El Calafate, Argentina: Gateway to Southern Patagonia & the Perito Moreno Glacier

Located on the shores of the stunningly blue Lago Argentino, in the extreme south of the American continent, the town of El Calafate is one of the main tourism hubs of Argentine Patagonia and an entrance point to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, one of the world’s great national parks. The town offers access to breathtaking nature while providing a comfortable base of warm, cozy inns and Argentine culinary delights.

Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate’s main attraction is its proximity to the Perito Moreno Glacier, located within the national park around an hour and a half away by car. This monumental glacier, which covers a surface area of 97 square miles (250 km2), forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the world’s largest reserves of fresh water.

At 3 miles (5 km) wide and 19 miles (30 km) long, the glacier is an epic sight to behold. The behemoth has an average height of 240 feet (74 m), and the sight and sound of its massive chunks of ice breaking off and splashing into the lake below is awe-inspiring. The place is quite easily accessible thanks to the 2.5 miles (4 km) of walkways created for visitors, which offer spectacular panoramas of the glacier from above and below.

Food

Like anywhere in Argentina, El Calafate offers a mouthwatering food selection, particularly when it comes to grilled meats. There are many excellent parrillas in town—I recommend La Tablita, Isabel Cocina al Disco, and Parrilla Don Pichón. For some lighter fare (and dessert), check out Don Luis, which is a real institution. And for coffee, you’ll find the best at Calafate Coffee Roasters, which has a large, cozy seating area as well.

Looking for more places to explore in the region? Check out our guide to El Chaltén here.