What to Do in El Calafate in 3 Days

"A lot" or "a little" time is a relative concept depending on each traveler's tastes and their ability to enjoy making several plans in a single day. Those traveling to the Santa Cruz city of El Calafate know that it is one of the most striking jewels of southern Argentina, and that, as such, there is much to discover. However, for special cases, such as three-day getaways, there are plans put together by tourist agencies or guides to cover the essentials that can help shorten the stay and save money. If you are planning a short trip, we want to tell you about a perfect combination of proposals to enjoy without haste, with activities for all tastes.

With this itinerary balanced between adventure, rest, and discovery, you will enjoy El Calafate in three days. Let's start!

First Day in El Calafate: Glaciers and Lakes

The first day in El Calafate deserves to be dedicated entirely to one of the most impressive natural spectacles on the planet: the Perito Moreno Glacier. Located about 80 kilometers from the city center, inside Los Glaciares National Park, this ice colossus is a must-visit for every traveler arriving in southern Patagonia.

The day begins early, ideally with an organized excursion through Best Calafate Tours, which offers comfortable transfers from hotels and specialized guides. Otherwise, you should know that entry hours during summer (September to April) are between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (with a maximum stay until 8:00 PM), while in winter (May to September) it is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (with a maximum stay until 6:00 PM). Updated ticket prices can be found on the official National Parks website.

On the way to the park, the landscape already anticipates what is coming: the arid steppe merges with forests of lengas and ñires, the air becomes purer, and the view gets lost among snowy mountains.

Once inside the park, the tour of the walkways (boardwalks) facing the glacier is a unique experience. From there, the noise of the calvings is heard with unimaginable clarity, a very particular creak preceding the roar of the falling ice. In addition, from these walkways, you feel the strong, dry wind carrying the wild aromas of the Patagonian forests. There are trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, all perfectly signposted and adapted. From the upper viewpoints, a complete panoramic view of the glacier front is obtained, extending for more than five kilometers in width and reaching sixty meters in height.

Walking along the walkways allows contemplating the glacier from different angles and with different shades of light. As the day progresses, the ice changes color: from the bright white of the morning to the intense blues of midday and the golden tones of sunset. Every step offers a new perspective, and every photograph seems to capture a different world. And nothing is nicer than ending the day with a café con leche or a hot chocolate in the cafeteria to recover warmth in the body after long walks facing the ice.

For those looking for an even more complete experience, the recommendation is to combine the visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier with a navigation through the Brazo Rico or the Canal de los Témpanos. From the Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, located a few minutes from the walkways, depart the Nautical Safari boats, one of the most popular excursions of Best Calafate Tours. This ride allows you to approach the huge walls of ice and appreciate the magnitude of the glacier from the water, in an absolutely overwhelming environment.

If you prefer something more extensive, there is also the option of the All Glaciers tour, a full-day journey traversing the North Arm of Lago Argentino and allowing you to see other ice giants, such as the Spegazzini and the Upsala. It is ideal for those wishing to explore beyond Perito Moreno and know the real dimension of the Patagonian ice field.

Upon returning to town, the afternoon invites you to relax and enjoy a good meal in one of the downtown restaurants. An excellent option is Mi Rancho, a classic combining Patagonian warmth with traditional recipes; or Mako Fuegos y Vinos, where the specialty is meats cooked in a clay oven and Argentine wines. You can also opt for Pura Vida, with its homely style and homemade dishes that comfort after an intense day.

The first day closes with a heart full of wonder and the feeling of having witnessed something truly unique: the living force of ice, in one of Argentina's most emblematic landscapes.

Second Day in El Calafate

After the adventure day at the glacier, the second day proposes slowing down and connecting with the calm and daily life of the town. The morning can start at the Laguna Nimez Reserve, one of the most charming and underrated places by many visitors, despite being just a few minutes walk from the center.

This natural reserve is a biodiversity refuge forming part of the Lago Argentino system. It is home to more than 80 bird species, among which stand out flamingos, black-necked swans, black-faced ibises (bandurrias), long-tailed meadowlarks (loicas), coscoroba swans, upland geese (cauquenes), crested ducks (pato crestón), cinereous harriers (gavilán ceniciento), cocoi herons (garza mora), chimango caracaras, southern lapwings (tero común), and red-gartered coots (pico de plata), among many others. It is also possible to observe gray foxes, Patagonian hares, and, with some luck, a condor gliding over the horizon.

The trail surrounding the lagoon is approximately three kilometers long and can be walked calmly in an hour and a half. Along the way, there are viewpoints and observation points equipped with information on local flora and fauna. Sunrises and sunsets at Nimez are especially magical when the sun tints the water with pink reflections and birds group in flocks.

In addition to its beauty, Laguna Nimez fulfills a key function within the regional ecosystem, as it acts as an ecological buffer zone between the urban area and the lake. It is an ideal walk for those seeking a direct contact experience with nature without leaving town.

