Winter holidays in El Calafate

Winter holidays in El Calafate are possible. It’s a good choice for those travelers who love the cold, even more after the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating “Land of Glaciers” in a privileged way! With less people and more exclusive walks with quite affordable prices. It’s the off-season at this destination.

Climate is a very important factor when traveling to this city of Patagonia. Between the months of June and August, it becomes very cold after the arrival of winds coming from Antarctica. We are talking about an average temperature ranging from 5°C to -2°C, with high chances of rain and snow.

A pleasant environment for those people who do not flee to the cold (even though it’s pretty dry), and such seems to be a minority. At this time the ranks and crowding of people are reduced, allowing the full enjoyment of the places you will visit.

However, there is something very important to consider: the days are shorter. While in summer you can enjoy 17 hours of sunlight (from 5 am to 11 pm), in winter you get to just 8 hours (10am to 5pm), which limits outdoor activities a little bit.

Because of this, there isn’t much variety when it comes to excursions. In addition, not all circuits and activities are available, as ice and cold conditions limit some specific cases. It’s a matter of confirming what’s operational and what’s not. Please note that minitrekking can be done on some days in June.

Arguably this season is ideal for those who are willing to face very low temperatures and don’t have much days to travel and wish to visit the main attraction of the city: the Perito Moreno Glacier . Three nights will be enough to enjoy this natural monument, complemented with visits to Museums.

WHAT TO DO DURING A WINTER IN EL CALAFATE

It’s no secret, Calafate’s fame is due to the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier. Luckily, you can visit it all year round! Located 80 km from the city, in Los Glaciares National Park, it gives us the majestic spectacle that represents the landslides of ice and fascinating landscapes of the Patagonian region. This time, accompanied by incredible cloaks of snow.

What to do during a winter in El Calafate? On site, you can make all excursions except trekking. That is: the visit to Las Pasarelas (3-level viewpoint that gives us magnificent views of the glacier), and lake navigation through the Rios de Hielo promenade, with the opportunity to get to know other exotic glaciers of the National Park such as the Uppsala.

There is also the possibility to do Balcones de Calafate, which is an adventure where you get the best views of the Andes Mountains, the Fitz Roy hills and also the Torre de El Chaltén. The only addition to a winter holiday in El Calafate is ice skating, in a sector of Lake Argentino that freezes during this season.

You can combine any of these attractions with a visit to the Glaciarium, the Historical Interpretation Center, the Argentine Museum of El Juguete, the Municipal Regional Museum and the Do Gelo Museum. Contact our specialists, it will be a pleasure to help you create the best travel itinerary.

For hiking or visiting Estancia Cristina (with outdoor activities such as horseback riding), you would have to consider a trip in summer. Remember that during winter everything is covered by snow, most trees have no leaves, the mountains become smooth and are over-loaded with a bright mass of snow rounding them at the tip. See the 10 best excursions and tours to do in El Calafate.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LIVING THE CALAFATE COLD

The winter season is very cold. So, as much as you like this climate, you have to take action on clothing. It goes beyond a simple jacket. It is needed to cover the body with several layers of clothing and coats, preferably fleece. It’s important to not forget gloves, scarf and hat.

Windbreakers, a waterproof jacket and non-slip boots or shoes are also recommended. Even though rain is rare in this destination, there may be heavy downs in winter, you have to prepare to face possible changes in weather conditions

As for the places for accommodation, you should know that the services of the best 10 hotels of El Calafate in 2020 are adapted to the situation, with their respective heating areas. Remember that prices drop at this time of year up to 30%! So you can get very affordable rates. In fact, there are more spaces to stay.

It’s important to bring a thermos with some hot beverage to drink while taking an excursion within Los Glaciares National Park. Likewise, Las Pasarelas have –at the top– a restaurant where you can taste the traditional hot chocolate, snacks and typical dishes of the area.

Even in the city you have a wide variety of food places! Although not everyone opens their doors given the low influx of tourists, you can sit at their tables without having to make a long line and with the possibility of eating without any rush too.

ARM YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR EL CALAFATE

If you are one of those who prefer the cold to travel and are planning a winter holiday in El Calafate,  don’t hesitate to contact our advisors. They’ll give you all the details you need. Furthermore, you can prepare travel packages that combine accommodation, food, excursions and good prices, in an itinerary designed to suit you.

Travelling to El Calafate in winter is fun and very economical!