El Calafate is located at the base of Calafate Hill on the shore of Argentino Lake, 315 km from Río Gallegos, the capital of the Province of Santa Cruz.
There are different ways to reach El Calafate. By land, along paved roads (National Route N°3, Provincial Route N°5, National Route N°40 and Provincial Route N°11). By air: The new International Airport of El Calafate services nonstop flights to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Trelew, Bariloche, Puerto Natales and other cities.
Moreover, El Calafate is communicated with Río Gallegos via a 50’ flight or a 4 hour bus ride at daily frequencies.
The doubled pitched roofs of the houses, the colorful vegetation - rose bushes and a great variety of flowers and trees - mildly blend in this charming tourist town of 6,500 inhabitants, whose friendly attitude make tourists feel at home.
For further information to the traveler, contact the Information Center in El Calafate calling: 54- 2902 - 491090 or by e-mail: info@calafate.com .

LAGO ARGENTINO

Argentino Lake is the largest lake in Argentina and the third in size in South America with a total surface of 1,560 km2. It is located 185 m above sea level. It is 60 km long and between 14 and 20 km wide. Its depth varies between 35 and 1,000 meters, but in the central part and on the southern shore facing Avellaneda Peninsula, it is 300 meters deep.
Argentino Lake is the source of the Santa Cruz River which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The especial color of the water is due to a very fine powder produced by glacier abrasion, called “glacier milk”.
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CLIMATE

El Calafate is located at 50°20´ south latitud (it corresponds to the city of London in the northern hemisphere).
The climate is dry and the temperatures are mild:
In summer, maximum average temperature is 18,6º.
In winter minimum average temperature is 1,8°.
Daylight hours vary according to the season of the year:
December 21 is the longest day of the year, with 17 and a half hours of light. The sun rises at 5.30 AM and sets at 11 PM.
June 21 is the shortest day with only 8 hours of light (from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM).

WINDS

The prevailing winds blow from the west, mostly in spring and summer during the daytime.

RAINFALL

On the Continental Icefield, annual rainfall reaches 8.000 mm and decreases to 1,000/1,500 mm within Los Glaciares National Park. Since the winds from the west carry scarce humidity to the stepperian area, El Calafate only receives 300 mm of rain annually.

LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK

Los Glaciares National Park, located in the southwest of the Province of Santa Cruz was created in 1.937.
The total surface of the Park is 600.000 hectares: 154.000 belong to the Area of National Reserves. There are 356 glaciers, of which the most important amount to 13.
In 1.981, UNESCO declared it Natural Patrimony of Humanity, in order to preserve and protect it for present and future generations.

PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS

Some 13.000 years ago, the predecessors of the Tehuelche indians arrived from the north. They were first sighted by the expedition led by Hernando de Magallanes, who called them “Patagones” which originated the region´s current name.
The white man was welcomed as a friend. He penetrated the privacy of the Tehuelche tent causing changes, deteriorating their life styles and provoking a long regressive period.
Of these former dwellers, nothing is left, but their rupestrian paintings and to a limited extent their crossbred descendants.

THE SETTLING OF EL CALAFATE:

In the early 20 th Century, the Patagonian trails had wagon stops every three leagues, the average distance covered in a day’s journery by an ox driven wagon.
The road from Rio Gallegos to Argentino Lake, forked at a ford on the Santa Cruz River, where Charles Fhur had settled down at the beginning of the century.
There were other fords that had to be crossed along the southern road. These inevitable stops were named by the wagon drivers: “ El Bote”, “ El Calafate” and “ El Centinela”
The name “El Calafate” comes from the dense calafate ( berberis genus) shrubbery that grew on this alluvial plain.
On April 23, 1913, tha family of José Pantín, an immigrant from La Coruña, set up a bar, a general store and an inn.This became the first staging post on the road to the Andes.
As more families settled families around the Calafate Stream, the town grew.
On December 7, 1927, El Calafate was officially declared a town, by a decree of the central government.

WHAT IS A GLACIER?

It is said that a glacier is a river of water in a solid state; a mass of ice in constant movement with a certain speed depending on the slope and volume.
The glacial ice( a bluish transparent mass) is the product of the accumulation of snow throughout the centuries. Due to its own weight, the air trapped between the intergranular spaces is liberated.
The main conditions to enable the formation of a glacier are great snowfalls, and a mean annual temperature which may preserve the ice consistency.

