We traveled to Argentina over Christmas Vacation in 2016 with our twins who were 6 ½ at the time. Here is what we did in El Calafate with kids:
What to do in El Calafate with kids
Los Glaciares National Park
the park by land
- Glaciers International Park is an incredibly gorgeous site.
- We hiked for about 90 minutes on metal platforms and stairs but it was worth it to see the glacier. It rises almost 20 stories above the water, and continues another 100 stories below.
- We heard explosions and saw chunks of ice break away from the glacier and tumble into the milky glacial water! So awesome!
the park by sea
- Don’t miss the opportunity to get closer to the icebergs and glaciers!
- The boat trip was great fun for the kids, especially when the crew fished blocks of ice from the water to hold!
- Also, the views are breathtaking!
the park: notes
- I saw some people with strollers. They looked like they were having a pretty difficult time.
- We had a guide, but you probably don’t need one.
- It’s quite chilly here, but you can still find flowers growing
- There is a restaurant, but the food isn’t very good and its pretty crowded at lunch time.
- Best to bring a picnic and eat by the lake. Regardless, you will have an amazing view:
Estancia Christina
- The trek to Christina’s Ranch was an ordeal:
- First you must drive from town to meet your catamaran
- You will be on the boat for 3 hours
- (NOTE: There are several activity options when you (FINALLY!) arrive at the ranch (some people stay there for a night or more). We chose to take a 4×4 up crazy, bumpy, unpaved cliffs, and then a 30 minute uphill hike.
- The reward for all of that travel is a Jurassic period landscape.
- You will be surrounded by rocks that are on a cliff and you will have a view of the mountain which boasts the third largest glacier in the world (Greenland and Iceland have larger).
- Once on the rocks, you can listen to a lecture about glaciers (boring for my kids) and / or climb rocks (way more fun!).
- Take a lot of photos and freeze (its super windy up there!).
- Finally, you can begin the arduous process of descending.
- When you are back at the main house, a nice, civilized, sit-down lunch (pre-ordered and paid) is served.
- You can also take a walking tour of the working ranch (my husband and daughter said that was ok…I didn’t go).
- I know people really enjoy this excursion, but if I had it all to do again, I would definitely not. IMHO, the destination was not worth journey.
Where to eat and drink
Yeti Polar Ice Bar
- Its a total tourist trap but it’s FUN!
- There’s loud music and the opportunity to climb and slide on ice.
- Ponchos and mittens to keep warm are provided.
- How it works: Pay the cover charge and drink for about ½ hour of time to drink (my kids had seltzer and water…they had no juice, only soda or alcohol).
Fabrica de Alfajores “Koonek”
- Alfajores – shortbread cookie sandwiches filled with scrumptious surprises like dulce du leche.
- You must try them!
La Lechuza Pizza
- The food here is good and the service is relatively fast
- Sorry no photos
Pura Vida
- BEST food around and super fun atmosphere with a hippie vibe
- It is really hard to get a table here and the wait to be seated is long
- Receives high praise on trip advisor
- They offer many vegetarian options
- El Submarino – a glass of steamed milk served with a chocolate bar. Place the candy into the milk and watch it sink like a submarine. Voila…greatest hot chocolate ever!
- Pure Vida had the best El Submarino that we had on our trip.
Where to stay in El Calafate with kids
Imago Hotel
- About 10 minute drive from town
- We had 2 rooms that were not adjoining, so again, not ideal when traveling with kids.
- Our space had very basic décor without cush
- There was a huge breakfast buffet starting at 6AM
- Sorry no pictures
Notes: El Calafate with kids
- The town is barren of trees. There is brush everywhere and a beautiful turquoise lake with a backdrop of jagged snow capped mountains.
- It was not as cold here as we expected, but it was super windy.
- Main Street is full of fun places to eat and shop.
- Restaurants are PACKED and the wait to get a table, to order, to get your food, and to get the check is incredibly long
To read more about our trip to Argentina, check out: