Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier — one of El Calafate's most iconic experiences · Photo: Mundo Austral
El Calafate is one of the most extraordinary destinations in South America. Located in the province of Santa Cruz, in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, it is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Discover all the excursions in El Calafate you can enjoy during your trip.
📍 Local insight — 25 years bringing families to El Calafate
At Mundo Austral we have been operating excursions from El Calafate for 25 years. We have welcomed more than 110,000 passengers. This guide is written with the same advice we give every family that messages us on WhatsApp.
The 9 excursions of El Calafate for 2026
From the classic Perito Moreno to one-of-a-kind experiences like the Safari Azul and dinner in a cave.
#1
34% of bookings
Perito Moreno Walkways
Tour along the panoramic walkways facing the Perito Moreno Glacier. Perfect for all ages, first-time visitors and families.
See details and prices
#2
29% of bookings
Minitrekking on the Glacier
A 1h15 hike on the ice of Perito Moreno wearing crampons. Ages: 8 to 65.
See details and prices
#3
20% of bookings
Todo Glaciares
A 9-hour cruise along the North Arm of Lago Argentino. Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
See details and prices
#4
11% of bookings
El Chaltén Full Day
Full-day excursion to El Chaltén. Views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Guide and lunch included.
See details and prices
#5
6% of bookings
Torres del Paine Full Day
International border crossing to Chile in a 4x4 Overland. Turquoise lakes, the Torres massif and Patagonian wildlife.
See details and prices
#6
Unique experience
Safari Azul — Touch the Glacier
The only excursion where you can touch the glacier ice from a zodiac boat. Suitable for ages 6–70.
See details and prices
#7
Premium experience
Glaciares Gourmet
Exclusive cruise past Upsala, Spegazzini, Seco and Heim. Patagonian gastronomy included.
See details and prices
#8
Evening experience
Nativo Experience
Land Rover 4x4 ride to the Walichu Caves with a full Patagonian dinner included. Afternoon and evening departures.
📱 Contact via WhatsApp
#9
Essential
Airport ↔ Hotel Transfer
Door-to-door service from El Calafate airport. Punctual and comfortable. Children under 3 ride free.
See details and prices
El Calafate 2026 tour comparison
| Tour / Activity | Duration | Difficulty | Ages | Price | Best season |
❄️ Perito Moreno Walkways | 5–6h | Easy | All | $ Budget | Year-round |
🧊 Minitrekking on the Glacier | 9:30h | Moderate | 8–65 | $$$ Premium | Year-round |
🚢 Todo Glaciares | 9–10h | Easy | All | $$ Mid-range | Year-round |
🏔️ El Chaltén Full Day | 12–14h | Moderate | All | $$ Mid-range | Year-round |
🇨🇱 Torres del Paine | 15h | Easy | All | $$ Mid-range | Oct–Apr |
🛶 Safari Azul | 8–9h | Moderate | 6–70 | $$ Mid-range | Year-round |
⛵ Glaciares Gourmet | Full day | Easy | 15+ | $$$ Premium | Year-round |
🍖 Nativo Experience | 3h | Easy | All | $$ Mid-range | Year-round |
🚐 Airport Transfer | 30–60 min | Easy | All | $ Budget | Year-round |
1. Perito Moreno Glacier — Walkways
The most iconic and accessible excursion in El Calafate. The panoramic walkways of the Perito Moreno Glacier let you admire the glacier from multiple viewpoints just meters from its front wall.
🕘Schedule9:00 AM — approx. 3:00 PM
💪DifficultyLow — Easy walking
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Guide in Spanish and English
✔ Walkways circuit
✗ Park entrance fee (paid separately)
2. Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
This excursion takes you to literally walk on the ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier wearing crampons. For most visitors, it is the most breathtaking experience of their lives.
⏱️Duration9:30 hs (full day)
📍DepartureFrom your hotel
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Brazo Rico boat ride
✔ Crampons and equipment
✔ 1h15 on the glacier
✔ Whisky with glacier ice 🥃
✗ Park entrance fee (paid separately)
3. Todo Glaciares Cruise — Upsala and Spegazzini
The Todo Glaciares cruise sails past the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. The Spegazzini Glacier rises up to 135 meters of ice above the water.
