El Calafate Vacations 2025/2026

Overview

Take a trip to El Calafate on your Argentina Vacation

El Calafate is a city located in Patagonia, Argentina, situated in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz province. A popular tourist destination on Argentina tours, El Calafate is often considered a gateway to Antarctica’s glaciers.

El Calafate’s origins date back to the beginning of the 20th century when it was a frontier town catering to a community of remote estancias (ranchers) and wool traders. While the city was officially founded in 1927 by the government of Argentina with the main goal of promoting settlement, it was the creation of Perito Moreno National Park in 1937 that accelerated the growth of the city. El Calafate began to attract tourists and continues to do so today.

The main draw for tourists on an Argentina vacation coming to El Calafate is the option to visit the Perito Moreno glacier which is one of few glaciers in the world that is not retreating. Scientists say that the glacier is “in balance” because it is always shrinking and growing. By travelling to the national park that shares the glacier’s name, visitors are able to see this magnificent spectacle just metres away. Tourists on Argentina travel can also visit an estancia to experience local history and travel back in time to discover the true heart of Patagonia.

At a Glance

Languages

Spanish

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

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