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What to do in Calafate
There is a varied tour round the Calafate area which includes the following:
This tour takes up to 3 hours
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The local Musuem provides an interesting insight into what life must have been like for those first brave settlers in Patagonia, the lives of the indigenous people and also some limited archealogical information about the area.
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Centro de Interpretación Histórica, Av. Brown y G. Bonmelli (9405)
The Centre for Historic Interpretation provides some fascinating information about the town of Calafate and its beginnings as well as introducing the geographical make-up of Patagonia. There is also a chance to sample Mate which is an indigenous plant brewed similarly to tea and drunk with some ceremony, and by many of the Argentines as the first drink of the day.
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Local Crafts
It is worth taking a walk around the shops, if not to buy just to admire the local woolwork. Wool, often known as "white gold" in the area, was the main export to other provinces and many marvellous things such as ponchos, rugs and blankets are still made here.
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Moreno Glacier
Definitely worth a visit this is the only glacier in the world to actually be increasing despite global warming. Glacier trekking tours are available. Alternatively there are a good range of "catwalks" (wooden walkways) to view the Glacier from in the Los Glacieres National Park.
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Boat Trip
A trip on the Lago Argentina to see the Moreno Glacier from the water only and marvel at the many icebergs that have broken off the Glacier. Alternatively, take an all day trip to the Upsala Glacier by boat and with the oportunity for some horse-riding as well on an Estancia near the Glacier. This is an all day trip, which starts with breakfast on the boat, followed by a four-wheel drive tour around the Upsala Glacier and a chance to see evidence of fossilised sea creatures showing that this area was once ocean. Then on to the Estancia for a traditional lunch followed by a guided walk or horse-ride with a possibility of seeing the nesting place of Condors. Finally it is back on board for the journey back when you will be served a traditional Argentine tea.
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Horse-riding
The fabulous Alta Vista Estancia provides not only gaucho-guided horse treks either half-day, whole day or several days, but also the chance to help with herding stock as well. Whilst riding through the open landscape the wildlife around is very varied, from puma to condor, from guanacos to flamingos. Some is more visible than others. Rides can be tailored to experience and even beginners can enjoy themselves, although it is probably advisable for beginners to go on a short ride otherwise you could be very stiff the next day! Please note that if you wish to ride with a riding hat you must take your own because these will not be provided since it is not a legal requirement in Argentina to wear a hard hat whilst riding.
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4 x 4 Treks
For those who do not ride there is also the chance to see the sights of the Alta Vista Estancia from the comfort of a 4 x 4 vehicle, and many other Estancias will offer a sight-seeing tour to people staying with them.
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Natural History Walks
In the Calafate area there is still evidence of the geological history of the area and indeed of Patagonia itself, and it is possible to take a guided trek to see evidence of Patagonia's past. In particular there is a fascinating walk on the slopes of Los Hornos Mount to see an example of a petrified forest and other fossils.
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Laguna Nimez Reserve
Situated on the edge of Calafate is the Laguna Nimez Reserve, home to a wide variety of bird-life. There are several hides around the Lagoon from which you can observe the birds in their natural habitat. During the wintertime the Lagoon ices over completely.
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Lake Roca
Lake Roca, 15 miles to the South of Calafate, is a beautiful place to walk, with a very different landscape. Here the area is more verdant where the rainfall is higher and the area is full of forest of lenga, ñire, coihue and notro. In the surrounding hills there are unexpected examples of native art in the caves and rock walls.
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Mountain Biking
If you are staying in an Estancia, many of them have mountain bikes to hire as another way of getting around the area and experiencing the countryside.
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Walichu Caves
These caves are about 8kms away from Calafate. The carvings and paintings in these caves date from about 4000 years ago, and aer a very good example of their time. As well as the originals, further carvings and paintings have been created using traditional techniques.
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