El Calafate
Posted 8 months ago at 9:17 pm. Add a comment
In the Santa Cruz province, in the Patagonian district of Argentina, lies the beautiful and internationally famous resort town of El Calafate. A small resort that is the entrance point to the world of glaciers in the country, El Calafate attracts thousands visitors every year, including every one from celebrity types to outdoor enthusiasts, and leaves a long lasting impression on each one of them. If you are looking for a winter wonderland, you will find it in El Calafate.
Sitting on the shore side of Lago Argentino, EL Calafate who names was derived from a small fruit berry bush common in Patagonia, sits in the southern sector of the province and within close proximity to the Chilean border and Andes Mountains. The climate here, due to its altitude and mountain surroundings, is cool during most of the year, with maximum temperatures in the summer months reaching 19C. In the winter, the average temperature stays at around -2C in the city, much lower in the surrounding mountains and during cold nights. The hours of daylight also changes dramatically over the year; in summer the sun rises before 6am and sets around 11pm, whereas in winter, the sun rises around 8am and sets around 4pm.
This beautiful resort town is very accustomed to its high tourist population and caters to it very well. A picturesque city centre with tree-lined streets, visitors can find a multitude of hotels, hostels, cabins, restaurants, bars, clothing shops, souvenir shops, and tourism offices. During the peak seasons, January and February, the city fills to the brim with tourists who have come to enjoy the city amenities and see the outdoor sights; downtown becomes full with ‘high society’ socialites, dining and shopping at the best restaurants and stores, and the streets fill with fancy cars, all on show. There is still room for adventure enthusiasts who find there one place in the city, enjoying a cold beverage after a day of glacier hiking, and the incredible and diverse nightlife. Outside of peak season, and when prices are a little more affordable, the city is still a major tourist destination, more laidback than in January and February, and during all winter months’ accommodation and travel arrangements should be booked well in advanced.
The reason that every year thousands of visitors come to El Calafate is to visit the incredible surrounding area and its access point to the world of glaciers.
Glaciers National Park
The tourist attraction in the area, the Glaciers National Park, covering a total of 600,000 hectares, is home to 47 different glaciers that can be visited, such as Me Viedma, Bolado, Onelli, Peineta, Mayo, Spegazzini, Mayano, Moreno, Frias, Upsala, Agassiz, and Marconi, to name a few. This winter wonderland of glaciers is truly a unique experience, described by some as the highlight of Argentina, so be sure to bring your camera to capture this incredible trip into the Glaciers.
Tours of the Glaciers can be booked in through the many tourism offices in El Calafate, and operate using major bus fleets, modern boats, and bilingual guides (English and Spanish) who will tour you through the park, bringing you to the Perito Moreno Glacier (80km from Calafate), used as a view point, and if ability fits, you may hike though the glaciers.
Remember that the weather is cold in El Calafate and during outgoings, protective gear should be used. Check beforehand with your guides on proper shoe wear and clothing that should be worn.
Go back to Argentina Travel Planet homepage.