As part of our trip to Patagonia, we had planned on spending some time in El Calafate, Argentina. After spending 4 days hiking in Patagonia we headed over to El Calafate. Our hotel had provided shuttle service to El Calafate. We started at 7am – with a check point at the Chilean border. Once we reached the Argentina Border there was an entry checkpoint – after that we had to transfer to an Argentinian vehicle – this felt like we were in a spy movie!
The hotel we stayed at was the Esplendor El Calafate Hotel, the link is https://www.esplendorhoteles.com/en/hotels/argentina/hotels-in-el-calafate/esplendor-el-calafate/
It was very conveniently located close to the main town area where all the shops and restaurants are. We had a great view of the Lago Argentino – very blue waters that are fed from the Glacier.
The town has the feel of a ski resort – very pretty with lots of good food, nice bars, amazing restaurants and a fun place to just walk around. The main attraction is of course the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is the largest glacier outside of Antarctica and is still growing!!
We took a taxi there and asked the driver to wait for us – it was super easy to do that at the taxi stand in the main town. Be sure to take cash to pay for the entrance to the park. There are nice walkways to see the glacier and the view is simply breath taking – there are no words to describe it. We also took a boat ride to see the glacier up front. After the ride, we went to the cafeteria to have shot of whisky which is served with ice from the glacier – what a way to end the day.
Places to eat and drink:
Mako, Avenida Del Libertador 1610, Avenida Libertador 1614 Z9405AIO El Calafate
Very good steak, great soup that had a beautiful presentation, some of the meat is served on a hot rock
Mi Rancho, Gobernador Moyano 1089, 9 de Julio 265 9405 El Calafate
A homely place to have good steak as well as salads, empanadas, etc.
Wanaco, Avenida Del Libertador 1091 Z9405AHI El Calafate
A fun place to have drinks – we went there after the trip to the Glacier and it is a nice place to have a few drinks and some small bites
La Lechuza, Avenida Del Libertador 932, Santa Cruz, El Calafate ·
Very good pizza – there is usually a wait as it is a popular place – we had lunch there right after we arrived
LibroBar, Avenida del Libertador 1015, local 27, Aldea de Los Gnomos 9405
We went here for an afternoon drink, cool place with books on shelves, lots of different posters and overlooking an area with little shops – cool décor.
