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Trips Visiting El Calafate
4.85 (11 reviews)
10 Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Discover trips visiting El Calafate
Glaciers, lakes, and big skies, with El Calafate as Patagonia’s easy base
El Calafate is the gateway to Argentina’s ice and lake country, where wide skies, crisp air, and expansive views set the tone. Trips that visit El Calafate usually focus on Los Glaciares National Park and time along Lago Argentino, combining guided highlights with unhurried moments to slow the pace. Some tours stay entirely within Argentina, while others continue into Chile, using El Calafate as a practical and memorable Patagonia stop. With both group and private options available, El Calafate suits travellers who appreciate a well-structured plan, responsive support, and world-class nature within easy reach of town.
Argentina trips starting from El calafate
New
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£152From
pp
New
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£235From
pp
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Waterfalls Wine & Wilderness - 14 daysSample Argentina’s great outdoors with this trip from the magnificent Iguazu Falls to the awe-inspiring glacier of Perito Moreno. Passing through wine country for a tipple continue to Bariloche for forays into the wild cordillera.Private Tours14No favourite part, each place and event was unique although the tango dance show was fantastic. The time spent with the internal flights that are via Buenos Aires left little time to explore for the rest of the day or evening.
Patagonia In Style - 14 daysDiscover the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia on this 14-day group tour. Beginning in Santiago, travel to the remote wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park, before crossing into Argentina to marvel at the dynamic Perito Moreno Glacier and explore Tierra del Fuego, where the rugged, largely uncharted mountains mark the southernmost reaches of the Andes. Along the way, glacial lakes, fjords and towering peaks showcase Patagonia’s stark, haunting beauty, while comfortable hotels and a gentle pace ensure a relaxed experience. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the national parks offer some excellent hiking trails, and the journey concludes in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, where you can soak up the city’s vibrant Latin rhythms and bright lightsWorldwide Touring14Max Wood was a standout! He is, by far, the best guide we have ever had. He was extremely competent, friendly, helpful, and invaluable on this tour. The tour itself was fun and exciting and beautiful. One of our top vacations for sure. our local guide in Ushuaia was not good. He had been in the tour guide business for decades yet could barely speak english and had a hard time answering questions as he did not understand. All of the other local guides were incredible.
Patagonia In Style - 14 daysDiscover the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia on this 14-day group tour. Beginning in Santiago, travel to the remote wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park, before crossing into Argentina to marvel at the dynamic Perito Moreno Glacier and explore Tierra del Fuego, where the rugged, largely uncharted mountains mark the southernmost reaches of the Andes. Along the way, glacial lakes, fjords and towering peaks showcase Patagonia’s stark, haunting beauty, while comfortable hotels and a gentle pace ensure a relaxed experience. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the national parks offer some excellent hiking trails, and the journey concludes in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, where you can soak up the city’s vibrant Latin rhythms and bright lightsWorldwide Touring14Torre del Paines, Pereto Morano glacier, and the various animals along the drive that the guide stopped for us to look at. But the best of the trip was Max the guide. He was by far the most organized and engaged guide we have EVER had and was quick to tailor the tour to what we wanted. Marchelo was the local guide in Ushuaia - He was very difficult to understand and was not interested in what we were interested in. The food at the Estancia - they tried too hard to be hoity-toity - One of the meals should be simple. The first night we did not eat - nothing was to our liking.
Waterfalls Wine & Wilderness - 14 daysSample Argentina’s great outdoors with this trip from the magnificent Iguazu Falls to the awe-inspiring glacier of Perito Moreno. Passing through wine country for a tipple continue to Bariloche for forays into the wild cordillera.Private Tours14The amazing customer service experienced from the tour guides at each destination stood out! We were always contacted a day or 2 before arriving at a destination and the tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly! Each destination on this trip was a must see. Each destination on this trip was a must see , but the flights were a lot and not straight from one destination to another, always returning to Buenos Aires 1st, so one spends a lot of time in airports. Either increase the number of days or include direct flights in the tour. Worth upgrading to 4*.
Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Santiago (Superior) - 11 daysOn this 11-day group tour, explore Buenos Aires’ vibrant districts and iconic landmarks, enjoy a tango show, and marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. Experience the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, including breathtaking viewpoints and the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument. The tour includes a scenic boat ride through the Patagonian fjords and a hike to the impressive Serrano Glacier. The adventure ends in Santiago with guided sightseeing of the Chilean capital.Worldwide Touring11Seeing the glaciers they were amazing It was very well organised
Patagonian Panorama - 12 daysFrom Santiago to Buenos Aires, take in the natural wonders of Patagonia in under two weeks. Explore Chile and Argentina’s capital cities, visit the mystical island of Chiloe, marvel at the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier and explore Torres del Paine National Park by boat. Worldwide Touring12the Perito Moreno Glacier was fantastic
Waterfalls Wine & Wilderness - 14 daysSample Argentina’s great outdoors with this trip from the magnificent Iguazu Falls to the awe-inspiring glacier of Perito Moreno. Passing through wine country for a tipple continue to Bariloche for forays into the wild cordillera.Private Tours14It all ran smoothly. There were four of us doing a private tour The pickups from airport and then taking us back to the airport on departure from each town were reliable and always on time. The included activities were appropriate and also gave us opportunity to explore independently.