KINDS OF GLACIERS FOUND IN THE ZONE

INDLANSIS: Enormous horizontal ice sheets, such as the Continental Icefield, which has a total surface of 17,000 km2.
CIRQUE GLACIERS: Located on the top of the mountain ranges.
VALLEY GLACIERS: They run along well defined valleys.
PIEDMONT GLACIERS: They are valley glaciers that broaden their front on reaching the lowlands, taking the shape of a fan.
COMPOUND GLACIERS: Glaciers nourished by minor lateral glaciers, forming an increased single course.
CALVING: When the front of the glacier is in contact with the water it loses a asignificant part of its mass due to the large pieces that fall off. Such is the case of the Upsala, Moreno, and Spegazzini Glaciers on Argentino Lake and Viedma Glacier on Viedma Lake.

RELATED ASPECTS

MORAINES: An accumulation of rocks, sand and clay carried by a glacier. They reveal the former positions of a glacier. According to their location, moraines can be classified into lateral, central, end and terminus.
ERRATIC BOULDERS: Rocks of different sizes conveyed by glaciers and spread along the valleys when they receded.
ICEBERGS: Blocks of ice of different sizes and spectacular shapes that break-off a Calving glacier and drift along, pushed by the winds, only revealing the eighth part of their real size above water surface.

THE BREAKING OF THE PERITO MORENO GLACIER

The Perito Moreno Glacier flows down from the Cordillera like a large river of ice.
On some occasions, it has crossed Canal de los Tempanos (Iceberg Channel) reaching the shore opposite the valley of the glacier.
Thus, the Glacier forms an ice dike that blocks the flow of the water from Brazo
Rico (Rico Arm Channel) toward Argentino Lake, damming up this section of the lake.
When the water level of the Rico Arm rises, the pressure it exerts on the Glacier wall
gradually increases undermining the ice until a tunnel is opened and the water begins to flow into Argentino Lake. Then once again the two lake basins become communicated.
This natural cataclysm lasts a day or two, with spectacular ice detachments and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and marvelous phenomenons in the world.
When the two basins are leveled, the glacier comes forth once again obstructing the channel and the whole process recommences.
These cycles are not regular and since the last breaking, recorded on
February 17. 1988, this phenomenon has not happened again.

EL CHALTEN

You can either get to El Chalten by car or by bus. First you take Route Nº 11 ( 30 km.), then you turn on Route Nº 40 up to Route Nº 23 that leads you to El Chalten.
The trip takes approximately 4 hours,covering 220 km of virgin landscape in the midst of the vast Patagonian steppe. During the whole trip, there is fantastic view of the cordillera and specially of Mount Fitz Roy and Mount Torre.
El Chalten is a small tourist town of 200 inhabitants and it can bed 400 visitors.
The tourist facilities provide for a broad range of tourists´ needs: hotels, inns, hostels, campsites, restaurants, bungalows, trekking guides, horseback rides, snack bars and tourist information center.
For further information on services in El Chalten, call:Tel/Fax: (02962) 49 3011 / 491090 or
e-mail:info@calafate.com

TOURS DEPARTING FROM EL CHALTEN
CAPRI LAGOON

It is a one and a half hour walk from El Chalten up hill along a winding trail with Mount Fitz Roy always on the left. The Lagoon is a beautiful and colorful spot with a great variety of fowls. Camping is allowed.
According to weather conditions, there is an excellent view of the mountain range.

BLANCO RIVER BASE CAMPSITE

Returning down the trail that led to Capri Lagoon, you will find a sign that shows the way to the base of Mount Fitz Roy. This road goes across several streams. Before crossing Blanco River there is a turn off that leads to the first campsite.
Nevertheless, Blanco River Campsite ( only for mountain climbers) is the ideal spot to experience a high mountain climbing atmosphere, and is across Blanco River.
The campsite is surrounded by mountains, woods and rivers and only an hour from De los Tres Lagoon, the closest point to Fitz Roy which can be reached on foot with no special gear.
If you continue along the left bank of Blanco River up to Electrico River you will encounter another wonderful spot, Piedras Blancas Lagoon and Glacier.

TORRE LAGOON

After a three hour hike along different landscapes, you arrive at Torre Lagoon, a really impressive spot. Camping is allowed at De Agostini Campsit, an excellent place to relax.
Both glacier and mount Torre can be viewed from the lagoon.
There is also a trekking excursion on this glacier, worh considering.

