Tripomatic

El Calafate

Town · Santa Cruz Province, 🇦🇷 Argentina
Population 22,844
Area 50 km²
Time zone America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos
Official website elcalafate.gov.ar
El Calafate

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Featured Lists

Douglas Fernandes / CC BY 2.0

El Calafate Essentials: Glaciers & Wild Patagonia

El Calafate serves as the primary base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park. This selection highlights key urban sites, including the Laguna Nimez bird sanctuary, home to over 80 species such as Chilean flamingos. The town's history is documented at the Centro de Interpretación Histórica, which covers 14,000 years of Patagonian heritage from the Ice Age to the arrival of pioneers. Public spaces like the Anfiteatro del Bosque host cultural events, while various viewpoints offer panoramas of Lake Argentino and the surrounding Andean peaks.

9 places
Douglas Fernandes / CC BY 2.0

Local Hidden Gems

Beyond the glaciers of El Calafate, these locations offer a deeper look into Patagonian history and ecology. Explore 14,000 years of regional heritage at the interpretive center or observe over 80 bird species, including Chilean flamingos, at the Laguna Nimez nature reserve. The local culinary scene features traditional open-fire lamb at La Tablita, homemade crepes at Viva la Pepa, and rustic Patagonian trout at Mi Rancho, providing an authentic taste of Santa Cruz.

10 places

Argentinian Cuisine Delights

This selection of El Calafate eateries centers on traditional Patagonian flavors, specifically the art of the parrilla. The list features specialized steakhouses like Rústico Asador y Parrilla and Casimiro Biguá, which focus on regional grilled meats. For a variety of local staples, options include Don Pinchón for lamb and pasta, while Resto Plüschow and Restaurante La Cantina offer casual dining with burgers. Craft beer enthusiasts can find local brews at Chopen Cervecería Artesanal, and quick bites like empanadas are available at Bokado.

9 places

El Calafate Parks and Viewpoints

This collection highlights the diverse green spaces and vantage points within El Calafate. From the Reserva Ecológica Municipal Laguna Nimez, home to over 80 bird species including Chilean flamingos, to the central Parque Manuel Belgrano, these sites offer a glimpse into the region's natural environment and local history. The list includes commemorative squares like Plaza Heroes de Malvinas and elevated viewpoints providing panoramas of Lake Argentino and the surrounding Patagonian landscape.

10 places

El Calafate — Map

El Calafate — Map

Climate & when to visit

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Fair
  • 15° (feels like 12°) · extremes 4°–21°
  • 7° at night
  • 15 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 7 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in February

Good
  • 15° (feels like 13°) · extremes 4°–23°
  • 8° at night
  • 13 rainy days
  • 4 sunny days
  • 7 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in March

Fair
  • 13° (feels like 10°) · extremes 2°–18°
  • 6° at night
  • 15 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Poor
  • 9° (feels like 7°) · extremes 0°–14°
  • 4° at night
  • 15 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 4 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in May

Poor
  • 5° (feels like 3°) · extremes -3°–9°
  • 1° at night
  • 14 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 3 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 1 · low

Typical weather in June

Poor
  • 3° (feels like -1°) · extremes -5°–6°
  • -1° at night
  • 13 rainy days
  • 1 sunny day
  • 3 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 0 · low

Typical weather in July

Poor
  • 2° (feels like -1°) · extremes -6°–5°
  • -2° at night
  • 14 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 3 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 0 · low

Typical weather in August

Poor
  • 3° (feels like 0°) · extremes -5°–6°
  • -1° at night
  • 14 rainy days
  • 4 sunny days
  • 4 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 1 · low

Typical weather in September

Poor
  • 5° (feels like 2°) · extremes -3°–9°
  • 0° at night
  • 11 rainy days
  • 4 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in October

Poor
  • 8° (feels like 5°) · extremes -2°–13°
  • 2° at night
  • 12 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Fair
  • 12° (feels like 9°) · extremes 1°–17°
  • 4° at night
  • 14 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 7 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in December

Fair
  • 14° (feels like 11°) · extremes 3°–20°
  • 6° at night
  • 15 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 8 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Calm winds
  • UV index 7 · high

Climate data: NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency
Argentine Peso ARS $ · Card payments · Commonly accepted
Emergency numbers
117
Electricity
Type C / Type I
220 V · 50 Hz
Languages
Spanish
Tap water
Safe to drink
Driving side
Right
Calling code
+54
Learn more

Tours & Activities

Centro de Interpretación Histórica
Walk
Reserva Ecológica Municipal Laguna Nimez
Walk
Gate

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Related destinations

Santa Cruz Province

Other Destinations

Lago Argentino Department Río Chico Department El Chaltén Los Glaciares National Park and Reserve Viedma Lake Perito Moreno National Park Jaramillo Petrified Forests National Park Reserva Natural Provincial Bosque Petrificado Estancia La Urbana Reserva Natural Provincial Ría de Puerto Deseado Posadas Lake Reserva Provincial Cabo Vírgenes Puerto San Julián Bajo Caracoles

Data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata, Wikipedia, Tripomatic, Official websites.