The most common way to reach El Calafate is by flying into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE). Many visitors connect through Buenos Aires. From the airport, taxis or pre-booked transfers are available to take you to your accommodation.

El Calafate is a relatively small town, and the Costanera is easily walkable from the town center. For excursions to the glaciers, organized tours with transportation are highly recommended. +1

Yes, you can drive to El Calafate, but it's a long journey from major cities like Buenos Aires. The roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for vast distances and potentially changing weather conditions.

While both are in Patagonia, El Calafate is primarily known for its glaciers like Perito Moreno, while Ushuaia is the 'southernmost city in the world' and offers penguin sightings and ski resorts.

Absolutely! El Calafate is a gateway to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, offering unique adventures like glacier trekking and boat tours. +1

The entrance fee for Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is approximately $20 USD per person for international visitors. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most current pricing.

Yes, it's highly recommended to book popular glacier tours, especially minitrekking on Perito Moreno, well in advance, particularly during peak tourist season, to ensure availability. +1

The minitrekking tour on Glaciar Perito Moreno typically costs around $220 USD per person. This often includes transportation and the guided trek.

Information on discounts for park entry is best obtained directly from the official Parque Nacional Los Glaciares website or at the park entrance.

While some tours might have last-minute availability, it's much safer and recommended to book popular excursions like glacier trekking and boat tours in advance to avoid disappointment. +1

Must-do activities include visiting the Glaciar Perito Moreno via the boardwalks, taking a boat tour on Lago Argentino to see other glaciers like Upsala and Spegazzini, and experiencing minitrekking on the ice. +2 A stroll along the Costanera is also a highlight. +1

The Costanera is a beautiful waterfront promenade along Lago Argentino, perfect for leisurely walks, enjoying lake views, and spotting flamingos. +1 It's also a prime spot for watching stunning sunsets. +1

Yes, you can! The 'minitrekking' tour allows you to walk on the surface of the Perito Moreno glacier with crampons and guides, offering an incredible perspective. +2

Along the Costanera, you might spot various bird species, including flamingos. Boat tours on Lago Argentino offer chances to see marine birds and potentially other wildlife.

El Calafate is a photographer's paradise! From the dramatic landscapes of the glaciers to the serene beauty of Lago Argentino and its sunsets, there are endless opportunities for stunning shots.

El Calafate is famous for its Patagonian lamb (cordero patagónico), often slow-roasted. You can also find delicious trout and king crab (centolla) in local restaurants.

There are several restaurants and cafes in El Calafate town that offer views of Lago Argentino. Exploring the town center will reveal many dining options.

While lamb and seafood are popular, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian dishes. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask your server.

Meal prices can vary, but expect to pay around $20-40 USD for a main course in a mid-range restaurant.

While the Costanera itself is more for strolling and views, the nearby town center has numerous restaurants serving local Patagonian cuisine.

The Costanera offers fantastic views of Lago Argentino, especially at sunset. +1 The boardwalks at Glaciar Perito Moreno provide dramatic angles of the ice. Aerial shots of Isla Solitaria are also unique.

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers magical light for photography, particularly along the Costanera. +1 Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the glaciers is impressive anytime.

A good quality camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vastness of the glaciers and landscapes.

While not explicitly advertised, many tour operators can accommodate photography enthusiasts. Inquire when booking your glacier excursions.

The calving of ice from Glaciar Perito Moreno, the vast blue ice of Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, and the vibrant sunsets over Lago Argentino are iconic.