El Calafate, is a small town located where the Santa Cruz plateau meets the Andes, and the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Learn all about what there is to see, know and do, guided by Patagonia-argentina.com’s experts.
The El Calafate town
The tourist circuit in this region begins at this small town in Southwestern Santa Cruz province, on the south bank of Lake Argentino. Its main activity is Tourism, which keeps growing year after year, due to its neighboring to Perito Moreno Glacier.
Founded in 1927, El Calafate did not grow until the 1940’s, when the National Park was created.
El Calafate has all the facilities needed to satisfy an ever growing tourist influx: there are hotels from 1 to 5 stars, as well as warm and charming “Hosterías” to stay at, lots of restaurants, shops and even an Ice Bar. And during summer there are also campsites available.
The town was named after a typical thorny bush of southern Patagonia. The Calafate blooms in the spring with yellow flowers and in summer with purple fruits. According to tradition those who eat this fruit will always return to Patagonia.