6 Best El Calafate Tours for an Unforgettable Experience
Exploring El Calafate is an adventure like no other, offering everything from glacier trekking and wildlife safaris to wine tastings and horseback riding. Whether you’re gazing at the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, cruising past icebergs, or immersing yourself in the culture of Patagonia, there’s a tour for everyone.
With so many incredible options, choosing the perfect El Calafate tour can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the 5 best tours, covering scenic boat rides, thrilling excursions, and unique cultural experiences.
For even more inspiration, check out our reviews of El Calafate excursions and day trips. After exploring these top-rated tours, I’ll also share a personal travel story about my experience in this breathtaking destination. But first, let’s dive in!
El Calafate Tours Comparison Table
| 1. Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour | 2. Safari Experience | 3. Horseback Riding in Estancia 25 de Mayo |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Start: El Calafate | Start: El Calafate | Start: El Calafate |
| Time: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM | Time: 8:30 AM | Time: 10:00 AM |
| Duration: 9 hours | Duration: 4 hours | Duration: 5 hours |
| Highlights: Visit Perito Moreno Glacier, walk trails, and take an optional boat ride for stunning glacier views. | Highlights: Explore Patagonia’s wildlife with a 4x4 safari through the scenic landscapes of El Calafate. | Highlights: Ride through the Estancia 25 de Mayo nature reserve on horseback with a local gaucho guide. |
| Reserve Your Spot Today | Reserve Your Spot Today | Reserve Your Spot Today |
Tour 1 – Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Tour 2 – Safari Experience
Tour 3 – Horseback Riding in Estancia 25 de Mayo
Tour 4 – Perito Moreno Glacier with Optional Boat Navigation
Tour 5 – Glaciers Full-Day Sightseeing Cruise
Tour 6 – Calafate Wine & City Tour
El Calafate Tours Descriptions & What to Expect
1. Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Start: El Calafate
Times: 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Why Take This Tour? Perfect for visitors who want a comprehensive experience of Perito Moreno Glacier with expert-guided insights.
What to Expect: This full-day guided tour takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.
You’ll explore designated walking trails with panoramic views of the massive ice wall and have the option to take a boat ride for an even closer look.
Along the way, your guide will explain the glacier’s movement, history, and significance.
With plenty of stops for photos and breathtaking views, this is an ideal way to immerse yourself in Patagonia’s natural beauty without the need for strenuous activity.
2. Patagonia Safari Experience
Start: El Calafate
Times: 8:30 AM
Why Take This Tour? A thrilling 4×4 safari adventure, perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
What to Expect: This off-road safari experience takes you deep into the wild landscapes of Patagonia, where you’ll explore rugged terrain, rolling hills, and remote areas inaccessible by regular vehicles.
Along the way, you’ll spot local wildlife, including guanacos, condors, and foxes, while learning about the region’s diverse ecosystem.
With a knowledgeable guide providing insights into Patagonia’s unique flora and fauna, this tour offers a refreshing alternative to glacier excursions, making it a must for those seeking a different side of El Calafate’s natural wonders.
3. Horseback Riding in Estancia 25 de Mayo
Start: El Calafate
Times: 10:00 AM
Why Take This Tour? A peaceful horseback adventure through a private nature reserve, led by local gauchos.
What to Expect: Experience the tradition of Argentine gauchos as you ride through the Estancia 25 de Mayo Nature Reserve on horseback.
This authentic Patagonian ranch experience takes you across scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, rivers, and untouched wilderness.
Your local guide (gaucho) will share stories about the region’s history, wildlife, and rural lifestyle, giving you an authentic insight into Argentina’s cowboy culture.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this tour offers a relaxing yet adventurous way to explore Patagonia.
4. Perito Moreno Glacier with Optional Boat Navigation
Start: El Calafate
Times: 8:00 AM & 1:30 PM
Why Take This Tour? A flexible glacier tour with an optional boat ride for a closer view of the ice formations.
What to Expect: This guided tour of Perito Moreno Glacier gives you the freedom to explore the glacier’s walkways at your own pace while also offering an optional boat tour along the glacier’s edge.
The boat navigation experience brings you right up to the ice walls, allowing you to see the deep blue ice formations and witness ice calving events up close.
Whether you choose to explore by land or water, this tour provides stunning views and expert commentary on the glacier’s movement and significance.
5. Glaciers Full-Day Sightseeing Cruise
Start: El Calafate
Times: 7:30 AM
Why Take This Tour? A full-day cruise experience that explores multiple glaciers, icebergs, and scenic fjords.
What to Expect: This glacier sightseeing cruise takes you through Los Glaciares National Park, passing by Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno glaciers.
The spacious cruise ship provides both indoor seating and open-air decks, giving you unobstructed panoramic views.
Along the way, professional guides share fascinating insights about the geology and climate impact on Patagonia’s glaciers.
This is the ideal tour for those who prefer a relaxed, informative experience with stunning scenery.
6. Calafate Wine & City Tour
Start: El Calafate
Times: 5:00 PM
Why Take This Tour? A unique cultural experience, combining wine tasting with a guided city tour of El Calafate.
What to Expect: Experience the flavors of Patagonia on this wine-tasting and city tour through El Calafate.
You’ll visit local wine shops and enjoy a carefully curated selection of Argentine wines, paired with traditional local foods.
The tour also includes a guided walk through El Calafate, where you’ll learn about its history, culture, and local traditions.
This is a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures while immersing yourself in Argentina’s rich wine culture.
