El Calafate is a charming resort town on the shore of Lago Argentino and is a base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.
Los Glaciares National Park covers a total area of 600,000 hectares of southwestern Argentina and was declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The area is home to fauna from the sub-Antarctic steppe and woods, with over 100 species of birds inhabiting the forest and steppe. These include: lesser rhea, Andean condor, torrent duck, white-throated caracara, yellow-bridled and black throated finch. There are important groups of condors and black-chested buzzard eagle in the north of the park. Rarer sightings occur of yellow-winged blackbird, spectacled tyrant, many-coloured rush tyrant.
Located in the Austral Andes, bordering Chile, some 40% of this magnificent park is covered by giant ice fields, with 47 major glaciers; of which 13 flow east descending into the park to feed the two big lakes, Lake Viedma in the north and Lago Argentino in the south. There are also about 190 smaller glaciers that are not connected to the ice fields. Just east of the ice fields are areas of southern beech forest and further east the Patagonian steppe with shrub vegetation.
El Calafate was established in 1913 as a stopover on the Patagonia Trail. and its International airport receives direct flights from Buenos Aires, Trelew, Puerto Natales (Chile) and other regional destinations.
Beginning with southern Chile’s spectacular Torres del Paine National Park, we enjoy a few days puma watching. From here we travel to the north-east of Argentine Patagonia, to Valdes Peninsula to see orca hunt the young sea lions along the beach in a unique and captivating strategy. Find out more about Patagonia’s Pumas & Orca
Enjoy the best of Argentina and Chile, with stunning scenery and burgeoning wildlife at Torres del Paine and spectacular glaciers around Calafate. The trip culminates in two days at Valdes Peninsula, home to species such as the northern right whale, magellanic penguin and elephant seal. Find out more about Wild Patagonia
See vast colonies of penguins, southern right whales and elephant seals on their breeding grounds in the Valdés Peninsula, plus some of the world’s most amazing scenery, on this trip to explore the wilds of Patagonia. Extend your trip with a visit to the bird-rich and spectacular Iguazú Falls. Find out more about Wildlife & Glaciers of Patagonia
Established in 2004, Boutique Hotel La Cantera was the first hotel of its kind in this incredibly scenic part of Patagonia. The hotel’s four-star buildings are comfortable and cosy, while also giving guests uninterrupted views of the natural environment and access to the landscape and its wildlife. Find Out More about Boutique Hotel La Cantera
This deluxe estancia-style lodge is located between El Calafate and Perito Moreno glacier, on a 3,000 hectare estate with wonderful views over Lago Argentino. The property has 17 suites, all with different views, and offers activities such as wildlife and bird watching, star gazing, walking and horse riding. Find Out More about Eolo Lodge