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Catamaran cruise
✔ Landing at Spegazzini
✗ Lunch
4. El Chaltén Full Day — Argentina's Trekking Capital
Located 220 km from El Calafate along the legendary Route 40, El Chaltén is a world of its own with Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Professional guide
✔ Lunch included
✔ Guided Fitz Roy trails
5. Torres del Paine Full Day from El Calafate
This 15-hour tour crosses the border at Paso Río Don Guillermo and explores Torres del Paine National Park aboard a 4x4 Overland.
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Professional guide
✔ 4x4 transportation
✗ Torres del Paine NP entrance fee
🛂 You need: a valid ID or passport to cross the border.
6. Safari Azul — Touch the glacier from a zodiac
The Safari Azul is the most exclusive Perito Moreno excursion: an extreme close-up approach to the glacier front aboard a zodiac boat, so close you can touch the ancient ice with your hand.
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Zodiac boat ride
✔ Glacier close-up approach
✗ Park entrance fee (paid separately)
7. Glaciares Gourmet — Gastronomy and glaciers in one day
The Glaciares Gourmet excursion combines the best of the North Arm cruise with a unique gastronomic experience at Puesto de Las Vacas.
✔ Pickup from your hotel
✔ Cruise past 4 glaciers
✔ Landing at Puesto Las Vacas
✔ Patagonian gastronomy included
8. Nativo Experience — Dinner in a Patagonian cave
The Nativo Experience combines a Land Rover 4x4 ride to the Walichu Caves with a full Patagonian dinner.
✔ Land Rover 4x4 transportation
✔ Visit to the Walichu Caves
✔ Soup + lamb stew + dessert
✔ Drinks included
9. Airport ↔ hotel transfer in El Calafate
El Calafate airport is about 20 km from downtown. The transfer with Mundo Austral is the most comfortable way to reach your hotel, with guaranteed punctuality.
✔ Door-to-door transfer
✔ Children ≤3 years free
✔ Available round trip
✔ Instant confirmation
EVT
Leg. 10.826 · Licensed agency
How to plan your El Calafate itinerary
Most visitors stay 3 to 5 days. Here are the most popular itineraries:
| Day | Excursion | Why |
|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival + airport transfer | Get your bearings and book excursions |
| Day 2 | ❄️ Perito Moreno Walkways | The most iconic excursion first |
| Day 3 | 🧊 Minitrekking or 🚢 Todo Glaciares | Minitrekking = adrenaline · Todo Glaciares = relaxed |
| Day 4 | 🏔️ El Chaltén Full Day | Total contrast — mountains, forest, Fitz Roy |
| Day 5 (optional) | 🇨🇱 Torres del Paine | For those with an extra day |
Need help planning your itinerary?
We build your ideal itinerary based on your days and budget. Free of charge.
📋 I want free advice
🍽️ Restaurants
Local favorite
Patagonian lamb over the embers
📍 Av. del Libertador 1111
⭐ Traditional lamb, family atmosphere
Local favorite
Argentine grill, spit-roasted meats
📍 Cnel. Rosales 28
⭐ Traditional grill, generous portions
Casimiro Biguá
$$$ PremiumPatagonian fusion, seafood, lamb
📍 Av. del Libertador 963
⭐ Complete dining experience, wine list
Contemporary Patagonian cuisine, trout
📍 Gobernador Moyano 1101
⭐ Lago Argentino trout, gourmet presentation
Local favorite
Isabel — Cocina al Disco
$ BudgetDisc-cooked dishes, stews
📍 José Pantin 64
⭐ Homemade flavors, hearty portions
Vegetarian, specialty coffee, brunch
📍 Av. del Libertador 1876
⭐ Best vegetarian option
🍺 Bars and Breweries
La Cantina Piadineria
$ BudgetBar, piadinas, cocktails
📍 Leandro N. Alem 197
⭐ The local favorite for a night out
Shackleton Lounge
$$ Mid-rangeLounge bar, whisky, craft beers
📍 Av. del Libertador 3287
⭐ Intimate atmosphere
Borges & Álvarez
$$ Mid-rangeBookstore-bar, wines, cheese boards
📍 Av. del Libertador 1015
⭐ One-of-a-kind cultural bar: books + Patagonian wine
☕ Cafés and Breakfast
Local favorite
Artisanal ice cream and pastries
📍 Av. del Libertador 1200
⭐ Best calafate-berry ice cream in town
Specialty coffee, medialunas
📍 Downtown
⭐ The locals' morning meeting spot
⭐ Mundo Austral recommends
Aparts Mundo Austral
Apart Hotel$$ Mid-range
📍 2 blocks from the bus terminal
🌐 WiFi · 📺 Smart TV · 🔥 Heating · 🚗 Parking
Calafate Parque Hotel
Hotel$$ Mid-range
📍 Downtown
⭐ Central location, breakfast included
Madre Tierra Patagonia
Guesthouse$$ Mid-range
📍 Downtown
⭐ Personalized service, homemade breakfast
Hotel Posada Los Alamos
Boutique$$$ Premium
📍 Downtown
⭐ The Calafate classic: gardens, spa, premium service
Design Suites
Premium / Lodge$$$ Premium
📍 Hillside with lake views
⭐ Modern design, panoramic views of Lago Argentino
🗑️
Leave no trash
Carry a bag for your waste. Everything you bring in must leave with you.
