Before you go

Your trip to El Calafate.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

El Calafate – Santa Cruz Destination El Calafate and El Chaltén

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola (FTE) 20 km
Terminal de Ómnibus de El Calafate 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Comandante Armando Tola airport is about 20 km from the center. Taxis and transfers cover that stretch; confirm transport and the connecting airport before traveling.

How many days

Two or three days allow reserving one day for Perito Moreno and another for Nimez and the Glaciarium. Add time if including Lago Roca or continuing on to El Chaltén, avoiding combining road travel and a long excursion on the arrival day.

When to go

From November to March, the longer days usually make outings to the park and the shore easier. From May to September the cold is more intense and there can be ice on the ground. Wind accompanies Lago Argentino at different times of year; bring warm clothing even in summer.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

The commercial area can be explored on foot, and more distant attractions have transfer options. A car adds flexibility for Lago Roca, but it needs to be matched to the road conditions and the intended route.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in El Calafate

Morning
Laguna Nimez Reserve
Do the reserve circuit and use the viewing points calmly, without counting on any specific bird species.
Afternoon
Glaciarium
Visit the exhibition on ice and glaciers. Confirm transfer and admission before traveling.
Late afternoon
Lago Argentino waterfront
Walk along the water depending on the wind and how you feel after your visits.
Evening
Avenida del Libertador
Find a meal in the central area and arrange transport for the glacier day.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is the Perito Moreno located within El Calafate?

No. The walkways are about 80 km by road, in Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is the base for lodging and transport.

Can I go to the glacier without renting a car?

Yes. It's possible to use buses, transfers or excursions. Check services and the return schedule before planning the day.

Does El Calafate airport serve El Chaltén?

Yes. El Chaltén is reached by road after the flight arrival, via a separate transfer.

Do I need to do ice trekking to see Perito Moreno?

No. The walkways and viewpoints allow observing the glacier from land, with different route options.

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