What to do in El Calafate: Complete 3-Day Itinerary in Argentine Patagonia

If you’re looking for a unique and natural experience in Patagonia, you’ll surely know that El Calafate is one of those destinations you must visit.

El Calafate, known as the land of Glaciers, is located in the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. It is famous for its extraordinary wild nature, immense ice blocks, and charming landscapes. From the famous Perito Moreno Glacier to the boat tours on Lake Argentino, these experiences guarantee unforgettable moments.

Discover here what to do in El Calafate, a complete Itinerary for 3 days in Argentine Patagonia during your vacation. This package offers a perfect mix of adventure and excitement, allowing you to enjoy the most stunning landscapes of the region. Don’t hesitate, you’re one step closer!

Plan your visit to El Calafate with Daytours4u and just focus on enjoying!

Day 1: Discovering Perito Moreno

Once you arrive in El Calafate, your adventure is about to begin! Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation. Once settled, you can get ready for the first adventure of the day.

This day will be dedicated to one of the most impressive natural wonders of Argentina: visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park! You now have three options to explore it:

Perito Moreno and Walkways:

Here you can walk in front of the immensity of the Perito Moreno Glacier on its carefully designed walkways, providing you with a spectacular view at every point. Optionally, you can add a 1-hour boat ride to see Perito Moreno on Lake Argentino, ideal for complementing the best views.

Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier:

This option is ideal for those seeking adventure on their trip. With this Minitrekking excursion, you can walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia. The guided hike by an expert offers impressive views of the ice formations and natural surroundings. Crampons are worn to walk on the glacier, exploring waterfalls, seracs, crevasses, and lakes. A true Patagonian experience!

Safari Azul at Perito Moreno:

This excursion is ideal for those looking for some adventure and to get up close to the Patagonian ice. Unlike the minitrekking, here you don’t walk on the glacier but in front of it. It’s a shorter and less intense experience, suitable for any traveler.

Recommendations for Day 1: To fully enjoy this day, I recommend looking for a flight that arrives in El Calafate as early as possible, or preferably the day before, as these excursions usually start at 7:30 am and last all day. Therefore, you must consider the flight arrival time, transfer to the hotel, and accommodation.

Find out here what to do in Perito Moreno and their key differences.

Choose from the 3 most famous excursions to discover the Perito Moreno Glacier: Minitrekking, Walkways, and/or Safari Azul. Which one do you choose?

Day 2: Glacier Navigation in El Calafate

Your visit to El Calafate won’t be complete without a glacier navigation on Lake Argentino.

All Glaciers - Todo Glaciares Navigation:

This navigation, like the previous excursions, takes place in Perito Moreno National Park. From Punta Bandera Port, you will sail the North Arm of Lake Argentino towards the Upsala Channel and then the Spegazzini Channel.

Along the way, you’ll encounter imposing glaciers like the Seco Glacier and the Peineta Glacier, as well as the majestic Spegazzini Glacier. And if you’re lucky, you may hear the ice breaking off. It’s an experience that brings you uniquely close to the indigenous nature of Patagonia. Don’t forget to add it to your itinerary!

Sail through Lake Argentino and discover the vastness of the Spegazzini, Upsala Glaciers, and more along the way.

Day 3: Trekking and Adventure in El Calafate

For a complete experience in El Calafate, another activity you should add to your itinerary is trekking in Patagonia. You can enjoy a day of trekking in El Chaltén or visit Torres del Paine from El Calafate in the Chilean Patagonia. Discover these options here!

Full Day in El Chaltén:

This full-day adventure invites you to explore the paths and forests of Patagonia. Known as the National Capital of Trekking, El Chaltén offers breathtaking landscapes and trails for all levels. Spend a day discovering the charms of the South, always accompanied by the Andes mountain range and the famous Fitz Roy Peak.

Full Day to Torres del Paine:

This full-day excursion departs from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park, located between the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica, one of the most treasured gems of Chilean Patagonia. Along the way, you’ll see iconic points like Laguna Amarga and admire the imposing Torres del Paine.

This tour includes visits to Puerto Pudeto and a hike to Salto Grande, continuing to the Cuernos del Paine viewpoint. You’ll visit several points of interest, including a view of the Valle del Francés, Monte Paine Grande, and more.

Travel Tip: If you want to enhance your experience even more, add nighttime activities to your itinerary, like the Calafate Night Tour - Star Observation or the Nativo Experience: Lakes and Caves Tour in Calafate. But be mindful that it doesn’t overlap with your daytime excursion schedule.

Explore Patagonia Tours with Daytours4u and experience traveling to one of the world’s most impressive destinations, located between Argentina and Chile!

Book your Complete Experience in El Calafate Now

Plan your 3-Day Tourist Package in El Calafate with us and experience up close what to do in Patagonia. Get to know the Perito Moreno Glacier, the great Lake Argentino, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, and much more! Customize your travel package and don’t miss anything during your stay in Patagonia. At Argentina4u, we’re here to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

By: Hasbleidy Chacón, enthusiastic traveler and content coordinator for Daytours4u.com.