El Calafate is a small village in Patagonia, situated along the southern border of Lago Argentino, Argentina. It lies in the south west part of Santa Cruz, 320 kilometers northwest from Rio Gallegos. It has been declared as the national capital of the glaciers.
El Calafate is one of the major tourist spots in Argentina that is famous for the Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Chalten and Cerro Torre. The beautiful surroundings, trees, flowers, gardens and the roofs make it a perfect holiday destination, where the tourists can relax and enjoy the nature.
According to the latest census, the population of El Calafate is 8,000. The place, being a major tourist destination offers a wide range of services and facilities that include:
- Accommodation : it includes the hotels, cabins, private apartments, hostels and cottages.
- Conveyance: the conveyance facility at El Calafate provides cars and other vehicles for the purpose of traveling.
- Eateries: the place has several restaurants, ice cream parlors, tea shops and pizza houses.
- Gifts: various handicraft items, local souvenirs, books and clothes.
- Services: medicine stores, public telephone booth, gas station, banks and pharmacies.
- Stores: one can shop at the supermarkets, bakeries and several shops at El Calafate.
One of the most sought after
tourist destinations in El Calafate is Perito Moreno Glacier that offers an exquisite view of the lustrous landscape and the adventurous valley around. The place offers various activities to indulge into which include trekking, flying in a balloon, horse back riding, biking, rafting and much more.