What should I know before my trip to El Calafate?
Answers to the most frequently asked questions from travelers planning to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier and Argentine Patagonia.
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Questions about El Calafate
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Do we need to book tours in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (December-February). The Minitrekking, Big Ice, and Blue Safari tours have limited availability and high demand—we recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance. For the other tours, one week is usually sufficient.
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What is the best time to travel to El Calafate?
The The best time to visit El Calafate is from October to MarchWith temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C and up to 17 hours of sunlight in December, all tours operate during these months.
High season (December-February): Peak demand and higher prices. Temperatures from 8°C to 18°C.
Mid-season (October-November, March): Ideal for avoiding crowds. Prices up to 30% lower. The glacier looks just as spectacular.
Low season (April-September): Short days (8-10 hours of daylight), temperatures from -5°C to 5°C. Some tours are suspended. Advantage: snow-covered glacier and very low prices.
Important: The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. Always bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sunscreen.
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How many days do I need to see the essentials of El Calafate?
We recommend 3 full days at minimum For the main experiences. With 4-5 days you can include El Chaltén or Torres del Paine.
Suggested 3-day itinerary:
Day 1: Mini-trekking or Big Ice (trekking on the glacier)
Day 2: All Glaciers or Gourmet Glaciers Navigation (North Arm glaciers)
Day 3: El Chaltén Full Day or Torres del Paine
If you have half a day free (arrival or departure), Nativo Experience has 3.5 hour shifts (11:00-14:30 or 18:00-21:30).
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What are the main tours in El Calafate?
The most popular tour is the Minitrekking About the Perito Moreno Glacier: 20-minute boat trip + 1.5-hour hike on the ice with crampons. Suitable for ages 10 to 65. Total duration: 10 hours.
For families with children under 10 years old: Perito Moreno Glacier walkways (self-guided, 4 circuits) + Nautical Safari or Moreno Spirit navigation (1 hour in front of the glacier).
To see multiple glaciers: All Glaciers or Glaciers Gourmet tours explore the North Arm of Lake Argentino: Spegazzini Glacier (135m high), Upsala Glacier, and others. Duration: 9-10 hours.
For intense experiences: Big Ice offers a 3-hour trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier. Ages 18-50 only.
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What is the minimum and maximum age for Minitrekking and Big Ice?
Minitrekking: From 10 to 65 years oldMinors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Normal physical condition required to walk 1h30 on ice.
Big Ice: From 18 to 50 years old Only. Requires good physical condition for 3 hours of intense trekking.
Both activities include provided crampons. No prior experience is necessary.
Do you not meet the age requirements? Alternative: Walkways + navigation Safari Nautico or Moreno Spirit (suitable for all ages).
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What is the difference between Safari Nautico, Moreno Spirit, Todo Glaciares and Glaciares Gourmet?
Navigation in front of the Perito Moreno (1 hour):
• Nautical Safari: Rico Arm, south wall of the glacier
• Moreno Spirit: Canal de los Témpanos, north wall (more landslides)
Navigations to the North Arm (9-10 hours):
• All Glaciers: Without food. Spegazzini, Upsala, Heim, Seco, Peineta Glaciers. Does not include Perito Moreno.
• Gourmet Glaciers: With gourmet lunch. Same glaciers + Perito Moreno + drop-off option at Pasarelas.
Which one to choose? If you only have one day, Glaciares Gourmet. If you have already visited Perito Moreno, Todo Glaciares is more economical.
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Practical information
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How to get to El Calafate?
El Calafate has an international airport (FTE) with daily flights from Buenos Aires (3h), Ushuaia (1h15) and Bariloche (2h). You can also get there by bus from Río Gallegos (4h), Puerto Natales (5h) or El Chaltén (3h).
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How much is the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park in 2026?
The entrance fee is $45,000 ARS for foreigners y $15,000 ARS for Argentine residents (January 2026). Children under 5 years old, Argentine retirees and disabled persons: free of charge.