DEL SALTO FALL

From El Chalten, it is an hour hike along a flat well marked road. The fall is off the road, to the left , in the midst of the forest and it pours into a crystal clear stream.

DEL DESIERTO LAKE

Del Desierto Lake, is located north of El Chalten along Route Nº 23. It is an ideal alternative for a non conventional trip in contact with nature.
During the whole way, you follow the course of the De Las Vueltas River to your right and have a totally different view of Mount Fitz Roy on your left, i.e. the north wall.
Further ahead, you cross the bridges over Blanco and Electrico River, and continue on the west shore of Condor Lagoon.

El Chalten is a fascinating experience, specially for trekking lovers.
The hanging glaciers and millenial forests make this a must for those visitors looking for ecological and adventure tourism.
To fully profit of the area,a trekking guide is stongly recommended.
It is also advisable to spend more than a day, to undergo the many alternative activities El
Chalten offers.

SAILING ON THE VIEDMA

The craft sails from Túnel Bay up to some rocks located at the front of the Viedma Glacier. Once on this site, passengers debark and trek shortly along the glacier front, looking at the ice caves while a guide explains the features of the glaciers. Back again on board, they sail towards de los Témpanos Bay, where passengers lunch on shore and later return to Tunel Bay.

EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

PERITO MORENO GLACIER EXCURSION

El Calafate is 80 km from Perito Moreno Glacier along a paved road

( 50 km ). The last 30 km are within Los Glaciares National Park.
From de very beginning, the trip brings you many pleasant surprises. Upon leaving El Calafate, to your right, you encounter Redondo Bay, in Argentino Lake teeming with a great variety of fowls: black neck swans, flamingos, flying steamer ducks, Southamerican coots and upland geese.
The distinctive yellow hue of the country side is due to a course grass that grows in this area called the broom sedge.
During the first 40 km you travel through the Patagonian steppe. Then, once you enter the
National Park there is a noticeable change in the vegetation, now basicly formed by ñires (nothofagus antartica), guindos ( nothofagus betuloides) and lengas (nothofagus pumilio); some isolated canelos (drimys winteri) and many colored flowers, among them the intense red colored notro (embothrium coccineum), the typical flower of the Andean Patagonian Forest.
Once at the Glacier, the visitor is overwhelmed by the impressive spectacle and can appreciate the many unforgettable vistas of the glacier from the walkpaths.

SERVICES:
There are two restaurants, a snack bar, restrooms and a pay campsite within the Moreno Glacier area.
This is a full day excursion that can be hired at any travel agency that offer regular, special and alternative services or you can rent a car with or without a driver, as well.

GLACIAR PERITO MORENO PLUS

Sailing from Punta Bandera to the "breakage" wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Landing opposite the glacier, on the Perito Moreno floating wharf.
Stay in the Park's paths.
Back to port.

MAYO-MORENO TREKKING

Sailing from Punta Bandera, landing and trekking to the foot of Negro mountain.
View of the Negro Glacier, the Mayo Mountain and Glaciwer.
Sailing to the "breakage" wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Stay in the Prk's paths.
Back to port.

ONLY UPSALA

Departure from Punta Bandera, arrival at Cristina Bay.
Three hour trekking approx., view of the Norte Mountain.
View of the Scientific Station of the Argentine Patagonic Continental Ice Institute, Upsala shelter, Upsala Glacier, Murallón Glacier, Cono Glacier and Condor's Nest.
Back to port.

ICE RIVERS

Departure from Punta Bandera
View of the Upsala Glacier, iceberg barrier
Landing at Puerto las Vacas or Onelli area.
Spegazzini and Seco Glacier, Back to port.

TOURS ON THE CALAFATE AREA

Short tours on the town outskirts:
To Laguna Nimes, located 1.000 metres from the town center, where 50 different bird species can be watched.
A panoramic view of El Calafate, Lago Argentino and Isla Solitaria (Lonely Island) from the town highest point. It taes 1 hour.


LAGO ROCA AREA

52 km town- Unpaved stony road. Ideal place for those who love fishing. (Nov. to March).
Large camping site in the beautiful Andinopatagonic forest.
Long walks or horseback rides in an area where you will be able to see rock painting and to enjoy nature.
It takes a whole day.

