Argentina · Region
El Calafate
El Calafate sits on the shore of Lake Argentino in Argentine Patagonia, a once-sleepy sheep-trading outpost transformed into the gateway for the Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park. The town itself is modest, but it exists almost entirely to serve travellers heading out to the ice.
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Where to stay in El Calafate
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Frequently asked questions about El Calafate
How do I get to El Calafate?
Most visitors fly into El Calafate's own airport, Comandante Armando Tola International (FTE), with regular domestic connections from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Bariloche; there is no train line to the town. From the airport, which sits around 20 km from the centre, travellers reach town by shuttle, taxi or pre-booked transfer, since there is no public bus service on that route.
How many days should I spend in El Calafate?
Allow ~2 to 3 days: one for the ~1.5 hour journey each way to Perito Moreno Glacier itself, and extra time if you plan to add a side trip to El Chaltén or across the border to Puerto Natales, Chile.
What is El Calafate known for?
El Calafate sits on the shore of Lake Argentino in Argentine Patagonia, a once-sleepy sheep-trading outpost transformed into the gateway for the Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park. The town itself is modest, but it exists almost entirely to serve travellers heading out to the ice.