🥾
Respect the trails
Always stay within the marked trails.
🦆
Wildlife
Do not feed or get too close to wildlife. Keep at least 10 meters away.
💧
Glacier water
Stream water is pure. Avoid single-use plastic bottles.
🧊
Safety on the ice
Always follow your guide's instructions. Ice calving happens without warning.
🌿
Native flora
Don't pick plants. Photograph, don't pluck.
Get ready for Patagonian weather
El Calafate operates year-round, with very different conditions depending on the season.
💨
Wind
Patagonian wind can reach 80 km/h. Always carry a waterproof windbreaker.
🌡️
Temperature
Summers of 18–22°C, winters of 3–8°C. Dress in layers.
☀️
Sun and UV
UV radiation is high even on cloudy days. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen.
🧥
Clothing
Thermal base + fleece + windbreaker + waterproof shell. The layering system is key.
| Season | Max temp. | Min temp. | Best for |
|---|
| Dec – Feb (Summer) | 18–22°C | 5–10°C | Trekking, families, first visit |
| Mar – May (Fall) | 10–15°C | 0–5°C | Photography, fewer tourists |
| Jun – Aug (Winter) | 3–8°C | -5–0°C | A unique winter experience |
| Sep – Nov (Spring) | 10–16°C | 2–7°C | Great weather/price balance |
Ready for your Patagonian adventure?
Tell us your travel dates, how many days you have and which experiences interest you. At Mundo Austral we build your ideal itinerary with 25 years of local experience.
MA
Mundo Austral Team
Local guides in El Calafate since 2000 · EVyT Leg. 10.826
This guide was reviewed and updated by our team with more than 25 years of experience in El Calafate. If you have questions, message us on WhatsApp.
Things to do in town — without leaving El Calafate
The big excursions get all the spotlight, but El Calafate also has interesting activities within the town itself. They are perfect for your arrival day, the afternoon of your departure day, or as a complement to a free morning.
🦩 Laguna Nimez — a bird reserve steps from downtown
A 10-minute walk from Av. del Libertador, Laguna Nimez is an urban nature reserve with easy trails and direct views of Lago Argentino. It's the place to spot Patagonian flamingos, steamer ducks and black-necked swans without any excursion or transportation. There are interpretive signs for each species and the full loop takes about 45 minutes.
🧭 Local insight · Mundo Austral
Laguna Nimez is open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM between September and April, and from 10 AM to 6 PM in winter. Admission for foreign visitors is approximately $12.000 ARS. Perfect for the morning of your arrival day or the afternoon of your departure day.
🧊 Glaciarium — the Ice Museum
The Glaciarium (opened in 2011) is the world's only interactive museum devoted entirely to Patagonian glaciers. It explains how they form, how they advance and why they are freshwater reserves essential to the planet. The building's architecture was designed to evoke the shape of a glacier.
It's 8 km from downtown and has a free shuttle from the city: the van leaves from 1° de Mayo street (one block from Av. del Libertador) every hour from 11 AM to 7 PM. Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (until 8 PM from November to March). Inside you'll also find the Glacio Bar, the ice bar kept at -10°C.
