ATTRACTIONS

EL CALAFATE VILLAGE

El Calafate is a small and friendly village with a stable population of over 4,000 inhabitants and a floating one of around 3,500 people. Its streets have a special allure, characterized by low, warm and rustic houses with sloping roofs, contrasting with a blue scenery that blends up with the sky.

Those who come to El Calafate for the first time are astounded by the looks of the village, because it is like an oasis in the middle of the Patagonian desert. Bordered by an area dominated by the coirón and the winds, its inhabitants have managed to plant poplars, pines and willows, thus providing the village with a natural decoration.

Among the variety of attractions El Calafate offers, is the main avenue, with plenty of picturesque houses, stores, restaurants, inns, public services and craft stores.

PLACES TO VISIT

"Santa Teresita" Chapel
In "Estancia Santa Rita", this was the first house constructed in the area.

"La Loma"
This hill located south of the village, behind the chapel, offers the best panoramic view of the village.

"El Calafate" Municipal Museum
Located at the corner of Libertador San Martín and Arroyo Calafate Avenues, this museum shows zoology, botany and paleontology collections as well as objects belonging to the Tehuelche natives. In the evenings, during high season (November to March), documentaries and slides that depict the incredible moment when ice blocks of Moreno Glacier plunge into the water are presented at various establishments. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nimes Lagoon
It is an bird reserve only 1 km away from the town centre. In order to get there one should go up to the park administrative division ("intendencia") and from there continue until one reaches a small suspension bridge over Calafate River.

To the north of such bridge, across some strawberry plantations, one finally arrives to the lake. During the journey various native bird species may be seen: flamingoes, ducks, Silvery Grebes, Black-necked Swans, avutardas and thrushes.

On the way back to the bridge and toward the right, there is an ideal place for a picnic, next to a winding stream of pure water, surrounded by willows and poplars.

Finally, one may stroll around the lagoon to find a small peaceful beach where to enjoy the beauty of dusk and dawns during summer. In winter the lagoon turns into a natural ice-skating site.

Calafate River
To the south of the city and after skirting "La Loma", one gains access to Calafate River. It is a winding stream narrowed by many coloured walls forming small pools over prairies full of flowers. From this point one gets a good sight of Mt. Calafate.

NIGHT LIFE
El Calafate is not only enjoyable during daytime: it has a surprising night life and there is an attractive range of places to go in the evening, including discotheques, pubs, tanguerias (tango bars), nightclubs and casinos.