hill that overlooks El Calafate, an alpine lake, and even as far as Fit Roy Mount on a clear day. Other sights you might see along the way include fossils, wild condors, and the Patagonian steppe.

Discover Upsala Glacier and Estancia Cristina on this full-day adventure from El Calafate. Sail past icebergs on Patagonia's Lago Argentino to Estancia Cristina, a historical sheep and cattle ranch at the end of the world. Tour Estancia Cristina, then choose between an off-road 4x4 tour to Upsala Glacier or a walk to a pristine nearby waterfall.

Relax on your Patagonian vacation by pre-booking this one-way transfer service to or from Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE). You can bypass the long taxi lines at the airport and proceed directly to your El Calafate hotel in a comfortable shuttle with plenty of room for your party and all of your luggage. This transfer is also available from your hotel to the airport.

Immerse yourself in a fascinating adventure where history and nature meet. Among majestic cliffs and with the imposing Andes Mountains as a backdrop, this excursion invites you to discover the first encounters between expedition members and natives, opening the door to the mysterious and ancestral Tehuelche world.

Experience an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of El Calafate, Lake Argentina and the Andes from the top of Cerro Huyliche. This 3-hour 4x4 adventure is ideal for the first or last day in El Calafate. We offer morning and afternoon departures, with the possibility of adding a quadricycle experience for those who seek more adrenaline. Scenic beauty: It offers some of the best views of El Calafate and its surroundings. Flexible Hours: Choose between morning or evening excursions to enjoy the scenery under different lights. Local cuisine: Enjoy traditional Argentine food in a unique setting. Adventure: The add quadricycles option appeals to those who want a more exciting experience.

Experience Patagonia like a true gaucho at Estancia 25 de Mayo. Ride on horseback through the breathtaking Arroyo Calafate Canyon, crossing streams and exploring landscapes shaped over millions of years. Along the way, learn about local traditions, Patagonian wildlife, and the history of one of El Calafate's most iconic estancias. Your adventure concludes with a traditional lunch served in the unique setting of Cueva del Arroyo, accompanied by regional wine and spectacular views. This small-group experience is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic blend of nature, culture, and adventure beyond the typical sightseeing tours.

Discover the history and nature of El Calafate with Patagonia Dreams We begin with a visit to Punta Walichu, an archaeological site that reveals the traces of the first inhabitants of the region. Then, we walk along the Coastal Promenade and the Redonda Bay, on the shores of Lake Argentina, where you can observe local birds in their natural habitat. We finish at the Historical Interpretation Center, with a self-guided tour that traces the history of Patagonia from the ice ages to the present. Available all year round. Departure in the afternoon at 17:00 from 15 December to 15 March. A cultural and landscape experience to connect with the essence of El Calafate.

Experience the natural beauty of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park with this all-day admission ticket. Travel to the sprawling park, located across more than 1 million acres in the southwest province of Santa Cruz, and learn about its Andean-Patagonian forest, giant granite peaks, glacial lakes, and glaciers. Capture memorable photographs, marvel at wildlife, and listen for the thunderous sounds of a collapsing iceberg.

As we ascend, the landscape transforms. The Patagonian steppe gives way to a lush lenga forest on the southern slope, offering a natural spectacle that changes with each season of the year. The adventure intensifies with an exciting horseback ride through the winding circuits of the hill. From the highest point, Patagonia gives you one of its best panoramic views: To the west, the imposing Centinela Valley and the majestic Torres del Paine, icons of the Chilean National Park; to the north, the mythical Cerro Fitz Roy; Around it, the peninsulas of Magallanes and Avellaneda extend over the crystalline waters of Lake Argentino, whose branches and the legendary Boca del Diablo seem to touch the sky. Located within the lands of Estancia Alice, Cerro Frías is located just 23 km from El Calafate, in the direction of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. If you are looking for adventure, unforgettable landscapes and connection with nature, Cerro Frías awaits you with open arms

Most tours overlook the gems of El Calafate in favor of natural wonders, but there's plenty to see and do in the town itself. Tour El Calafate and the Walichu Caves' ancient art on this coach tour that reveals the history and unique geological features of this region. Visit the banks of Lago Argentino to view the rock paintings in Walichu Caves, which date back 4,000 years. Enjoy an informative tour of Old Town Calafate, including the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center.

Learn about countryside living in Patagonia when you visit the May 25th Ranch in El Calafate. See old tools that were once used at the machines “museum,” learn about sheep shearing and wool production, and walk through an onsite plant nursery. One of the highlights of the tour is sitting down to a traditional Argentinian meal complete with a live folk dance show.

It begins with a visit to Punta Walichu, site archaeological located 8 km from the town, you can see the traces of the first men who walked these lands. A walk along the eaves and caves will allow you to observe cave paintings (originals and reproductions) as well as a exceptional view of Lake Argentino and the Andes mountains. The circuit also goes through the main streets of the old town, showing the typical first constructions of the pioneers, as well as the downtown buildings current civic. 17 There will be a visit to the Coastal Walk and the Bahía Redonda, a few meters from the shore of the Argentino Lake, where you can see the abundant local birdlife. As a last stop, at the Center of Historical Interpretation will be observed, through of a self-guided tour, the most important facts historical relevance from the ice ages to the present.

Discover a different side of El Calafate beyond the glaciers. This unique 4x4 adventure combines breathtaking Patagonian landscapes with archaeology, history, and local culture. Travel along the shores of Lake Argentino, visit an ancient archaeological site featuring rock art over 2,000 years old, and learn about the region's first inhabitants through expert interpretation. The experience ends in a cave overlooking the lake and the Andes, where you'll enjoy a traditional Argentine lunch or dinner. Perfect for travelers looking to combine nature, culture, and authentic local flavors in a half-day excursion.