Introduction
Our first stop in Argentina was Patagonia. Never in a million years did I dream I would find myself in this stunning piece of heaven on earth. But there we were, immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia. We booked our accommodation through Airbnb, and to our pleasant surprise, prices were not as high as we had anticipated. Despite hitting a snag with our first Airbnb, it was quickly rectified, and we changed accommodations without much hassle.
El Calafate: A Patagonian Gem
Arrival in El Calafate
El Calafate, located in Argentinian Patagonia, is just a short bus ride from Puerto Natales. Since we were already in the area, we decided to pop over to Argentina. As soon as we arrived, I fell in love with El Calafate. Walking around the town brought me immense joy, and I couldn’t help but smile ear to ear the entire time. We had an amazing dinner at one of the first places we saw, where Cal-El tried guanaco meatballs (because he's adventurous like that) while Jor-El and I stuck with lamb. This marked the beginning of my journey of indulging in Argentina’s wine, which was both delicious and inexpensive. Everyone recommended trying the local ice cream, and they were not wrong—OMG!
Exploring the City
On our first day, we explored the city, getting acquainted with the quaint town and sampling Argentine food. We did not book anything in advance, which is a strategy we often use, as things can change and refunds are not common in most countries. Once in the city, you can book most tours and be guaranteed a spot from one of the many companies around.
Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the must-visit places in El Calafate is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This surreal adventure started with a roundtrip bus ride to the mesmerizing glacial landscapes. The sheer magnitude of these ice giants left us in awe, a humbling reminder of the raw power of nature. We opted for the freedom of exploration, allowing us to absorb every crack and crevice, feel the cool breeze off the glacial ice, and witness the ethereal shades of blue that seem almost otherworldly.
Walking in close proximity to these ancient ice formations, we marveled at the magnitude of this natural spectacle. From Perito Moreno to Upsala, each glacier had its own story to tell, leaving an indelible mark on our journey. If you ever find yourself in El Calafate, don’t miss the chance to explore these frozen marvels—a truly extraordinary experience that will etch itself into your travel memories forever.
You can choose to take your trip even further by booking a tour that takes you on the ice. Trecking the glacier is an amazing adventure if you want to take it even further. If not, booking a boat tour to get even closer to the ice is an option and can be done through the tour company, bus company or when you get to the park.
Horseback Riding at Cerro Frías
Horseback riding in El Calafate is a top activity, and it was at the top of our list. Saddled up for an unforgettable adventure at Cerro Frías, our day unfolded atop majestic horses, exploring the sprawling landscapes and embracing the Patagonian spirit. The rhythmic hoofbeats echoed the heartbeat of this wild terrain as we navigated through lush forests and open fields.
The horseback riding tour at Cerro Frías was a symphony of nature and freedom. With each stride, we connected with the untamed beauty of Patagonia, feeling the crisp wind and witnessing panoramic views that stretched as far as the eye could see. Our trusty steeds led us to hidden gems, from cascading waterfalls to scenic overlooks. As the sun dipped below the Andean peaks, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we couldn’t help but be grateful for the magical moments on horseback.
Booking while in town gave us the flexibility to book when we needed and flexibility with pricing. Just walk around and ask at one of the many tour companies. Most offer the same rate though you will find one that needs to fill out a tour or time and will often give a discount especially for multiple people or booking more than one tours with them.
Culinary Delights in El Calafate
Patagonian Lamb
We had the chance to eat Patagonian lamb, which was divine. Truly amazing, cooked over an open fire to perfection. If I am being honest, I came to Argentina for the wine and the steak, and OMG, have they delivered. One of the many amazing steakhouses we visited provided an unforgettable meal. Ojo de Bife has been my go-to, and the kids have been chomping down on Bife de Lomo. Absolutely delicious.
Practical Tips for Visiting El Calafate
Getting Around
We used the local bus to travel from one city to the next. In town, taxies and Uber are in expensive and readily available. There are taxi stands throughout the city where you can jump in a bad, that is metered and feel safe you are not being scammed or taken advantage of. Booking flights inside the country is far less expensive than pre-booking from outside, or you can use an Argentina VPN for better rates. The currency is volatile and changes drastically, especially when we visited. It’s easiest and best to use a credit card for as many purchases as possible to get the best rate, as most places accept cards. However, it’s wise to have some cash on hand for other purchases.
Other Must-Do Activities in El Calafate
Yeti Ice Bar: One of the coolest (pun intended) experiences in El Calafate is visiting the Yeti Ice Bar. This unique bar, made entirely of ice, offers a fun and chilly experience. Current pricing can vary, but it's generally around $15-20 per person. You get to enjoy drinks in ice glasses while surrounded by ice sculptures.
Intendencia Parque Nacional Los Glaciares: This park offers lots of historical information on Perito Moreno (the explorer) as well as beautiful gardens to enjoy. The visit here only takes around 20 minutes and is located right in town on the main street. It’s completely free to enter.
Try Artisanal Chocolate: Don’t miss out on trying artisanal chocolate at Chocolates Patagonia. This shop offers a delightful array of handcrafted chocolates that make for perfect gifts or treats for yourself.
Shop at the Artisanal Market: The artisanal market in El Calafate is a great place to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. You'll find handmade goods ranging from wool products to leather items.
Eat Delicious Ice Cream at Acuarela: We visited Acuarela for ice cream, and it was both inexpensive and delicious. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Take a Day Trip to El Chaltén: If you have extra time, a day trip to El Chaltén is highly recommended. Known as the trekking capital of Argentina, it offers stunning hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Fitz Roy mountain range.
Pricing Breakdown
- Airbnb: $40 per night for a newer, well-situated 2-bedroom apartment.
- Food: Ranged from $2 per meal. A cup of coffee was under $1, and wine about $1.50. Our first pasta meal, including Patagonian lamb and guanaco with a glass of wine, water, and a pitcher of juice, cost under $24.
- Taxi: Cost roughly under $1 per ride.
- Horseback Riding: $130 for three people, including a snack after the ride.
Conclusion
El Calafate, with its stunning landscapes, charming town, and delicious food, exceeded all our expectations. Whether exploring glaciers, riding horses through scenic terrains, or indulging in Argentine cuisine, every moment was unforgettable. Argentina has captured our hearts, and we look forward to sharing more about our adventures in this incredible country.
