What's the typical length of tours starting in El Calafate, Patagonia?

El Calafate tours span between 4 and 15 days with most visitors choosing 4-5 day packages centered on Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier. The shorter tours cover El Calafate's key sights while extended itineraries venture to Torres del Paine and Ushuaia. From a TourRadar traveler: "The navigation was surreal being so close to the glacier. One of the most beautiful landscapes I've seen."

What are the must-see attractions on tours starting from El Calafate?

The Perito Moreno Glacier stands as the region's centerpiece drawing visitors to Los Glaciares National Park. Boat rides on Lake Argentino take travelers to the Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers while stops at Estancia Cristina and the "Curve of Sighs" viewpoint round out the experience. Hotels like Las Dunas and Hosteria Los Pioneros serve as convenient bases. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "If you come to Argentina you have to go to the El Calafate Glaciers. Incredible experience."

What's the best time of year for tours starting in El Calafate?

The most popular time spans October through March when mild temperatures and extended daylight create ideal conditions. January and February see the highest number of visitors though October-November and March-April offer similar weather with smaller crowds. A TourRadar traveler shares: "I truly enjoyed traveling with tours in February the guide and tour was extremely good we had the opportunity to had unbelievable views of the glacier."

How much time should I allocate for glacier viewing when starting from El Calafate?

Plan for one full day (7-8 hours) at Perito Moreno Glacier which includes walkway viewings and boat tours. Visits to Upsala or Spegazzini Glaciers need an additional day. Properties like Hotel Puerto San Julian and Hostel Folk arrange early 7:00 AM departures for maximum viewing time. According to a TourRadar traveler: "You must take it! The guides are very good and the attractions are really impressive."

What types of accommodation are available in El Calafate?

Visitors find a range of places to stay from 3-star Las Dunas to upscale options like Hotel Mirador del Lago and Rochester Calafate all positioned near Lago Argentino. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The Kau Yatun hotel in El Calafate was the best one of the trip. Very comfortable good service good restaurant and nice location."

How do I travel between El Calafate and Torres del Paine?

The 5-6 hour journey crosses the Argentina-Chile border with most tours providing bus service from El Calafate's terminal including stops along scenic Route 40. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "The transportation was very comfortable convenient and reliable pick ups always being on time."

Patagonia Tours from El Calafate

What if you explore El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, visit the advancing Perito Moreno Glacier, or trek through El Chalten's scenic trails? Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, and tour Buenos Aires' historic neighborhoods. Argentina's Patagonia is epic on every single level and it’s waiting for you.

10 best Patagonia tours from El Calafate

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Explorer
Fixed Guided Group Tour: Patagonia Essentials
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"From beginning to end the entire process was smooth, easy and exciting."
Michelle, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine
Age Range
Ages 25+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys
From
US$3,350per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 13 days
4.6 (22 traveler reviews) award winner
"The country was amazing, steppes, forests, the Andes Mountains, glaciers and beautiful deep blue coloured lakes."
Susan, traveled in November
Duration
13 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Chalten,Torres del Paine National Park,Puerto Natales,Punta Arenas,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Beagle Channel,Puerto Harberton,Isla Martillo+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys
From
US$4,005per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Argentina - Calafate, Ushuaia and Buenos Aires - 10 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The Perito Moreno Glacier left us speechless, and the optional day trip to Torres del Paine was one of the most beautiful days of our lives."
Duration
10 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park,Perito Moreno Glacier,El Chalten,Mount Fitz Roy,Cerro Torre Mountain,Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park,Isla Martillo,Buenos Aires+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $1,069
US$909per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
El Chaltén Explorer: 4-Day Trekking Adventure
Duration
4 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Andes MountainsMount Fizroy and Cerro TorrePatagonia+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Signature DMC
15% Off
From
US$1,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Land of Ice & Roots
Duration
3 days
Destinations
El Calafate
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagoniaLos Glaciares National Park+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip to South America
10% Off
From $790
US$711per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Path of Giants: El Calafate and El Chaltén
Duration
4 days
Destinations
El Calafate
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagoniaLos Glaciares National Park+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip to South America
10% Off
From
US$1,170per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
4-Day El Calafate Tour
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"The navigation was surreal, being so close to the glacier. One of the most beautiful landscapes I've seen."
LauraHernandez, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagoniaLos Glaciares National Park+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Tangol Tours
10% Off
From
US$710per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
4-Day Classic El Calafate: Perito Moreno
Duration
4 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagoniaLos Glaciares National Park+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TUI Musement Argentina
15% Off
From $718
US$611per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Mountains and Glaciers: Perito Moreno and Torres del Paine
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The excursions were excellent with knowledgable English speaking guides and hard working drivers."
Graham, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Puerto Natales,Torres del Paine National Park,Punta Arenas+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagoniaTorres del Paine National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
15% Off
From
US$2,330per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Argentina & Chile: Amazing Patagonia - 9 days
4.0 (11 traveler reviews)
"A dreamy holiday!! Everything perfectly organised."
Notina, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Torres del Paine National Park,Puerto Natales+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys
15% Off
From
US$2,110per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
El Calafate & Torres del Paine. Glaciers in Patagonia – 5 Days
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The travel and excursions were organized and seamless. I am happy that I chose HI Travel and would definitely recommend."
MICHELLE, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier,Torres del Paine National Park+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Hi Travel Argentina
15% Off
From
US$514per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Argentina: Calafate and Ushuaia - 5 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"I loved this tour and I could not be more impressed with Receptivo Aborigen. They went above and beyond in looking after me."
Mary, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $569
US$484per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Southern Patagonia: El Calafate & Ushuaia
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Great places, great service. Everything went perfect."
Tony, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia,Tierra del Fuego National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
15% Off
From
US$1,980per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Southern Patagonia: El Calafate, El Chalten & Ushuaia
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tours themselves were good and the guides were good."
Cari, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
El Calafate, El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagoniaLos Glaciares National Park+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
People Travel and Experience
15% Off
From
US$2,895per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Torres del Paine and Ushuaia Adventure 9D/8N
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Safety of all was their priority and that was appreciated. Weather was all over the place yet it was wonderful to experience it all."
Alejandro, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Ushuaia,Punta Arenas+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsChile AustralPatagonia+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
From
US$4,315per person
Price based on Shared Room
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