After the walk, you can return to the civic center of El Calafate, where life goes on among handicraft shops, chocolate shops, coffee shops, and museums. A good cultural stop is the Museo de los Muñecos (Toy Museum), a small but fascinating space combining art, history, and curiosity. There, representative figures of Patagonia, legendary characters, and recreations enchanting both children and adults are exhibited.

Another alternative is visiting the Patagonian Ice Museum, known as Glaciarium, a modern interpretation center explaining interactively the origin and dynamics of glaciers. Its audiovisual rooms, 3D projections, and educational panels make it an unmissable experience to understand the environment surrounding El Calafate. Although we must admit that the most attractive (and complementary) plan for some is inside. Inside is the famous Glaciobar, an ice bar where everything—from walls to glasses—is made of Patagonian ice. The temperature is around -10°C (14°F), so thermal clothing is offered to all visitors. It is a perfect closing for the afternoon: original, fun, and with a different touch.

As night falls, the downtown atmosphere becomes livelier. For craft beer lovers, La Zorra Taproom is one of the busiest places, with good music, abundant picadas (snack platters), and a varied menu of Patagonian beers. Those preferring a quieter environment can opt for an intimate dinner at Isabel Cocina al Disco, where the specialty is stews and dishes based on Magellanic lamb.

The second day leaves a different impression of El Calafate: that of a living town, with history, culture, and its own charm, offering much more than just the glacier postcard.

Third Day in El Calafate: A Magical Closing

The last full day of this itinerary proposes two equally attractive alternatives, depending on the type of experience you seek. On one hand, you can opt for an excursion to El Chaltén, known as the National Capital of Trekking for its great variety of trails. On the other, for a more relaxed and authentic experience at a Patagonian estancia, where rural tradition combines with gastronomy and life under the stars.

Those choosing adventure will find in the Full Day Chaltén by Best Calafate Tours an ideal proposal. This full-day excursion departs early from El Calafate and travels about 220 kilometers bordering Lago Argentino, Lago Viedma, and the mythical Route 40. Along the way, stops are made at natural viewpoints offering spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy, one of Patagonia's most emblematic peaks.

Upon arriving at the small town of El Chaltén, visitors can choose between taking self-guided hikes along the area's trails or taking advantage of free time to check out its bars and restaurants with mountain views. The most active usually opt for trails like the one to Laguna Capri, allowing a close approach to Fitz Roy without requiring great physical effort. Those preferring something quieter can visit the viewpoints of the Río de las Vueltas or Chorrillo del Salto, a waterfall of easy access and undeniable beauty.

The excursion includes lunch and free time to enjoy at leisure before undertaking the return to El Calafate in the afternoon. It is a long but absolutely rewarding day, ideal for those wishing to take a complete image of Andean Patagonia in a single trip.

Instead, if the goal is to close the visit with something more intimate and relaxed, nothing better than spending the day at a traditional Patagonian estancia. Some of the most recommended are Nibepo Aike, Estancia 25 de Mayo, or Estancia Cristina, located in exceptional natural environments and with programs combining gastronomy, horseback riding, hiking, and rural demonstrations.

At Nibepo Aike, for example, you can tour the grounds, learn about shearing tasks, taste a lamb on the spit, and contemplate the sunset over Lago Roca. Many of these estancias also offer dinners under the stars or outdoor bonfires, where visitors can share stories with hosts and appreciate the deep silence of the steppe.

For those looking for a shorter but equally special experience, the Patagonian Dinner with Folklore Show is an excellent option: it includes live music, traditional cuisine, and a pleasant introduction to the customs of the region's pioneers.

The last day can conclude with a walk to the Mirador de los Cóndores and las Águilas, on the outskirts of town. From there, a panoramic view of Lago Argentino, the surrounding hills, and the vastness of the southern sky is obtained, a perfect closing to say goodbye to the south with a heart full of calm.

Plan with the Best and Fulfill the Dream of Knowing El Calafate

Although three days may not seem enough to cover everything El Calafate offers, this itinerary we propose allows knowing its main attractions in a balanced way, combining natural attractions, science and culture, and delicious food.

For this trip, we suggest bringing comfortable and warm clothing at any time of the year, as the weather can change rapidly. Temperatures vary greatly between day and night, even in summer, and wind is a constant. Footwear must also be suitable for walking, especially if planning to hike trails on the glacier or in El Chaltén. It is also advisable to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as solar radiation is intense at this latitude.

And then there is nothing left but to relax and enjoy because El Calafate has excellent tourist infrastructure: hotels of different categories, restaurants, agencies, and transport services facilitating every tour. Best Calafate Tours offers a wide catalog of excursions adapted to all types of travelers: from families and couples to adventurers seeking more demanding experiences. When you are about to make your advance reservations, be sure to consult our advice. We wait for you!