El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
The perfect 3 days itinerary
El Calafate is a small town in the Patagonia region of Argentina, known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. The town's name is derived from a little bush with yellow flowers and dark blue berries that is very common in Patagonia: the calafate (Berberis buxifolia); the word comes from the word 'calafate', which is Spanish for 'caulk'. El Calafate is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre.
What to do in El Calafate?
This 3 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in El Calafate. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring El Calafate
Morning
Arrive in El Calafate and settle into your accommodation. Spend the morning exploring the town, visiting the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center to learn about the region's history and ecology.
Afternoon
Visit the Glaciarium, a modern glacier museum with interactive exhibits and a cool ice bar. Take a short trip to the nearby Laguna Nimez Reserve, a wetland area where you can spot flamingos and other local bird species.
Evening
Enjoy a traditional Patagonian lamb dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier
Morning
Take a day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in South America. The glacier is unique because it is advancing, while most glaciers worldwide are retreating. The front of the glacier, which is 5 km wide and 60 m high, periodically ruptures with a loud cracking sound, sending huge chunks of ice cascading into Lake Argentino.
Afternoon
Take a boat tour on Lake Argentino to get a closer look at the glacier. You can also explore the network of walkways on the shore for different views of the glacier.
Evening
Return to El Calafate and relax after a day of adventure.
Day 3: Exploring Los Glaciares National Park
Morning
Spend the day exploring Los Glaciares National Park. You can take a guided hike to see other glaciers in the park, or visit the Cerro Fitz Roy, a famous peak in Patagonia.
Afternoon
Continue your exploration of the park. You might spot some local wildlife, including guanacos (a relative of the llama), Andean condors, and possibly even a puma.
Evening
Return to El Calafate and enjoy your last night in this charming town. Try some local delicacies like Patagonian trout or calafate berry jam.
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7 days