Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.
A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.
An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.
The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Nights down to -1 °C — bring a warm layer, evenings are far cooler than days.
A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.
Afternoon
Extreme Adventure 4x4
5.0· 56from €223
Extreme Adventure 4x4 — rated 5 from 56 reviews.
Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.
Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.
All day
Rio Gallegos
Rio Gallegos is 306 km from El Calafate, about 3h 25m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in El CalafateA free day. Go back to wherever you wanted to linger, and add one or two places from the list you haven't reached.
Afternoon
Ride Experience - Canyons & Mounts
5.0· 36from €134
Ride Experience - Canyons & Mounts — rated 5 from 36 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.
Afternoon
Transfer Moreno Glacier Full Day (roundtrip 6 hours)
5.0· 31from €116
Transfer Moreno Glacier Full Day (roundtrip 6 hours) — rated 5 from 31 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.
Afternoon
Essential Patagonia : Private Tour Perito Moreno Glacier + Chaltén
5.0· 31from €603
Essential Patagonia : Private Tour Perito Moreno Glacier + Chaltén — rated 5 from 31 reviews.
Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.
Where you can drive from El Calafate.
Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews
Top attractions
Restaurants and cafés
Extreme Adventure 4x4
€223
Ride Experience - Canyons & Mounts
€134
Transfer Moreno Glacier Full Day (roundtrip 6 hours)
€116
Essential Patagonia : Private Tour Perito Moreno Glacier + Chaltén
€603
Linda Vista Apart Hotel
from €53 / night
Destino Calafate
from €41 / night
Rochester Calafate
from €66 / night
Mirador del Lago Hotel
from €75 / night
Source — Tripadvisor
Highly recommended company
Booked with Patagonia Chic after researching good companies operating in Patagonia. Really helpful from the start, responsive on what’s app. On the day nicely organised and on time and the glacier boat experience was amazing!
Ale and Adrian rescued us and we had the best time - thank you!
We rented a car in El Calafate. Big mistake in winter because we got completely stuck in the snow and didn't make it to our hotel until 2am. We were due to take a tour of the Perito Moreno glacier the following day but had no appetite to drive. Ale and Adrian came to our rescue - they responded immediately to my WhatsA…