About
El Calafate is a tourist town in Santa Cruz Province, in the south of Argentina. It serves mainly as a base for visitors heading to the Perito Moreno Glacier and the wider Los Glaciares National Park, and much of its character comes from that role. The town takes its name from the calafate, a native berry of the Patagonian steppe, which is why it is sometimes also called Calafate Berry Town.
What the visit is like
Most people come here with the glacier in mind. From the town, day trips reach the Perito Moreno Glacier, and the national park around it offers the chance to see the ice and the surrounding Patagonian landscape up close. A stay of a few days lets you split the time between the park and the town itself, without rushing the trip.
What to expect in the town
- A compact, tourist-oriented town that works well as a base for excursions.
- Views across the open steppe and towards the mountains and lakes of the region.
- The calafate berry, which gives the town its name and features in local life.
El Calafate suits travellers who want to plan their time around the national park and its glacier, and who are happy to use the town as a practical place to stay between outings. Check current transport and park arrangements before you travel, as these are outside the scope of this guide.