Top 18 places to visit in El Calafate

Mt. Fitz Roy is a striking granite peak that rises 3,405 metres above sea level, located in the Los Glaciares National Park. Known for its shear faces and jagged silhouette, it was first summited in 1952 and has since become a challenging destination for climbers, drawing adventurers with its breathtaking views. The trek to the base camp, Laguna de los Tres, provides impressive vantage points of the mountain, particularly at sunrise when the light bathes the peak in warm hues. Best visited during the summer months from November to March, be prepared for rapid weather changes and consider starting early to avoid crowds. The picturesque town of El Chaltén serves as the gateway to these trails.

Viedma Glacier is a massive expanse of ice flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, covering approximately 1,200 square kilometres and stretching down toward Lake Viedma. It is a key feature of Los Glaciares National Park, where visitors can witness the striking blue hues of the ice, particularly on sunny days. The best access point for viewing the glacier is from El Chaltén, which serves as the main hiking hub in the region. Take time to explore the surrounding trails, like the Laguna de los Tres, for stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy. Dress in layers and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Laguna Torre is a striking glacial lake located at the foot of the Torre massif in Los Glaciares National Park, known for its jagged granite peaks that rise dramatically above the turquoise waters. This natural wonder is a prime destination for trekkers, particularly noted for its ever-changing weather and the stunning reflections of Cerro Torre on calm days. The trek to Laguna Torre is approximately 18 kilometres one way, with the best time to visit being during the Argentinian summer months from December to March, when the trails are at their most accessible. Along the way, keep an eye out for diverse flora and avian wildlife, and take a moment to appreciate the stunning views as you near your destination.

Huemul Glacier is a striking glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park, a landmark of Patagonia's dramatic landscape. This glacier feeds into Lago Viedma and is flanked by rugged peaks, offering a raw view of the natural forces at work in this glacial expanse. For a closer look, visit during the summer months when the weather is milder, allowing for hiking paths to the glacier’s viewpoint. The trek offers various vantage points along the way, and nearby, the glacial lakes reflect the ice beautifully, especially during the early morning hours when the light is softer.

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Argentino Lake (Lago Argentino) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Upsala Glacier is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Laguna de los Tres is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Walichu Caves (Cuevas Galicho) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

La Leona Petrified Forest is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Calafate Mountain Park is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Glaciarium Ice Museum is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Estancia Cristina is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Onelli Glacier is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Estancia Alice (El Galpon Del Glaciar) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.

Nimez Lagoon Nature Reserve (Laguna Nimez Reserve) is one of the landmarks our editorial team flags as worth your time in El Calafate. The dedicated guide is being written — see El Calafate experiences that visit it in the meantime.