This curated list of the best tours in El Calafate will help you plan your trip with ease, ensuring you don’t miss any of the region’s top attractions.
El Calafate is a small town in Argentine Patagonia, known for its breathtaking scenery, scenic viewpoints, stunning hiking trails, and the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. With so many natural wonders, there’s no shortage of incredible tours to choose from in El Calafate.
While the star attraction is undoubtedly the Perito Moreno Glacier, the region offers much more; think cultural experiences, local cuisine, and a wide variety of landscapes just waiting to be explored.
Did you know? The Perito Moreno Glacier is 30 km (18.6 miles) in length and 5 km (3.1 miles) wide, with ice walls reaching up to 70 meters (230 feet) high, and unlike most glaciers in the world, it is still advancing. It is part of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here are the top 3 tours in El Calafate
The absolute must-see in El Calafate is the Perito Moreno Glacier. When visiting this iconic spot, you can choose between scenic hikes or unforgettable boat tours that bring you up close to the glacier’s towering ice walls.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Torres del Paine National Park on a full-day 4×4 adventure filled with scenic trails and jaw-dropping landscapes.
For a more cultural experience, spend a day at a Patagonian Estancia. This tour includes horseback riding, a traditional local lunch, and an authentic glimpse into the region’s rural lifestyle.
Trip planning tips:
Best Tours in El Calafate for 2025
1. Perito Moreno Glacier: The main attraction in El Calafate
The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park, is El Calafate’s main attraction. Towering over 60 meters high and stretching more than four kilometers across, this massive ice wall creates one of the most stunning and awe-inspiring landscapes in all of South America. It’s by far the most popular experience in El Calafate.
There are plenty of ways to explore the glacier, ranging from scenic hikes to boat cruises with lunch onboard. Each tour offers a unique perspective and angle of the ice giant. Our personal favorite? The boat tour that gets you up close to the glacier’s towering walls.
Best activities to explore the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Perito Moreno Glacier minitrekking excursion: Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is an unforgettable adventure made easy with this guided tour. It includes all necessary gear and takes the stress out of planning, offering a seamless hike through some of Patagonia’s most stunning landscapes, along with insights into the region’s history and culture from expert guides. (see more)
- Perito Moreno Glacier day trip with optional boat ride: Experience the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier on a full-day tour from El Calafate. Travel by coach to Los Glaciares National Park, where you’ll explore scenic walkways and viewpoints offering incredible angles of the glacier. Learn about the park’s geology, wildlife, and plant life from your guide, and choose to upgrade with a boat ride for an up-close view of the glacier’s towering front wall. (see more)
- Glaciares gourmet navigation (Spegazzini, Upsala & Perito Moreno): Witness some of the world’s most spectacular glaciers on this full-day boat tour of Lake Argentino. Cruise through the Iceberg Canal and take in breathtaking views of glaciers like Upsala and Perito Moreno. Choose between a classic experience or upgrade to the premium deck for enhanced viewing platforms. Some packages also include convenient round-trip transfers for a hassle-free day in Los Glaciares National Park. (see more)
- Perito Moreno Glacier with navigation from El Calafate: Discover the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier on this full-day trek, with the option of a guided or self-guided experience. Starting in Los Glaciares National Park, you’ll explore glacier walkways and capture amazing photos from multiple viewpoints. (see more)
2. 4×4 Safari in El Calafate: Wildlife & Patagonian Landscapes
On this 4×4 safari, you’ll have the chance to see native species like guanacos, Andean condors, and Patagonian foxes. The route also takes you past ancient marine fossils and panoramic viewpoints with sweeping views of the region. The experience includes either lunch or dinner and is available in both English and Spanish. Hotel pickup is included.
Tip: Safaris are best from October to April, when wildlife is more active and the steppe is greener.
3. Perito Moreno Kayak Trip: Paddle Through Icy Waters
Looking for a fun and unique way to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier? This kayaking tour lets you glide across the glacier’s icy blue waters while soaking in its breathtaking scenery. If you love the combination of adventure and stunning landscapes, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences in El Calafate.
The tour includes hotel pickup, all necessary equipment, and bilingual instructors (Spanish and English). At the end of the adventure, you’ll warm up with a selection of hot drinks. This tour is available only from September to May due to weather conditions.
