Things to do in El Calafate and the surrounding region
Among the things to do in El Calafate, a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier is a natural starting point, but it is only one way to experience the region. The town is a base for the southern part of Los Glaciares National Park, boat routes on Lago Argentino and a longer outing towards El Chaltén. These are separate journeys with different starting points and levels of walking, so it helps to choose the experience before arranging transport.
At Perito Moreno, the walkways look across the water towards the glacier. They offer a land-based visit, with viewpoints and a choice of routes. For an account of the protected landscape and visitor rules, see the guide to Los Glaciares National Park. Leave time for the park entrance as well as the journey from town.
Another day can take you onto the lake. The Upsala and Spegazzini guide covers a different glacier route from Punta Bandera. A multi-glacier navigation and a short visit to the Perito Moreno front are distinct outings, so compare their departure points and the time each takes.
Kayaking in front of Perito Moreno
A kayak outing offers a water-level perspective on the glacier setting. The activity listed here includes a professional guide, kayak, waterproof drysuit, thermal suit, boots and life jackets, along with snacks and hot drinks. The estimated kayaking time is approximately 90 minutes within a longer activity. National park fees are extra and hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded.
The meeting point is in Los Glaciares National Park. Arrange the journey there and the precise meeting point with the operator. This is a different way to experience the water from a passenger boat; compare the physical activity and equipment as well as the schedule. The boat tour guide explains the navigation choices for travellers who prefer to travel aboard a vessel.
Kayaking near the glacier
Our take: This guided kayak activity includes protective equipment, snacks and hot drinks.
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Kayak near the glacier
A guided kayak activity includes protective equipment, snacks and hot drinks; make your own way to the park.
El Chaltén and the northern park
El Chaltén opens a different part of Los Glaciares, with mountain walks rather than the southern glacier walkway circuit. It can be considered as a day outing from El Calafate or as a base for more time on the trails. The park administration describes bus connections between the towns. Compare the travel arrangements with the amount of walking time you want, and check the current schedule for your date.
The northern park has its own entry information. Park admission, camping reservations and trail registration are separate matters: the park administration lists reservations for De Agostini, Laguna Capri and Poincenot camps, and registration for Laguna Toro. Check the requirements for your chosen route and date rather than treating a town visit as the same itinerary as an overnight hike.
A municipal description from 2016 presents Laguna de los Tres as a demanding walk via the Capri and Poincenot area. Use that older description as orientation, not as a promise of current trail conditions or walking time. The park's northern-zone advice recommends carrying food and weather protection and planning to return before dark. Conditions in the mountains can differ from those in town.
Torres del Paine
A day trip to Torres del Paine National Park crosses into Chile and calls for a much longer day. Agency listings dated 11 August 2026 give 16 hours for a minibus programme and 14 hours for a four-wheel-drive programme. These are complete excursion durations, including the programme, rather than border or driving times alone. Check the border and entry requirements relevant to your journey before setting out.
Horse riding near Lago Argentino
Horse riding is another way to encounter the landscape around El Calafate. A local agency describes guided private rides at El Galpón del Glaciar, including a route along the coast of Lago Argentino. Its listed services include protective equipment, while transport is separate. Dates and conditions depend on the specific outing, so use its details when deciding whether it fits your plans.
For a balanced itinerary, avoid treating every activity as a variation of the same glacier visit. The walkways are a close land-based perspective, the lake routes involve a boat departure, and El Chaltén centres on mountain walking. Choose a base and transport accordingly; our getting there guide explains the road to the southern glacier area.
Questions about the El Calafate area
Can I visit other glaciers from El Calafate?
Yes. Boat routes from Punta Bandera explore the Upsala and Spegazzini area, separately from the Perito Moreno walkways.
Does the kayak activity include transport from my hotel?
The described activity excludes hotel pickup and drop-off. It starts in the national park, with the precise meeting point arranged with the operator.
Is El Chaltén the same part of the park as the glacier walkways?
El Chaltén is associated with the northern area of Los Glaciares. The Perito Moreno walkways are in the southern visitor area.
Is Torres del Paine a short drive from El Calafate?
It involves a border crossing. The cited agency programmes take 14 or 16 hours for the complete outing, including their activities.