El Calafate: Tours, Boat Trips and Estancias

Perito Moreno day trip from El Calafate

The glacier viewpoints are reached by an 80 km paved connection from El Calafate. The guided outing shown here includes collection from your accommodation and commentary during the transfer and walkway visit. A one-hour boat trip belongs to the corresponding option; park admission and food are extra. This is a glacier visit from land, with a possible boat addition, rather than an ice walk.

For the destination itself, read about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. Keep your El Calafate plans focused on the transport and type of outing you want. Ice calving has no reliable appointment, so enjoy the glacier without building your day around a promised break-off.

Lake cruises, mountain hikes and estancia visits

The Lago Argentino cruises take you into a different landscape from a road-based viewpoint visit. The cruise departing from La Soledad has a Spanish/English guide and lunch, with either a lunchbox or a four-course meal according to the chosen option. Hotel transport also depends on the option. Keep the port and transfer arrangement together when selecting your day.

For El Chaltén hiking, distinguish a short excursion walk from a demanding trekking programme. The Laguna de los Tres guided trek has an Option A with return transport from El Calafate, a boxed lunch, insurance and a trekking pole. Its Option B starts in El Chaltén. The separate Fitz Roy and Laguna Capri trek includes return transport, a guide, poles and insurance, with food and park admission extra.

An estancia visit offers a rural focus. The ranch programme here includes hotel transport, a bilingual guide and lunch or dinner according to the start time. Riding is an option, with different riding durations; the full programme length also includes the other activities and travel. Choose that day for the countryside and the meal rather than treating the entire visit as time in the saddle.

Town time and outdoor responsibility

The name El Calafate comes from the local calafate shrub. The idea that eating its berries brings you back is a local legend, a pleasant piece of storytelling rather than a prediction. For time between excursions, the town and nature guide brings together Laguna Nimez, glacier exhibitions and local background.

Patagonian wind and rapid weather changes affect outings. Boat, kayak and glacier activities can be cancelled. Take warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear, and leave wildlife room to move without feeding it. In the national park, drones and pets are prohibited and rubbish goes home with you. Stay off frozen lagoons. A calm-looking scene is no reason to improvise an activity on the ice.

Find the right page for your plans

Tours and excursions

Compare glacier outings, hiking and ranch programmes.

Things to do

Wetlands, glacier exhibitions and the town’s origins.

Lago Argentino boat trips

Ports, glacier routes, landings and meal options.

El Chaltén day trips

Choose between a short walk and a trekking day.

Estancia visits

Rural visits, meals and riding options.

Kayaking

Compare lake and river activities and their equipment.

Horseback riding

Meeting points, transfers and time in the saddle.

4x4 excursions

Guided drives and departure-dependent meals.

Private tours

Vehicles, drivers, optional guides and group prices.

Airport and transfers

Plan your arrival at Comandante Armando Tola.

Car rental

Road planning, winter equipment and guided alternatives.

Where to stay

Central streets, lakeside addresses and transfer coverage.

Weather and travel seasons

Match your plans to seasons and changing conditions.

Getting to Puerto Natales

Bus travel, border procedures and onward planning.

Questions before you go