We know that a number of people make the trip down to El Calafate in order to visit Perito Moreno and the other famous Patagonian glaciers, however, many don't realise that the city offers a whole lot more than this. Below you will find three alternative activities in El Calafate, so you can see a different side to the city and ensure that you truly make the most of your trip.

1. Exploring a private reserve

Reserva Los Huemeles is a private 5500-hectare reserve with 25km of marked trails that enable you to see mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. Be sure to head straight to the Visitor’s Centre, from where you can embark on a tour that teaches you about the different flora and fauna of the region, as well as its original inhabitants and pioneering settlers. You can carry out a number of tourist activities in the reserve, but only those with low environmental impact are permitted, such as walking, cycling, riding, climbing and cross-country skiing. To get to Reserva Los Huemeles, you need to take Highway 23, which connects El Chaltén and Lago del Desierto, and continue for 17 kilometres.

2. Horse-riding on a traditional Argentine ranch

On the outskirts of El Calafate lies Estancia el Galpon, a ranch located beside the beautiful Lake Argentino. You can book a horse-riding experience there, which takes you across beautiful landscapes and provides panoramic views over the lake, Mata Negra and Coirones. You may also spot local wildlife, such as hares, owls and finches. Along the way back, you will be able to see Cordillera De Los Andes and icebergs from the Upsala Glacier in the distance.

[caption id="attachment_6864" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Horse-riding enables you to witness some incredible scenery Horse-riding enables you to witness some incredible scenery / source[/caption]

3. Visiting an estancia for the day

There are a number of beautiful estancias in El Calafate, but two which really stand out are Estancia 25 de Mayo and Estancia Cristina. At the former, you can watch sheep-herding, sample traditional local food and watch folk performances, whilst the latter offers adventures through the glacial landscapes. Day trips to both of these estancias can be booked via the Argentina4u website.

[caption id="attachment_6865" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Book a day trip to Estancia Cristina for amazing glacial landscapes Book a day trip to Estancia Cristina for amazing glacial landscapes / source[/caption]

These alternative activities in El Calafate will allow you to see a different side of this special part of Patagonia. There are of course plenty of other things to do in El Calafate, including the more traditional tours. To find out more, or to book tours in El Calafate, visit our website.

By: Milly Day - English Content Manager For: Argentina4U