Glaciers of Patagonia: Where to Find These Icy Giants
Patagonia is home to some of the largest and most impressive glaciers in the world, many of which are located in Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina) and Torres del Paine National Park (Chile). Here’s a look at some of the most famous glaciers and where they are located:
✅ Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina) – Located in Los Glaciares National Park, this is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring glaciers in Patagonia. Unlike most glaciers, Perito Moreno is advancing, meaning its ice continuously breaks off in massive chunks, creating spectacular ice calving events.
✅ Upsala Glacier (Argentina) – One of the largest glaciers in South America, accessible via El Calafate glacier boat tours on Lago Argentino. It’s known for its floating icebergs and stunning landscapes.
✅ Viedma Glacier (Argentina) – Situated near El Chaltén, this glacier feeds into Viedma Lake and is a great spot for glacier trekking.
✅ Spegazzini Glacier (Argentina) – The tallest glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, with ice walls reaching up to 135 meters (443 feet).
✅ Grey Glacier (Chile) – Located in Torres del Paine National Park, this massive glacier feeds into Grey Lake, creating an unforgettable setting for boat tours and hiking.
✅ Pío XI Glacier (Chile) – Also known as Brüggen Glacier, this is the largest glacier in South America, located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Unlike many glaciers, Pío XI is expanding, making it a unique anomaly.
✅ O’Higgins Glacier (Chile) – A remote but stunning glacier located in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, accessible via boat tours from Villa O’Higgins.
A Look Back at My First Experience with El Calafate Tours
My first visit to El Calafate was a journey into the heart of Patagonia, where glaciers, wildlife, and culture blend into an unforgettable adventure.
Like many travelers, my main goal was to witness the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, but I quickly learned that El Calafate has so much more to offer. From horseback riding with gauchos to glacier cruises and wine tastings, this destination is filled with diverse experiences that cater to every traveler.
Back then, my trip was less structured—I arrived with little planning, hoping to figure things out along the way. I managed to book a last-minute glacier tour, which turned out to be an incredible experience.
Seeing Perito Moreno’s towering ice walls and hearing the thunderous cracks of ice breaking off was awe-inspiring. But looking back, I realize I missed out on other incredible excursions, and I wish I had taken the time to explore more of what El Calafate offers.
How El Calafate Tours Have Evolved Over the Years
Over the years, tourism in El Calafate has grown significantly. What was once a small town focused on glacier tours has become a hub for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and culture lovers. Today, visitors can enjoy:
✔️ More structured tours – Guided experiences now provide detailed insights into the region’s history, geology, and wildlife.
✔️ More variety – Beyond glaciers, you can now enjoy safaris, horseback riding, wine tastings, and full-day nature tours.
✔️ Easier access – With more transport options and organized day trips, exploring Los Glaciares National Park and beyond is simpler than ever.
What I Would Do Differently Today
Looking back, if I had the chance to redo my trip, I would:
✔ Plan ahead – With so many amazing tours available, booking in advance ensures I wouldn’t miss out on key experiences.
✔ Take a safari tour – I never realized how rich Patagonia’s wildlife is, and a 4×4 safari would have added a new perspective to my trip.
✔ Try a glacier hike – While I marveled at Perito Moreno from a boat, actually walking on the ice would have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
✔ Experience local culture – I missed the chance to go horseback riding with gauchos or enjoy a wine-tasting tour, both of which highlight Argentina’s rich traditions.
Final Thoughts: Why El Calafate is More Than Just Glaciers
While Perito Moreno Glacier remains the star attraction, El Calafate tours now offer so much more than just ice and mountains. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, this destination has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend exploring beyond the glaciers—take a safari, ride through a Patagonian ranch, or sip Argentine wine as the sun sets over the Andes.
This time, I know I’ll be returning with a better plan—one that lets me experience all the hidden gems that make El Calafate truly special.
El Calafate Tours FAQs
1. What are the best El Calafate tours for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should start with a Perito Moreno Glacier tour, whether by boat, hiking, or a guided excursion. A full-day sightseeing cruise is also a great way to explore multiple glaciers. For a unique experience, consider a horseback riding tour or a Patagonian wildlife safari.
2. Can you visit Perito Moreno Glacier without a tour?
Yes, you can visit Perito Moreno Glacier independently by renting a car or taking a public bus from El Calafate. However, a guided tour enhances the experience with expert insights, glacier history, and optional activities like boat rides or glacier trekking.
3. What is the best time of year to visit El Calafate?
The best time to visit El Calafate is during Patagonia’s summer months (November–March) when temperatures are mild, and the days are longer. This season also offers ideal conditions for hiking, boat tours, and wildlife spotting.
4. Are there any non-glacier tours in El Calafate?
Absolutely! El Calafate offers wildlife safaris, horseback riding, city tours, and wine-tasting experiences. The Estancia 25 de Mayo tour lets you experience authentic gaucho culture, while the Calafate wine tour introduces you to Argentina’s finest regional wines.
5. How long should I spend in El Calafate?
A 3–4 day stay is ideal for experiencing Perito Moreno Glacier, boat cruises, and additional excursions. This allows time for adventure activities like mini-trekking on the glacier, wildlife safaris, or exploring nearby estancias for a well-rounded Patagonia experience.
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How We Select the Best Tours
At 501 Places, we carefully vet every tour for quality, authenticity, and traveler satisfaction. Our process includes reviewing trusted tour operators, customer feedback, expert insights, and ethical standards. Learn more about our selection process here: How We Select the Best Tours.
