Argentina · Archaeology

El Calafate City Sightseeing Tour Including Walichu Caves

3 Hours Round trip from El Calafate Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the Walichu Caves on the shores of Lake Argentino
  • 02 See ancient rock paintings dating back around 4,000 years
  • 03 Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of El Calafate
  • 04 Pass early 20th-century buildings, the main plaza, and church
  • 05 Learn about local history and geology from a professional guide
  • 06 Finish at the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center

Discover El Calafate beyond its famous glaciers on this half-day sightseeing tour that combines local history, Patagonian landscapes, and ancient rock art. Travel to the Walichu Caves on the shores of Lake Argentino, where you can admire prehistoric paintings and learn about the pre-Tehuelche hunter-gatherers who once lived in the area.

Back in town, enjoy a panoramic tour past early settler buildings, the main plaza, church, and the coastal walk along Lago Argentino. The experience concludes at the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center, where you can continue exploring the region’s history, wildlife, geology, and early cultures at your own pace.

Marvel at the spectacular milky-blue lake, and follow the trail to gaze at the aeons-old rock paintings.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City El Calafate
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

El Calafate

An air-conditioned minivan will pick you up to start the tour and along the way you will marvel at the scenery until you reach the Walichu Caves. 

El Calafate - Walichu Caves

Relax into your air-conditioned coach or minivan and enjoy the views over the untouched landscapes on route to Walichu Caves. After roughly 30 minutes, arrive at the ancient caves on the shores of Lake Argentino. Marvel at the spectacular milky-blue lake, and follow the trail to gaze at the aeons-old rock paintings. Admire the recreated and authentic depictions of humans and animals, and learn from a local guide how they date back around 4,000 years to Paleolithic times and were probably originated created by pre-Tehuelche hunter-gatherers.

El Calafate - Sightseeing Tour

Next, drive back to El Calafate for a panoramic sightseeing tour. Drive past the early 20th-century buildings and homes built by its first settlers, as well as the main plaza, church and other landmarks as your guide details the town’s early beginnings. We will see the Coastal Walk, which is close to the Lago Argentino coast.

El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center

Finish at the El Calafate Historical Intepretation Center. Explore this informative museum independently (at your own expense) and uncover the area’s history, wildlife, and geology. See the bones of dinosaurs that roamed here millennia ago, and trace the formation of Patagonia’s glaciers and the story of the Tehuelche peoples who lived here for centuries before the arrival of colonizers. End your tour here to stay at the museum cafe or souvenir shop, or finish your trip with a hotel drop-off.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from El Calafate 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional guide

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees

Know before you go

  • The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel. 
  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. Office number: (Mon to Fri from 9 to 18 Hs) Emergency mobile: (After office hours)
  • IMPORTANT: If you wish to cancel your tour, please note that no refund will be granted from the 24th of December to the 02nd of January. All sales are final between those dates.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
El Calafate, AR
Tour start
El Calafate, AR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in El Calafate.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.