🌊 Costanera Promenade and Historical Interpretation Center
The Paseo Costanera Presidente Néstor Kirchner runs along the lakeshore with panoramic views of the Andes — the same landscape Darwin described from his expedition aboard the HMS Beagle in 1833. It's free and can be walked at a leisurely pace in half an hour.
The El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center covers the history of Southern Patagonia from the Aonikenk (Tehuelche) peoples to the arrival of the first settlers and the town's founding in 1927. Open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM with free or minimal admission.
🐑 Patagonian estancias — ranch life close to town
To experience ranch culture without going too far, there are three options across different experience levels:
- Estancia 25 de Mayo: the most accessible, just 10 min by car. The afternoon tour (departs at 6 PM) includes sheepdogs, a bonfire, calafate berries, mulled wine and a traditional dinner. Operates from October to April.
- Estancia Cristina: the most spectacular — you arrive by boat sailing among icebergs, with unique views of the Upsala Glacier. Includes trekking, a 4x4 ride, museum and lunch. Available from Oct 1 to Apr 30.
- Estancia Nibepo Aike: herding, sheep shearing and horseback rides of 1 to 3 hours. Lunch or dinner included. Available from Oct 1 to Apr 30.
⚠️ The estancias are seasonal. Estancia Cristina and Nibepo Aike operate exclusively from October 1 to April 30. If you travel in winter, only Estancia 25 de Mayo may have special activities. Ask us about availability for your dates.
Free things to do in El Calafate
Not everything costs a tour. El Calafate has plenty of free or low-cost plans, perfect for your arrival day, the afternoon of your departure, or if you're watching your budget. These are our favorites:
🌊
Lake Argentino Promenade
A free walk along the lakeshore with views of the Andes — the same landscape Darwin described from the HMS Beagle in 1833. Best at sunset.
🦩
Laguna Nimez Reserve (outer trail)
The outer trails and viewpoints are free: spot flamingos, upland geese and black-necked swans just 10 minutes from downtown, no tour needed.
⛰️
Cerro de los Suspiros (viewpoint)
A lookout with the best panoramic view of the town and Lake Argentino. Free, reached on foot, and the classic photo spot at sunset.
🛍️
Avenida del Libertador
The main street: chocolate shops, craft breweries, regional stores and the aroma of spit-roasted lamb. Strolling it is a plan in itself.
📍
Bahía Redonda Panoramic Point
A natural balcony over the bay, ideal for birdwatching and the sunset reflected on the lake. Free access, a few minutes from downtown.
🏛️
Historical Interpretation Center
Covers the history of Southern Patagonia, from the Tehuelche people to the town's founding in 1927. Free or low-cost admission, open daily.
🧭 Local tip · Mundo Austral
Combine free and paid without wasting time: save the promenade and Laguna Nimez for your arrival morning (before you have a tour booked), and keep Cerro de los Suspiros for the sunset on the day you visit Perito Moreno, since you get back with daylight.
Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee 2026
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier (walkways) requires paying the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee, paid separately from the excursion. Our excursions include transfer and guide, but not the park entrance — so you can buy it online and skip the queues.
🎫 2026 rates · Río Mitre access (Perito Moreno Glacier)
• Non-resident foreigners: ARS 50,000
• Argentines (non-Santa Cruz residents): ARS 25,000
• Argentine students: ARS 15,000
• Santa Cruz residents: ARS 8,000
• Children under 6, retirees and people with disabilities: free
Buy online in advance at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar (select the Río Mitre access gate). The ticket is validated at the gate with your ID or passport. Second day of visit: 50% off within 72 hours.
⚠️ National Park rates are updated during the year. Confirm the current price at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar before buying. If travelling with minors, keep a photo of their ID handy for the corresponding discount.
Where to stay in El Calafate: Apart Mundo Austral
🏡 Aparts Mundo Austral —
Glaciar Spegazzini 560 · 2 blocks from the terminal
Brand-new apartments in the heart of El Calafate. Full kitchen, WiFi, Smart TV + Netflix, central heating and free private parking. Minimum 3 nights. From
$50.000 ARS/night (up to 2 guests).
By staying with Mundo Austral you can book your excursions directly with the agency — no middlemen, at the best price.
See the Apart and availability →
📱 Contact via WhatsApp
Packages and Combos in El Calafate
If you want to make the most of every day and save money, Mundo Austral put together packages combining airport transfers + excursions. Booking the combo works out cheaper than hiring each service separately.
