Excursions in El Calafate: Official Catalog & Prices 2026

The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December to March, when the days are longer and the temperatures warmer, ideal for outdoor activities. However, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also excellent options with fewer crowds and unique landscapes. The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable, so we always recommend coming prepared for all four seasons in a single day.

We recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 full days to enjoy the main attractions at a relaxed pace. This allows you to dedicate a full day to the Perito Moreno Glacier (walkways and perhaps a boat trip or trekking), another day for a boat trip to the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers, and a third day for an excursion to El Chaltén or an experience at a Patagonian estancia (ranch).

The recommended duration for visiting El Calafate and enjoying its main attractions is at least 3 or 4 days. This will allow you to take part in the most popular tours, such as the mini-trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier and the boat trip through the channels of Lake Argentino. If you have more time, you can also enjoy activities in the area surrounding El Calafate, such as visits to tourist ranches and 4x4 excursions to the Frías and Huyliche hills.

Without a doubt, walking on the ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most outstanding experiences. For this, you can choose to try the Minitrekking or Big Ice activities. If you are traveling with family and one of the members is not old enough for these activities, then you could opt for the tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways with the optional boat trip on the Iceberg Channel, in front of the glacier's north face.
For another full day, you should visit the glaciers of the North Arm of Lake Argentino, the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers. To see them, you need to book a full-day boat tour, such as Glaciares Gourmet or Todo Glaciares.
Also, don't forget that very close to El Calafate are Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and their neighboring peaks, more precisely located in El Chaltén, the 'national capital of trekking'. Calafate Tours® takes you to this mountain village, offering the possibility of enjoying wonderful trekking and sailing activities.
And if you'd like to explore more of El Calafate, our agency offers several options for visiting ranches and enjoying various outdoor activities. In that case, the Nativo Experience tour, the Calafate Night tour, or a 4x4 excursion to Cerro Frías are highly recommended.