CUSTOMIZED EL CALAFATE VACATION PACKAGES

THE EL CALAFATE ADVENTURE

Situated almost 2,000 miles (3,000 km) from the city of Buenos Aires is Calafate: the starting point for an epic Patagonian vacation adventure. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains and mammoth-sized glaciers, this charming town does not serve as the main attraction, but features comfortable and quality accommodations which will be surely welcoming after a long day of trekking, skiing or sightseeing in this wintery wonderland.

Part of the Santa Cruz Province, Calafate is within close distance to Los Glaciares National Park. Forming part of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field - from which 13 glaciers descend on the Atlantic side to flow into the Viedma and Argentino lakes - the layout of this wild and difficult terrain makes it one of the most unusual national parks in the world. The Perito Moreno glacier offers breathtaking views each time its towers of ice break into multiple icebergs and crash to the water below. Declared a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, its glaciers slowly slide down the peaks of the Andes – a sight to behold. The small town of El Calafate features about 7,200 inhabitants and serves as a base for tours and sailing trips to the glaciers.

This “National Capital of Glaciers” saw its origins in the first few decades of the 20th century. At first it was mainly used as a place of protection for those in the wool industry and was not technically founded until 1927. Yet, Calafate did not begin to expand until its national park was created, which expectedly brought in a number of national and international tourists. To this day the town remains a happening tourist hub, and with Chalten village nearby – often considered the “National Trekking Capital of Argentina – it is not difficult to understand why.

Accompanying you on this trip of a lifetime, Argentina For Less offers the very best in guided tours, excursions and hotel accommodations, suited for all travel requirements and catering for every budget.

A thrilling visit to this Patagonian town surrounded by natural beauty is made effortless with Argentina For Less. We are proud to offer everything you need to build magical memories that will last forever.

EL CALAFATE FACTS

* The town is named after the “calafate” bush: a small bush that features yellow flowers, as well as dark blue berries and that is commonly found in Patagonia. Excellent for making jam, it is said that whoever eats the berry will return to this charming town for more.

* In August of 2006, near Calafate, Steve Fossett and Einar Enevoldson set the gliding altitude record at 50,699 ft (15,453 m) with their “Perlan” research glider.

* During the winter season, Calafate can have as little as 8 hours of sunlight.