En la orilla sur del vasto Lago Argentino, recortado contra picos nevados, El Calafate ejemplifica la belleza de la Patagonia. Gracias a su ubicación estratégica y vuelos regulares a Buenos Aires (aproximadamente a tres horas de distancia), la ciudad sirve como puerta de entrada a algunas de las maravillas naturales de América del Sur y un punto de partida para muchas aventuras patagónicas. Rodeada de montañas, glaciares y agua, El Calafate es considerada la capital del senderismo de Argentina. La estrella del espectáculo es el Glaciar El Perito Moreno, la tercera reserva de agua dulce más grande del mundo y la pieza central del Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, del cual enormes trozos de hielo se rompen y chocan con el agua debajo con regularidad. El parque, declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO, es un país de las maravillas helado donde los visitantes pueden caminar por el glaciar Viedma, disfrutar de un paseo en bote o kayak por las lagunas glaciares del glaciar Upsala, visitar la ciudad fronteriza de El Chaltén o abordar el altísimo pico del monte Fitz Roy . Los aventureros ansiosos pueden ver más del parque a través de un recorrido todoterreno en 4x4, visitando un rancho local (estancia) o en un paseo en bicicleta de montaña por el monte. Huyliche. Un poco más allá de la frontera con Chile, el Parque Nacional Torres del Paine está lo suficientemente cerca como para descubrirlo en una excursión de un día, mientras que la Reserva Laguna Nimez, las Cuevas Walichu y el bosque petrificado La Leona están justo en la puerta de El Calafate.
The ideal time to visit the icy wonderland of Patagonia is its summer (December-February)—it’s also the ideal time for trekking and exploring with dry, clear days and longer daylight hours, although temperatures rarely climb above 60°F (15°C). January and February are busiest with popular viewpoints and trails getting crowded, and don’t miss Lake Argentino Festival, the town’s biggest event. Visit in the shoulder months of November-December or March-April to avoid the masses.
It’s easy to get around the small town on foot, but you’ll need a car to explore further afield. Taxis, shuttle buses, and organized tours connect you with the region’s star attractions such as the Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier. Hiring a car is another option, with rentals available by the hour, day, or week—just be sure your vehicle (and your driving skills) can handle the snow, especially in winter (late April to mid September).
The ice cream flavor preferred by locals is calafate berry, the town’s namesake fruit that grows on the region’s calafate (barberry) bushes in summer. Order a generous scoop from Heladeria Acuarela or pick up a calafate alfajores as dessert from nearby Dulce Lugar, filled with sweet berry jam. An added bonus? Folklore dictates that travelers who eat the calafate berries will one day return to Patagonia.
El Calafate is best known for being the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Argentina. It's also famous for Frias Hill (Cerro Frias), which boasts panoramic views of Lago Argentino and Torres del Paine, and its craft beer scene.
...MásThree days in El Calafate gives you a chance to explore the town and nearby natural attractions. Spend your first day sampling craft beer and exploring the Glaciarium Ice Museum before taking a day trip or two to Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park; El Chalten; or Nibepo Aike Ranch.
...MásYes. If you want to see Patagonia's spectacular scenery, El Calafate is worth visiting. Boasting an artisanal food scene focused on beef and craft beer, the town is also a convenient jumping off point for Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten, and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
...MásThe fastest way to reach El Calafate from Buenos Aires is by plane—flights depart daily at regular intervals and take around three hours. Traveling by coach is a much cheaper option; however, journeys take about 30 hours and follow winding roads that won’t appeal to travelers with motion sickness.
...MásUnlike most of the world’s glaciers, which are melting due to climate change, the Perito Moreno glacier—nicknamed the White Giant—is growing as much as 3 meters (10 feet) a day in some parts. Scientists suspect this is due to heavy Patagonian snowfalls and the steep angle of the glacier.
...MásYes. El Calafate is considered one of the safest places in both Argentina and South America. Reports of petty and serious crime are very low, even late at night. Always exercise the usual caution when it comes to keeping your valuables safe and secure.
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