El Calafate is the province's big tourism hub and often the arrival point for travelers continuing along Route 40. It sits on the southern shore of Lake Argentino and, according to the province, is the only access point to the Perito Moreno Glacier, a World Heritage Site, and to the southern section of Los Glaciares National Park.
Things to do
- Visit the Perito Moreno, Spegazzini, Seco and Upsala glaciers.
- Boat trips facing the Perito Moreno and trekking on the glacier.
- Kayaking on Lake Argentino, horseback riding and sport fishing.
- Caves with rock paintings on the shores of Lake Argentino.
National park and tour fees change by season: check before you travel at Turismo Santa Cruz – El Calafate.
Getting there
Fly into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE). By land, via RN 40 or RP 5. From here, El Chaltén is about 220 km away and Tres Lagos about 2 hours up Route 40. Tourism office: Bajada de Palma 44.
Onward travel
From the glacier, Route 40 heads north: Tres Lagos, Gobernador Gregores and Northern Route 40.