HIKING TO NIMEZ LAGOON

This fauna reserve only 1 km from El Calafate, harbors a great variety of fowls: flamingos, silvery grebes, black necked swans, ducks, etc.
This is an ideal spot to enjoy sunrise or a nostalgic Patagonian sunset.


ESTANCIA ALICE (EL GALPON)

Touristic state located 21 km from El Calafate on route 11. An ideal place for different activities, such as Ecotourism and Agrotourism, offers lodging as well as varied tours: horseback ride to P. Moreno Glacier (takes several days) or to Río Mitre (half a day); bird watching in Laguna Los Pájaros; historical explanations at Picadero Indio; trekking in the surroundings; watching sheep driving with helpie dogs and sheep shearing; talks about Patagonian farming and animal husbandry.

MINITREKKING ON THE GLACIER

One the most interesting activities carried out at the Glacier is the tour that starts out at Bajo las Sombras Bay, 8 km before getting to the Glacier.
There you board a boat to cross the Rico Arm, and sail for approximately 20 minutes along the Glacier front. You debark on the opposite shore and walk 30 minutes through the forest till you reach the Glacier. Special spikes are adjusted to your footwear before starting the hour and a half trek on the ice.
This is a specially attractive hike because it puts you in direct contact with the glacial ice, the glacier peaks and the interior lagoons of a unique blue color and the spectacular view of the glacier walls and the lake as well.
Later on, you walk for about 30 minutes through the lush Magellanic forest up to the shelter where you have an hour´s time for lunch. At 4.00 pm you sail back to Bajo de las Sombras Bay

NOTICE:
This tour should be booked in advanced at the tourist agencies , and it is advisable not to take it on the same day you visit the Glacier front from the walkpaths.

HORSEBACK

Short horseback ride to Bahía Redonda.
Tour in the area of Bahía Redonda, where Patagonian Birds (flamingoes, black-necked swans, gulls, heron) can be watched.
Panoramic view of El Calafate and Lago Argentino from the surrounding hills.
Times: 11.00 AM and 6.32 PM

LONG HORSEBACK

ride to Cuevas del Gualicho (takes approximately 6 hjours)-
About 2 hours ride along Lago Argentino to the Cuevas del Gualicho, where you can observe rock paintings and interesting geologic formations. Pic-nic by the lake. On the return ride, a good panoramic view of El Calafate and Laguna Nimes.
Time: 11.00 AM

HORSEBACK RIDE "LOS PILCHEROS"
Takes between 3 and 5 days.

SAILING CLOSE TO THE GLACIER

An hour navigation on the Rico Branch of Lago Argentino along the Perito Moreno Glacier southern wall, starting at Bajo de las Sombras, 7 km from the glaciers balconies.
Tours every day.

WALICHU AND BONITA POINT CAVES

Only 8 km from El Calafate, Walichu and Bonita Point Caves are a real
retrospection to the past. They became important archaeological sites since the first rupestrian paintings of the province were discovered here.
Currently, these paintings have been recreated so they can be more thoroughly appreciated.
Apart from their archaeologigical value, the caves on the shore of Argentino Lake are surrounded by a surprisingly beautiful landscape and have a climate not easily found elsewhere

EXCURSIONS ON 4x4 VEHICLE:

On board 4 X 4 vehicles you will travel through the Patagonian steppe and forest reaching impressive viewpoints. These are exclusive sites, never accessed by any other kind of motor vehicle. You can choose among various options of routes and journey durations, near El Calafate and the National Park.

TOURIST FARMS

Many estancias in the region have opened their doors to visitors. Some of them not only offer their guests lodging and meals, but the possibility of undergoing the typical activity carried out on a Patagonian estancias as well... while enjoying of the immensity and tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES IN EL CALAFATE

Besides nature’s wonders, the town of El Calafate itself has a broad variety of recreational activities that add to the visitors pleasant stay. Among others: visits to tourism estancias, rides on four-wheel cycles and bicycles, horseback riding, shopping and hot-air balloon rides.

MUSEUM:

The Regional Museum of El Calafate displays archaeological material such as boleadoras, engraved rocks, arrow heads; paleontological samples; geological material, flora and fauna of the region as well as old photographs of the first settlers.

CITY TOUR

The City Tour of El Calafate covers the delightful sites of both town and outskirts, on board a comfortable vehicle. During the ride, you will learn about the history of the first settlers, the flora, the fauna and other interesting facts of the small tourist village.