Waterfalls Wine & Wilderness - 14 daysSample Argentina’s great outdoors with this trip from the magnificent Iguazu Falls to the awe-inspiring glacier of Perito Moreno. Passing through wine country for a tipple continue to Bariloche for forays into the wild cordillera.Private Tours14Was exactly waterfalls - excellent guides & the scenery & experience was unforgettable. Wine - 🷠olive oil tasting & two wine tastings were very good. Guide & driver very helpful. We were bumped out of the planned accommodation to a sister Hotel across the road which was probably a lower standard
El Calafate trips at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips that visit El Calafate are available as group or private options, and the guiding style varies between itineraries. Many tours use expert local guides for the key sights, supported by planned transfers, clear timings, and dependable on-the-ground assistance throughout.
Accommodation
Accommodation in El Calafate depends on the trip and can range from comfortable standard stays through to 3 star, 4 star, and 5 star hotels. Some tours offer superior or deluxe upgrades on request, and an alternative of similar standard may be used if availability changes.
Trip pacing
Most El Calafate tours follow a medium pace, balancing full days out on the glacier or lake with time back in town. Expect a few early starts for national park and boat excursions, followed by calmer evenings that leave space for dinner, a stroll, and Patagonian views.
Popular tours visiting El Calafate
Why visit El Calafate
A clear gateway to Argentina’s glacier country and bold Patagonian landscapes
El Calafate is a strong choice on Argentina trips because it places Patagonia’s headline scenery close at hand, while still feeling like a working town rather than a resort enclave. The main draw is Perito Moreno Glacier, where thunderous ice calving can happen without warning and the landscape feels constantly in motion. Many trips also include Los Glaciares National Park and time along Lago Argentino, offering vast, wind-swept vistas that are a world away from city life. El Calafate also slots neatly into longer Argentina tours, pairing particularly well with Buenos Aires for culture and food, and Ushuaia for “end of the world” landscapes. It can break up long travel days with one clear, iconic highlight, while keeping logistics straightforward through organised excursions and simple transfers. The destination works for both group tours and private trips, typically combining guided outings for the big-ticket sights with free time to rest, explore, or enjoy the local restaurant scene. Some itineraries also cross into Chile, yet still keep El Calafate as a key Argentine anchor in a broader Patagonia route.
Frequently asked questions
What makes El Calafate a key stop on Argentina trips?
El Calafate is the principal base for visiting Los Glaciares National Park and Lago Argentino, with Perito Moreno Glacier as the headline attraction. Many trips use the town as a comfortable hub for day tours, combining guided sightseeing with downtime back in El Calafate.
Are trips visiting El Calafate guided tours or more independent?
It depends on the trip and how the itineraries are designed. Some tours are fully guided with a tour leader throughout, while others rely on local guides for key days and allow more independent time between excursions. Each itinerary outlines the guiding level so you know what support to expect.
Do El Calafate itineraries include the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Many itineraries include a full day at Perito Moreno Glacier, with time on the walkways and viewpoints to take in the scale and the changing colours of the ice. Some tours also add a boat trip for a closer perspective, and the exact schedule can vary by itinerary.
Do trips to El Calafate run as group or private?
Both are offered, and the format will be confirmed on the trip page. Group trips are shared with other travellers and follow a set plan, while private trips run exclusively for your party and can feel more tailored. The itinerary will specify whether your tour operates as group or private.
What is the pace like on trips visiting El Calafate?
Most trips run at a medium pace, with structured day tours balanced by free time in town. Early starts are common on glacier, lake, and national park days to make the most of daylight and travel times, particularly when excursions are scheduled back-to-back.
What kind of accommodation is used on El Calafate trips?
Accommodation varies by trip, and the hotel style may range from standard properties to higher-category options. Some tours offer upgrades, and a similar hotel may be substituted if the original option is unavailable at the time of travel. The itinerary and trip notes give the planned accommodation details.
Are meals included on Argentina trips that visit El Calafate?
Meal inclusions vary across trips, so it is worth checking the itinerary carefully. Breakfast is often included, and some tours add selected lunches or dinners on excursion days. Each itinerary lists what is included, helping you budget for meals and evenings in El Calafate.
Where do trips that include El Calafate usually start and end?
Start and end points depend on the route and the wider itinerary. Some tours begin and finish in Buenos Aires, while others end elsewhere after El Calafate or continue to extra Patagonia stops. The itinerary will confirm the cities involved and whether transfers are included.
Do any itineraries combine Argentina with other countries?
Yes, some Patagonia itineraries include both Argentina and Chile. On these tours, El Calafate is often positioned as a key Argentine stop, linked with other major highlights across the border as the route continues.
Is there a minimum age for trips visiting El Calafate?
Minimum age rules vary by trip and are set with pace and activities in mind. Some tours accept children from around age 5, while others set a minimum of 12 or 15, particularly where travel days or excursions are longer. Each trip page lists the age requirement alongside notes on the itinerary and activity level.
