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AR-Notros-Moreno.jpeg (30064 bytes) El Calafate &
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Lago Argentino is the traditional title used, though the actual town is El Calafate (pop 3,000), on the south shores of Lago Argentino and in the southern part of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

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In March 1999 the new airport opened in El Calafate and the need to use the Rio Gallegos airport (190 miles, 3 1/2 hours) has been eliminated. El Calafate has flights from/to Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and in season daily service direct to Bariloche.

El Calafate is a booming tourist center during the season, and a sleepy closed-up town the remainder of the year. The one main street has a growing number of shops with the usual array of t-shirts and gear, and restaurants; most of the hotels are an easy walk to the center.

The "must do's" are:

  • The famed Perito Moreno Glacier is a drive of about 2 hours from Lago Argentino over well maintained all weather roads with a photographic, educational and wildlife stop here and there along the way.

    Perito Moreno Glacier has a frontage of more than 3 miles, towering some 180 feet above the lake waters. Thunderous booms are common as huge chunks break off and fall into the lake. A series of "pasarellas" (boardwalks) with strategically placed viewing points lets you explore the area at your own pace.

    There is also a short distance, one hour motorlaunch excursion along the southern face, providing difference views of the ice walls. There is a snack bar with restrooms and a restaurant nearby the at the "pasarellas". Most day tours drop you at the "pasarellas" and allow you three to four hours to explore at your own pace - barely enough time to take the motorlaunch excursion and walk the pasarellas.

    To fully enjoy this spectacular park, stay at the charming Hotel Los Notros, right in the park and with panoramic views of the glacier. They have an innovative list of excursions in their "all-inclusive" program, including hiking on the glacier itself.

  • Estancia Cristina & Upsala Glacier excursion - this full day excursion includes a motorlaunch excursion on Lago Argentino to view the Upsala Glacier from the water, and then a visit historic Estancia Cristina, founded in 1918. Visit the estancia, enjoy a traditional Patagonia "asado" (barbecue) and take special transport to a "mirador" for panoramic vistas of  Upsala Glacier, considered on of the longest glaciers in South America. Have tea and afternoon return cruise to Punta Bandera. This excursion combines scenery, glaciers, estancias and history. In 2005 the Estancia inaugurated its main lodge and 12 rooms located in three bungalows, affording overnight stays to those who wish to hike and horseback ride and enjoy this remote part of the world.

Other visits available in the area:

  • A visit to Estancia Alice's "El Galpon" where a presentation on sheep farming, sheep shearing, sheep this and that is given, followed by a demonstration by two sheep dogs on rounding, moving and holding sheep and then topped off by a traditional "asado" (Argentine BBQ). El Galpon also has added 16 rooms in a cozy new building, with sweeping vistas down to the lake. This is generally categorized as a late afternoon-evening tour, returning back to Lago Argentino mid-evening, after dinner.

  • The regular Upsala-Onelli glacier cruise - a day on a catamaran cruising on Lago Argentino to view glaciers. At the northwest end of Lago Argentino, is the Upsala Glacier, considered one of the longest glaciers in South America at more than 36 miles long and more than 2 miles wide. The modern catamaran leaves from Punta Bandera (31 miles from Lago Argentino), battles the waters going producing a bumpy ride, but has a smooth run back with stops at Glacier Spegazinni and at Bahia Onelli for a walk through a lovely forest to Lago Onelli, a quiet, small, ice-berg studded lake with spectacular vistas to the glacier and mountains. The modern catamaran has a snack bar and facilities.

There are also two estancias nearby that can add a different dimension to your visit - the Alta Vista, a Chateau and Relais property, and the charming and much more down to earth Nebepo Aike Estancia.  The new Eolo Lodge, located between El Calafate and the the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, provides another lodgining possibility.