El Calafate

This enormous glacier is just 50 miles from El Calafate, and is one of the most famous of Argentina's natural wonders. Fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, it is one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing, and is also one of the few you can get right up close to, no experience required.

Gaze at the 70 metre high icy wall from walkways that snake around the woods facing the glacier, or don crampons and crunch across the surface on an ice hike. 

Three hours from El Calafate sits the mountain town of El Chalten, a mecca for trekking enthusiasts. It is situated right in the midst of the Fitz Roy range, so you can walk straight out onto hiking trails around Mount Fitz Roy and to views of the ice cap.

For the more adventurous, there is the option to head out on longer overnight hikes, or even an 8+ day expedition onto the Ice Cap itself.

Perito Moreno is the most popular day trip from El Calafate, but there are a number of other options for exploration. You could head out on an exhilarating downhill mountain biking trip, go kayaking among the ice floes at Upsala glacier, or experience rural Patagonian life by spending a day exploring a traditional estancia and enjoying a hearty Patagonian asado.

Often people end up with a free morning or afternoon in El Calafate in between other destinations/activities. If you fancy a few hours of learning, you could consider a visit to the Glaciarium just outside of town, where you can get to know the history and science behind the Patagonian Ice Field and it's glaciers. Alternatively, in the town itself, there are numerous shops, bars and restaurants where you can easily while away an afternoon!

El Calafate is a tourist hub, and although 5* hotels are few and far between, there are some comfortable, boutique gems to be found in the centre.

If you're after something a little more special, head out of the city to a luxury lodge, where you will have private guides for your wildlife spotting, trekking, horse riding or mountain biking excursions, beautiful food stunning views to return to. In the town itself, backpacker hostels and B&Bs abound, close to the restaurants and bars.