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El Calafate weather
Understanding El Calafate weather: wind patterns, seasonal changes, and planning around conditions.
- 12 Trails
- Glaciers
- Weather Insights
Home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier
From iconic glacier walks to steppe explorations, discover El Calafate’s diverse landscapes with detailed weather insights.
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Perito Moreno Glacier — Walkways (Pasarelas)
Easy
- 1–3 hours
- 2–4 km total (boardwalk)
Highlights: The most famous glacier viewpoint in Patagonia
1
Weather Notes
Visibility and wind direction determine calving activity visibility; cloud base matters for photography.
Wg
Perito Moreno Mini-Trek (On the Glacier)
Moderate
- 1.5–3 hours
- ~2 km on ice + walk to access
Highlights: Walking on the glacier with crampons
2
Weather Notes
Wind is a major factor; low visibility can affect safety briefings.
Wg
Upsala & Spegazzini Viewpoints (Navigation Excursion)
Easy (boat access)
- Full-day excursion
- Minimal walking
Highlights: Towering glaciers, icebergs, fjord-like scenery
3
Weather Notes
Wind on Lago Argentino dictates whether boats depart.
Wg
Laguna Nimez Reserve
Easy
- 1–2 hours
- 2–3 km
Highlights: Birdwatching, flamingos, quiet lake scenery
4
Weather Notes
Wind can be strong; visibility rarely an issue.
Wg
Cerro Frias Trek
Easy–Moderate
- 2–4 hours
- 4–15 km depending on route
Highlights: Panoramic views of Torres del Paine and Lago Argentino
5
Weather Notes
Exposed hill — wind is the number one factor.
Wg
El Chalten Full Day
Moderate
- 3–5 hours
- ~7–10 km
Highlights: Small lagoon in the steppe
6
Weather Notes
Very windy region; wide-open pampas.
Wg
Estancia Cristina — Upsala Viewpoint Hike
Moderate
- 4–6 hours
- 7–10 km depending on route
Highlights: Fossil beds, Upsala Glacier overlook
7
Weather Notes
One of the windiest places in southern Patagonia; cloud base matters for glacier views.
Wg
Walichu Caves (Cuevas de Walichu)
Easy
- 45 minutes
- 1–2 km
Highlights: Cave art, steppe views
8
Weather Notes
Wind exposure; minimal cloud impact.
Wg
El Calafate airport Comandante Armando Tola
Easy–Moderate
- 1–2 hours
- 2–4 km
Highlights: Flights can be weather-sensitive.
9
Weather Notes
Very windy hilltop.
Wg
La Leona Petrified Forest (Bosque Petrificado)
Easy–Moderate
- 2–3 hours
- 5–7 km
Highlights: Fossils, desert landscapes, quiet steppe
10
Weather Notes
Open desert — high winds, dust storms possible.
Wg
Mount Huyliche / Balcón de El Calafate
Easy–Moderate
- 1–3 hours
- 4–10 km
Highlights: Panoramic view of entire Lake Argentino basin
11
Weather Notes
Very wind-exposed summit.
Wg
Cañadón de los Fósiles (Estancia Cristina)
Moderate–Hard
- 5–7 hours
- 8–14 km
Highlights: Geological formations, fossils, remote landscape
12
Weather Notes
High winds; weather shifts very fast.