4. 4×4 Tour to Balcones del Calafate: Epic Panoramic Views
The Balcones del Calafate are natural viewpoints located on Cerro Huyliche, offering some of the most stunning panoramic views in the region. From this high vantage point, you can see El Calafate, the Andes Mountains, and Lake Argentino—and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
The most popular way to reach the Balcones is by 4×4, making this tour ideal for travelers who want to explore both the lookout and other scenic spots along the way. To wrap up the adventure, you can choose to descend via hiking trail or zipline. The tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide (English or Spanish), and lunch or afternoon snacks.
Alternative: You can combine this with a zipline descent for an extra adrenaline rush.
5. Hike Through La Leona Petrified Forest: A Journey Into Ancient Geology
This tour is perfect for travelers fascinated by history and geology. The La Leona Petrified Forest is a natural park home to a fossilized forest dating back over 150 million years, preserved by volcanic activity and erosion over time.
You’ll hike through this ancient landscape with a bilingual guide (English or Spanish), who will share the fascinating story behind the area and point out its unique features along the way. The tour includes hotel pickup and a picnic-style lunch.
6. Kayak Tour on the La Leona River: Nature and Adventure in One Day
This full-day tour combines kayaking and scenic hiking for an unforgettable outdoor experience. It starts with hotel pickup and a one-hour paddle along the serene La Leona River, surrounded by stunning Patagonian landscapes.
After docking, you’ll embark on a guided hike of over an hour through the nearby petrified forest. Along the way, your bilingual guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the area’s natural history. A picnic lunch is included to round out this immersive adventure.
7. Bike Tour at Estancia 25 de Mayo: Ride Through Patagonian Landscapes
Looking to explore El Calafate in a more active and immersive way? This guided bike tour through Estancia 25 de Mayo takes you on a scenic 16 km (10 miles) trail surrounded by the raw beauty of Patagonian nature.
Led by a bilingual guide (English or Spanish), the tour includes strategic stops to admire the landscape and learn about the region’s history. Mountain bikes, hotel pickup, and a hearty lunch are all included, making it a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Other Experiences to Discover Estancias in El Calafate:
- Nibepo Aike Ranch with Horseback Riding.
- Discover Estancia Cristina Fossil Canyon Trekking Adventure.
- Ride Experience—Canyons & Mounts.
8. Culinary Experience in El Calafate: Cooking Class & Argentine Tasting Menu
If you love discovering a destination through its food, this culinary experience in El Calafate is a must. While the region is best known for its natural beauty, its cuisine is just as memorable.
During this tour, you’ll enjoy an engaging introduction to local culinary traditions, take part in a hands-on cooking session, and help prepare a delicious three-course menu—paired perfectly with a glass of fine Argentine wine. A flavorful and authentic way to connect with Patagonian culture.
9. Day Trip to Torres del Paine National Park: Breathtaking Chilean Landscapes
Torres del Paine National Park is the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia, known for its dramatic landscapes of rugged peaks, glaciers, lakes, and iconic rock formations. Thanks to El Calafate’s proximity to the Chilean border, this full-day tour is a popular option for travelers looking to explore both sides of Patagonia.
The excursion in El Calafate includes hotel pickup, cross-border transportation, and a guided exploration of the park’s most scenic viewpoints. You’ll also enjoy a 1.5-hour hike surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery. The tour also includes a picnic-style lunch and a bilingual guide (English or Spanish), making it one of the best day trips in El Calafate.
Important: Bring your passport and allow time for border control.
10. Day Trip to El Chaltén: Hikes and Mountains with Fitz Roy as the Star
El Chaltén is a charming Argentine town located about 200 km (124 miles) from El Calafate, famous for its dramatic natural scenery, including the iconic Mount Fitz Roy and the stunning Laguna de Los Tres, some of the most breathtaking sights in Argentina.
Ideally, we recommend spending at least one night in El Chaltén to fully enjoy its many trails and scenic spots at a relaxed pace. However, if your schedule is tight, or you don’t mind a quicker visit, a day trip still offers a great introduction to this outdoor paradise.
This tour includes round-trip transfers with hotel pickup, as well as transportation to and from El Chaltén. Throughout the day, a bilingual guide will accompany you, sharing insights into the town’s history and leading you to some of the area’s most beautiful viewpoints. A picnic-style lunch is also included, making it a convenient and scenic way to explore El Chaltén in a single day.