Buy online at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar:
• Mitre River Corridor: Minitrekking, Big Ice, Blue Safari, Walkways
• Punta Bandera Corridor: All Glaciers, Glaciers Gourmet
Tip: Buy online in advance. The signal at the park entrance is weak and card payment often does not work.
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What currency is used in El Calafate and how to pay?
The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). We recommend carrying cash because not all stores accept credit cards. There are ATMs in the center and exchange houses on Libertador Avenue.
For tours, we accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and also payments in USD.
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From where do you pick me up for the tours?
Pick-up only in centrally located hotels approved by Tourism. If you are staying in an apartment or Airbnb, the meeting points are:
• Minitrekking, Blue Safari, Big Ice: Libertador Av. 935
• Gourmet Glaciers: Libertador Avenue 1319
• Rest of tours: Playón ACA, Calle 1 de Mayo 21 - see map
Times are confirmed on the voucher and/or the night before (20:00-21:00 hs).
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What clothing and equipment do I need for the tours in El Calafate?
Dress in layers (onion system). Indispensable:
- Waterproof windbreaker jacket
- Fleece or intermediate coat
- Trekking pants (not jeans)
- Trekking shoes/boots with good grip
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection
For ice trekking: Shoes with medium heel to fit crampons (no flat shoes).
Don't you have equipment? Rent at La Barraca Rental, Emilio Amado 833 (tel: 2902 49-1999).
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Recommendations and Advice
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Respect for the natural environment of the National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). Respect the indications of the guides, do not leave garbage and do not leave the marked trails. Glaciers are fragile ecosystems that we must preserve.
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Where to eat in El Calafate? The 9 best restaurants according to locals
The best restaurants in El Calafate combine Patagonian cuisine with local ingredients. La Tablita (Col. Rosales 28) is the reference in roasted lamb, with more than 30 years of tradition. Viva La Pepa (Emilio Amado 833) stands out for trout from Lago Argentino.
Price range: $15,000 to $45,000 ARS per person (January 2026). For lake view dinners, Kau Kaleshen y Pura Vida offer tasting menus.
Restaurant List- La Tablita - Col. Rosales 28 - Roast lamb
- Viva La Pepa - Emilio Amado 833 - Trout, pasta
- The Owl - Libertador and 1º de Mayo Av. Pizzas, craft beer
- My Old Man - Av. del Libertador 1111 - Traditional grill
- Kau Kaleshen - Gdor. Gregores 1256 - Patagonian haute cuisine
- El Cucharón - 9 de Julio 145 - Casseroles, stews
- Pura Vida - Av. del Libertador 1876 - Vegetarian, organic
- Watercolor - Av. del Libertador 1177 - Seafood, fish
- Kamba Resto - Gdor. Gregores 1170 - Patagonian fusion
Tip: During peak season, book in advance for La Tablita and Kau Kaleshen.
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Where to stay in El Calafate? Hotels by area and budget (2026)
El Calafate has more than 100 accommodations: from $15.000 ARS/night (hostels) to $180,000+ ARS/night (5 stars). The central area (Av. Libertador) has access to services; the upper area prioritizes lake views.
Important: Tour pick-up is only available at hotels within the city center. Accommodations outside this area require transfer to a meeting point.
List of AccommodationsBoutique / Premium:
- Konke Hotel & Flavors - Rufino Cambaceres 392 - Spa, restaurant
- Patagonia Queen - Father Agostini 49 - Lake view, suites
Mid-range:
- Lar Aike - Av. Del Libertador 2681 - Centric
- Aikendor Panoramic - Santa Cruz River 2340 - Panoramic View
- Southern Peaks - Puerto San Julian 271 - Family
- El Quijote Hotel - Gobernador Gregores 1191 - Economic
Economic:
- Hotel ACA - Valentin Feilberg 50 - Traditional
- Bahia Redonda - Father Agostini 148 - Lake View
- Hotel Kalenshen - 36 998 Street - 36 Relaxing
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