Lakes of El Calafate: Which Ones to Visit and How
Anyone traveling to El Calafate by air, approaching the Santa Cruz city, is surprised to see from the heights the immensity of a clear and intense light blue lake: that mass of water of a particular color is Lago Argentino, the largest in Argentina and the third largest in South America. The surface of Lago Argentino is 1,560 square kilometers (600 sq mi), a phenomenon that makes it the star of this Patagonian city. But it is not the only one that brings pride to this region: Lago Roca and Laguna Nimez also have reasons to be visited. In this article, we will explore the qualities that best define the rivers, lagoons, and lakes of El Calafate and how to get to know them through unmissable excursions.
Lago Argentino, the Emblem of El Calafate
As we pointed out before, Lago Argentino is a giant of great extension located at 185 meters above sea level: it has a length of 125 kilometers and a maximum width ranging between 14 and 20 kilometers. Its depth varies between 35 and 1,000 meters. On the southern coast and in the center, in front of the Avellaneda Peninsula, it is 300 meters deep.
The lake consists of a main body and some ramifications or arms: Brazo Upsala, Brazo Norte, Brazo Rico, and Brazo Sur. The latter two join the main mirror of the lake through the Canal de los Témpanos (Iceberg Channel), which passes in front of the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.
Its waters have a very particular turquoise color due to the sediments they contain, known as "Glacial Milk" (Leche Glaciaria), a product of glacier erosion.
In this sense, it is noteworthy that several emblematic glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, such as Perito Moreno and Upsala, flow into this lake. Furthermore, it is the origin of the Santa Cruz River, which drains into the Atlantic Ocean.
The importance of this lake is such that, every year, in February, the National Festival of Lago Argentino takes place, summoning the country's most famous artists and hundreds of visitors for a week-long journey of music, tournaments, games, dances, traditional activities, and much more.
Navigating Lago Argentino allows to spot incredibly colored icebergs floating in the water and visit the Upsala and Spezgazzini glaciers and Onelli Bay. These navigations mostly depart from Punta Bandera, 45 kilometers from downtown El Calafate.
Did you know that its baptism was delayed long after its discovery? In 1873, the sailor Valentín Filberg reached the lake and did not name it, believing it was Lago Viedma, discovered by Viedma in 1782. Four years later, Francisco Moreno and Carlos Moyano arrived at the lake, verifying Feiberg's error: this was another lake, and Moreno decided to name it "Argentino" on February 15, 1877.
Lago Roca, Another Charm of the Patagonian South
Another of El Calafate's natural treasures is Lago Roca, located south of the city, within the limits of Los Glaciares National Park. This area offers a more intimate and quiet experience due to its distance from the center and being sheltered from the wind, two factors that make it ideal for camping, hiking, or sport fishing, among other activities.
This lake allows the visitor to appreciate a transition landscape where the vastness of the Patagonian steppe merges with the first mountain elevations. Its environment, more protected, is ideal for a day of deep connection with nature.
Many locals and tourists take advantage of its silent environment to practice fishing. It is also the perfect setting for horseback riding and hiking that venture into little-explored trails.
Laguna Nimez
For those looking for a wilder option without leaving the urban area, Laguna Nimez is the sure stop. It is located on the coast of Lago Argentino and within walking distance of downtown El Calafate.
This natural reserve is a vital wetland for the region: with its more than 35 hectares, it is fed by the nearby Lago Argentino and functions as a refuge for more than 80 bird species, many of them migratory.
During the walk through its self-guided circuit—which traverses wooden boardwalks and marked gravel paths—the visitor can observe everything from flamingos to black-necked swans, upland geese (cauquenes), black-faced ibises (bandurrias), and a wide variety of ducks and grebes. In spring and summer, the lagoon takes on a special color with native flowers sprouting among the reeds.
From various points of the tour, exceptional panoramic views of Lago Argentino and the Andean mountains looming on the horizon are obtained. Due to its proximity and easy access, the reserve is a mandatory stop for both lovers of Patagonian flora and fauna and travelers looking for a short walk before or after exploring the glaciers.
Experiences Near the Lakes, Rivers, and Lagoons of El Calafate
Those wishing to explore these aquatic landscapes from different perspectives will find in local excursions an opportunity to immerse themselves fully in Patagonian life.
One of the most authentic proposals is the horseback ride at Estancia Río Mitre, where the journey on horseback along the banks of the homonymous river allows entering the steppe and contemplating the Andes mountain range from a unique perspective. During the tour, canyons and plains typical of the rural environment of Patagonia are traversed. And as a finishing touch, a Patagonian asado while sharing anecdotes and stories with the people of the estancia.
Another unforgettable option is the kayaking excursion on Lago Argentino, an experience combining the silence of the water with the magnitude of the glacial landscape. Guided by specialized instructors, travelers paddle over turquoise waters while small icebergs detached from the glaciers float around them.
The trekking to Lago Roca and Estancia Nibepo Aike invites walking among hills and grasslands until reaching the lake's shores, where the mountain range is reflected like a mirror. Nibepo Aike, one of the most emblematic estancias of Los Glaciares National Park, preserves tradition with demonstrations of milking, shearing, and horseback riding evoking the history of Patagonian pioneers.
Among the experiences combining navigation and countryside, Estancia Cristina is undoubtedly one of the most complete. The day begins with a catamaran journey through the North Arm of Lago Argentino, crossing icebergs until reaching the estancia, located in a remote enclave between mountains. From there, hikes and 4x4 vehicle excursions are made to the Upsala Glacier viewpoint, one of the most striking landscapes in southern Argentina.
Finally, the Caves and Lakes in 4x4 excursion proposes a different adventure, ideal for those seeking more active contact with Patagonian geography. Aboard all-terrain vehicles, travelers traverse ancient tracks between hills, rock formations, and small lagoons. The itinerary includes a visit to caves with cave paintings, testimony to the passage of native peoples through these lands.
Each of these experiences offers a complementary look at the aquatic environment of El Calafate. We hope you like them. Have a great trip!