How to Book the Best El Calafate Tours?
The two best ways to book tours in El Calafate are in person at a local travel agency or online through booking platforms.
Booking In Person (In El Calafate)
Booking your tours directly with local agencies in El Calafate can sometimes mean better prices, but that’s not guaranteed. The downside is that you’ll need to spend valuable travel time visiting agencies, browsing their activity catalogs, and arranging your tours on the spot.
Depending on the season and the activity, some tours may be fully booked, especially with the more reputable agencies. And if you don’t speak Spanish, the process might be a bit tricky unless the agency has staff who speak English or another language you are comfortable with.
- Pros: sometimes better prices, flexibility.
- Cons: risk of sold-out tours, language barriers.
Booking Online Through Tour Platforms
The main downside of booking online is that some tours may be slightly more expensive, but that’s not always the case.
The big advantage is convenience: you can book from the comfort of your home, review all the details about what’s included (and what’s not), and read real reviews from other travelers who’ve taken the same tour. Best of all, once you arrive in El Calafate, everything is already arranged—no need to spend time booking on the ground. Just show up and enjoy.
The platforms we use to book tours in El Calafate are Civitatis, Viator, and GetYourGuide. We always compare the same tour across all three to see which one offers the best price.
We also make sure to check reviews from other travelers to confirm the reliability of the tour operator and ensure they deliver on what’s promised.
- Pros: convenience, reviews, secure payments.
- Cons: occasionally higher prices.
Booking Online Directly with Local Agencies
Another way to book tours in El Calafate is by contacting local agencies in advance through their websites or Instagram profiles. Booking conditions and payment methods vary depending on the agency.
We don’t recommend this booking method unless you already have a trusted agency. If you do decide to book tours in El Calafate directly through a local agency’s website or social media, avoid making advance payments to reduce the risk of scams.
How Many Days to Stay in El Calafate
For a complete experience in El Calafate:
- 2–3 days: Perito Moreno + Balcones or La Leona.
- 4–5 days: Add Torres del Paine or El Chaltén day trips.
- 1 week: Combine with multi-day Patagonia itineraries (including cruises and estancias).
How to Get to El Calafate
- By Air: El Calafate International Airport (FTE) connects with Buenos Aires (3h flight) and Ushuaia.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses link El Calafate with El Chaltén and Bariloche.
Where to stay in El Calafate
- Downtown: Best for first-timers (walking distance to restaurants and agencies).
- Lakefront: Stunning views, quieter area, boutique hotels.
- Estancias: Immersive cultural stays.
Still deciding where to stay? See our full guide to the best places and hotels to stay in El Calafate.
Other Tours in El Calafate, Argentina
Plan your trip to Argentina—Hotels, Car Rentals & Tours
Organizing your trip to Argentina? Here’s our go-to travel toolkit, with hotels, car rentals, and tours we personally use and recommend. It’s everything you need for a smooth, stress-free adventure.
Book your hotel in Argentina in advance
We always use Booking.com and Hotels.com for our trips; they offer the best rates, secure bookings, and often include free cancellation. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with family, you’ll find the perfect hotel in Argentina. Our top picks:
- Mine Hotel (Buenos Aires)
- Diplomatic Hotel (Mendoza)
- Hotel Nahuel Huapi (Bariloche)
- Hotel Kosten Aike (El Calafate)
Check availability and prices now.
Travel Insurance for Argentina: A Must-Have for a Stress-Free Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, keep in mind that travel insurance is mandatory. But it’s not just about meeting a requirement; it’s your safety net for unexpected situations like illness, accidents, lost luggage, or even trip cancellations. Our top recommendation for reliable travel insurance is World Nomads.
Want More Freedom? Rent a Car in Argentina
If you’re looking to explore Argentina at your own pace, with total freedom to create your own itinerary and uncover hidden gems between cities, renting a car is the way to go. Not only will you enjoy added comfort, but you’ll also have the flexibility to savor every stop without feeling rushed.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.
*By booking through our links, you won’t pay anything extra—and you’ll be supporting our work in creating exclusive travel tips. Safe travels, and see you on the next adventure!