❄️🏔️
2-Day Promo: Moreno + Chaltén
Perito Moreno Glacier with walkways + El Chaltén with guide and lunch included. You save $12.000 compared to booking them separately. From $193.000 ARS.
See promo →
✈️🧊
3-Day Package
Airport→hotel transfer + Perito Moreno Glacier + hotel→airport transfer. Ideal for short stays. From $94.000 ARS per person.
See package →
✈️🧊🏔️
4-Day Package: Moreno + Chaltén
Airport transfers + Perito Moreno + El Chaltén Full Day with lunch included. 4 full days worry-free. From $226.000 ARS.
See package →
✈️🧊🚢
4-Day Package: Moreno + Todo Glaciares
Airport transfers + Perito Moreno + Todo Glaciares cruise (Upsala and Spegazzini). For glacier lovers. From $376.000 ARS.
See package →
✈️🧊🏔️🚢
5-Day Package: The most complete
Transfers + Perito Moreno + El Chaltén + Todo Glaciares. Patagonia's three iconic excursions in a single package. From $504.000 ARS.
See package →
Want a custom package?
We combine the excursions you like best based on your days in El Calafate
Frequently asked questions about El Calafate excursions
What is the best excursion in El Calafate?+
For a first visit, the Perito Moreno Walkways are a must. For adventure seekers, the Minitrekking on the ice is the most intense experience.
How many days do I need in El Calafate?+
We recommend a minimum of 3 full days. Day 1: Walkways. Day 2: Minitrekking or Todo Glaciares. Day 3: El Chaltén Full Day.
Is the National Park entrance fee included?+
No. The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee is paid separately at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar. We give you all the information when you book.
Can I book via WhatsApp?+
When is the best time to visit El Calafate?+
El Calafate operates year-round. Summer (Dec–Mar) has more daylight hours. Winter (Jun–Aug) offers unique snowy landscapes and fewer tourists.
How much is the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee in 2026?+
The 2026 rates at the Río Mitre gate are approximately: non-resident foreigners ARS 50,000, Argentines ARS 25,000, students ARS 15,000 and Santa Cruz residents ARS 8,000. Children under 6, retirees and people with disabilities don't pay. Buy it online at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar and confirm the current price before travelling.
Do I need to book the excursions in advance?+
Yes, especially in high season (December to February). The Minitrekking and the cruises have limited spots that sell out. We recommend booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead via WhatsApp at
+54 9 2966 708029.
Where are we picked up for the excursions?+
Most of our excursions include transfer from your hotel in El Calafate. We pick you up at the time we confirm when you book. If you stay outside the center, ask us for the meeting point.
What clothing and footwear do I need for the excursions?+
Dress in layers (warm layer, waterproof jacket and windbreaker), comfortable or trekking shoes, hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. Patagonian weather changes fast, even in summer. Crampons are provided for the Minitrekking.
What is the minimum age for the Minitrekking?+
The Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is suitable from age 8 up to about 65, in good physical condition. Big Ice requires 18+. The Walkways are suitable for all ages.
What's the difference between the Walkways, Minitrekking and Safari Azul?+
On the Walkways you see the glacier head-on from viewpoints, effortlessly and for all ages. On the Minitrekking you walk on the ice with crampons. Safari Azul takes you by zodiac close to the glacier wall. All three depart from El Calafate with transfer.
How do I get to El Calafate?+
El Calafate has an international airport (FTE), with direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and other cities. You can also arrive via Route 40 by car or bus. We offer a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
What currency is used and how can I pay?+
The Argentine peso is used. Many shops and excursions accept cards, but it's wise to carry some cash, as ATMs can run out during high season.
Can I visit the Perito Moreno Glacier in winter?+
Yes, the Perito Moreno Glacier can be visited 365 days a year. In winter (May to September) there are fewer tourists, the ice looks bluer and excursion prices drop. Park hours are shorter.
What free things can I do in El Calafate?+
The Lake Argentino promenade, the Cerro de los Suspiros viewpoint, the Laguna Nimez Reserve from its outer trail, Avenida del Libertador and the Historical Interpretation Center. Great for your arrival or departure day.
