--- title: "Ultimate Travel Guide to El Calafate: What to Do, Where to Stay, and Travel Tips" description: Discover the best things to do in El Calafate, how to get there, where to stay, and essential Patagonia travel tips. Explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier and experience an unforgettable adventure. image: https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hubfs/Perito%20Moreno%20-%20Calafate.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay#main-content) - [English](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay) - [Spanish](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/es/viajero-stories/guia-viaje-el-calafate-que-hacer-donde-hospedarse) English Show submenu for translations [![Logotipo_Viajero_Hostels_Horizontal](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/04_Logo-Viajero_Horizontal-Principal.png?width=139&height=50&name=04_Logo-Viajero_Horizontal-Principal.png)](https://www.viajerohostels.com/es/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay) - [Spanish](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/es/viajero-stories/guia-viaje-el-calafate-que-hacer-donde-hospedarse) English Show submenu for translations Mar 20, 2025 5:30:08 PM # Ultimate Travel Guide to El Calafate: What to Do, Where to Stay, and Travel Tips [Sofia Umaña](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/author/sofia-umaña) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay) [Share this page on Facebook](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/el-calafate-travel-guide-things-to-do-where-to-stay) Ultimate Travel Guide to El Calafate: What to Do, Where to Stay, and Travel Tips 4:50 **El Calafate**, located in the breathtaking **Argentine Patagonia**, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known as the gateway to the **Perito Moreno Glacier**, this charming town offers stunning landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and a vibrant traveler community. If you’re planning a trip to **El Calafate**, this guide will help you discover **how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and the best travel tips** to make the most of your Patagonia adventure. ## **📍 How to Get to El Calafate** El Calafate is a well-connected destination within Argentina. Here are the best ways to reach it: ✈️ **By plane:** - **Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE)** receives flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Bariloche, and other major cities. - From the airport, you can take a **bus, taxi, or transfer** to the town center (about 20 minutes). 🚌 **By bus:** - If you’re coming from **El Chaltén, Puerto Natales (Chile), or Bariloche**, direct bus routes are available. - It’s a budget-friendly option, but travel times can be long. 🚗 **By car:** - Renting a car is a great option if you want to explore **Patagonia** at your own pace along the **famous Route 40**. 💡 **Tip:** During **high season (November-March)**, book flights and buses in advance, as this is a popular destination.   ## **❄️ Top Things to Do in El Calafate** ![Parque Glaciares Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vistas%20de%20Calafate.jpg?width=553&height=415&name=Vistas%20de%20Calafate.jpg) El Calafate is famous for the **Perito Moreno Glacier**, but there are plenty of other activities to explore. ### **1. Visit Perito Moreno Glacier 🏔️** This **iconic glacier** is part of **Los Glaciares National Park** and is famous for its massive ice formations and frequent **ice calving events**. 🔹 **How to visit:** - Get there by **bus, rental car, or a guided tour** from El Calafate. - Walk along the **viewing platforms** for the best panoramic views. - Take a **boat tour** for an up-close experience. - For an adventure, try a **glacier trekking tour** with expert guides. 💡 **Tip:** The weather can be unpredictable, so dress in **layers and bring a windproof jacket**. ![Pasarelas en El Perito Moreno en El Calafate, Patagonia Argentina](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Perito%20Moreno%20-%20Calafate.jpg?width=576&height=324&name=Perito%20Moreno%20-%20Calafate.jpg)   ### **2. Take a Day Trip to El Chaltén 🏞️** Known as **Argentina’s trekking capital**, El Chaltén (just **3 hours away** from El Calafate) offers some of the most scenic hikes in **Patagonia**. 🚍 **How to get there:** - **Buses run daily** during peak season. - If you rent a car, the drive is **stunning** and allows more flexibility. 💡 **Tip:** If possible, spend **at least one night in El Chaltén** to enjoy more hikes without rushing.   ### **3. Boat Tour to Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers 🚢** If you’re craving more **glacier experiences**, book a boat tour to see: - **Upsala Glacier**, the **largest glacier** in Los Glaciares National Park. - **Spegazzini Glacier**, the **tallest glacier** in the region. 💡 **Tip:** These tours last **a full day**, so bring snacks and a camera!   ### **4. Explore El Calafate and Lake Argentino 🌊** Beyond the glacier, the town itself has much to offer: ✅ Stroll down **Avenida del Libertador**, filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. ✅ Visit **Laguna Nimez Reserve** for birdwatching and beautiful sunset views. ✅ Relax by the shores of **Lake Argentino**, Argentina’s largest lake. 💡 **Tip:** If you enjoy history, check out the **Historical Interpretation Center**, which covers **indigenous cultures and Patagonia’s natural history**. --- ## **🏡 Where to Stay in El Calafate** El Calafate offers various accommodation options, from boutique hotels to **social hostels perfect for backpackers and budget travelers**. ✨ **For a fun, comfortable, and social stay, the best choice is Viajero Calafate.**   ✅ **Why stay at Viajero Calafate?** - Private and shared rooms with **modern, cozy design**. - Social areas to **meet fellow travelers from around the world**. - **Bar and restaurant** with delicious food and drinks. - **Perfect location**, close to the town center. - **Daily activities** like bonfires, games, and themed nights. 💡 **Tip:** **Book in advance** during peak season to secure the best rates!   - ![Habitación privada en Viajero Hostels Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Habitacion%20Privada%20en%20El%20Calafate.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Habitacion%20Privada%20en%20El%20Calafate.jpg) Habitación privada en Viajero Calafate - ![Dormitorio compartido Viajero Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dormitorio%20compartido%20Viajero%20Calafate.jpg?width=1280&height=853&name=Dormitorio%20compartido%20Viajero%20Calafate.jpg) Dormitorio compartido en Viajero Hostels Calafate - ![Hostel en El Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fachada%20de%20Viajero%20Hostels%20Calafate.jpg?width=1835&height=1032&name=Fachada%20de%20Viajero%20Hostels%20Calafate.jpg) Hostel en El Calafate - ![Terraza con vista al Lago Argentino en Viajero Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Terraza%20en%20Viajero%20Calafate.jpeg?width=1600&height=1200&name=Terraza%20en%20Viajero%20Calafate.jpeg) Hover message - ![](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7528302/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/slider-light-image.jpg)   ## **📌 Essential Travel Tips for El Calafate** ✅ **Pack wisely:** Weather is unpredictable—wear **layers, a windproof jacket, and comfortable hiking shoes**. ✅ **Book early:** Flights, hotels, and tours sell out quickly in **high season**. ✅ **Go beyond Perito Moreno:** There are many other **glaciers, lakes, and trails** to explore. ✅ **Try local food:** **Patagonian lamb** and **Calafate berry ice cream** are must-tries! ✅ **Exchange money in Buenos Aires:** Currency exchange options in El Calafate are limited. --- ## **🌍 Experience Patagonia’s Beauty in El Calafate!** El Calafate is a destination that **will leave you speechless**, whether you're seeking adventure, breathtaking landscapes, or a place to disconnect. From **Perito Moreno Glacier** to incredible hiking trails, this town has everything you need for an unforgettable trip. ✈️ **Ready to explore El Calafate?** Book your stay at Viajero Calafate and experience Patagonia like never before! 📍 **Have you been to El Calafate? Share your favorite experience in the comments!** 🚀   [How to get to El Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/how-to-get-to-el-calafate), [Destination: El Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/destination-el-calafate), [Travel Guide](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/travel-guide), [Patagonia Argentina](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/patagonia-argentina), [Things to do in el Calafate](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/things-to-do-in-el-calafate) ## Related posts [![From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Puerto%20Escondido.jpg?height=200&name=Puerto%20Escondido.jpg)](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/how-to-get-from-oaxaca-to-puerto-escondido-transportation?hsLang=en) [How to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/how-to-get-from-oaxaca-to-puerto-escondido), [Puerto Escondido](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/puerto-escondido), [Transportation in Oaxaca](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/tag/transportation-in-oaxaca) ## [How to Get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: Transportation Options](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/how-to-get-from-oaxaca-to-puerto-escondido-transportation?hsLang=en) [Viajero Hostels](https://blog.viajerohostels.com/en/viajero-stories/author/viajero-hostels) Apr 3, 2025 4:58:17 PM Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular destinations on Mexico's Pacific coast, known for its... 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