How many days should you spend in El Calafate? For most travelers, three full days is the ideal: one for the All Glaciers Navigation tour, one for the Viedma Glacier and El Chaltén, and one free day to explore the town or another part of the park. Two days is enough to see the essentials; four allow you to savor the trip at a leisurely pace. We say this from the dock: we've been sailing Lake Argentino since 1980 and we see each season how the experience differs between those who travel with plenty of time and those who arrive just in time.
Why do full days count?
The days you arrive and depart are barely enough time: between flights, transfers, and check-in, several hours are lost. That's why it's best to only count full days. Also, the Patagonian weather changes quickly, and having a day's buffer allows you to adjust your plans if it turns out to be very windy. Remember that our sailing trips are not canceled due to bad weather; in the event of an extraordinary weather event, we will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.
How many days in El Calafate: quick table
| Full days | What goes in | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | All Glaciers + Viedma and El Chaltén | Short trips or layovers on a longer journey |
| 3 | The above plus one day off | Most travelers |
| 4 | The above plus rest or more nature | For those who travel without haste, with children or with elderly people |
2 day itinerary
- Day 1: All Glaciers Navigation. Departure from Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from the town: Boca del Diablo, icebergs and Upsala Glacier, Seco Glacier, Heim Glacier, Peineta Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier, and disembarkation at the Spegazzini Base with walkways, viewpoints and a refuge. It is a 7-hour sailing trip and about 10 hours total with transfers.
- Day 2: Viedma Full Day Adventure. 12-hour day trip with bus from your hotel, Parador La Leona, 4-hour navigation to the Viedma Glacier, views of Fitz Roy and visit to El Chaltén with a hike to the Chorrillo del Salto.
It's an intense but complete plan: two lakes, the largest glaciers in the Park and the town at the foot of Fitz Roy.
3 day itinerary
- Day 1: All Glaciers. Best as the first full day, when you still have energy for the 7 hours of sailing.
- Day 2: Free day. Walk around the center and the waterfront, explore the Laguna Nimez Reserve to see birds or, if you're interested, visit the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways on your own, which are in another part of the Park.
- Day 3: Viedma Full Day Adventure. Chaltén, Fitz Roy and Viedma Glacier in one day.
Including a free day between the two long days makes a big difference in fatigue. It also serves as a buffer: if something unexpected comes up during your trip and you have to reschedule an excursion, you'll have a place to reschedule it without losing it. During peak season, book both boat trips before you arrive.
4 day itinerary
- Day 1: All Glaciers.
- Day 2: Free day in El Calafate.
- Day 3: Trip to El Chaltén and overnight stay there. Based in El Chaltén, you can do the Viedma Adventure 4 hours from Puerto Bahía Túnel and dedicate the rest of the time to a trail.
- Day 4: Morning in El Chaltén and return to El Calafate.
If you prefer not to change accommodations, replace days 3 and 4 with the Full Day tour and a second free day. For more details on how to combine the two tours, we explain it in " All Glaciers and Viedma Adventure on the Same Trip ."
When to travel and how to book
Todo Glaciares offers daily departures from September to April and every other day from May to August; during these months, it's best to plan your itinerary around your sailing date. Las Aventuras Viedma departs daily from September to April and every other day plus Saturdays from May to August. To choose the best time to visit, see our article on the weather in El Calafate month by month.
Create your itinerary
First, choose your sailing date and then plan the rest of your trip around it. Check availability and current rates on the All Glaciers Navigation and Viedma Full Day Adventure pages.
FAQ
How many days in El Calafate are enough?
Three full days are enough for most people: one for the entire Glaciers area, one for the Viedma Glacier and El Chaltén, and one free day. Two days is enough to see the essentials.
Are two days enough in El Calafate?
Yes, if you use them well: one day for the All Glaciers Navigation and another for the Viedma Full Day Adventure, which includes El Chaltén and the Viedma Glacier.
Is it worth doing all the glaciers on the first day?
It's best to do this on your first full day, not on your arrival day. It's a 7-hour sailing trip and about 10 hours total including transfers, so it's better to be well-rested.
Is it possible to sail from El Calafate in winter?
Yes. From May to August, Todo Glaciares departs every other day, and Aventuras Viedma departs every other day plus Saturdays. From April to August, Todo Glaciares sails from 9:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.
