In southern Patagonia’s gateway town, El Calafate‘s city tours pack a lot into a compact experience. The standout option combines downtown exploration with local wine tasting – perfect for history buffs who appreciate good vintages. For nature enthusiasts, the Walichu Caves tour reveals fascinating indigenous rock art while providing spectacular views of Lake Argentino.
These well-organized excursions typically run with small groups (maximum 12 people), include hotel pickup, and offer free cancellation. At €85, the basic city tour delivers solid value, especially with expert guides who share authentic insights about local life and culture.
I especially love the combined City and Walichu Caves option – it efficiently covers both town highlights and natural attractions in one go. Plus, it’s family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Let’s look at my favorite tour options in El Calafate:
Good To Know
- The Calafate Wine Tours Pedestrian City Tour offers a 4-hour experience with wine tasting, local cuisine, and an intimate group size of up to 12 travelers.
- The El Calafate City Sightseeing Tour covers the city’s history, natural wonders, and key attractions like the Walichu Caves and Laguna Nimez bird preserve.
- The El Calafate City Tour and Walichu Caves package combines city sightseeing with a visit to the Walichu Caves, including hotel pickup and entrance fees.
- The Calafate City Tour With Walichu Caves, operated by Argentina Travel Online, focuses on the geological site with ancient cave drawings and a maximum of 15 participants.
- The City Tour by Patagonia Dreams provides a comprehensive exploration of El Calafate’s culture and landmarks, with hotel pickup, lunch, and a maximum group size of 18 travelers.
Calafate Wine Tours Pedestrian City Tour Paired With Wines
The Calafate Wine Tours Pedestrian City Tour Paired with Wines offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historical and cultural heart of El Calafate while savoring the flavors of Patagonian wines.
This 4-hour tour includes a tasting of four local wine varieties, accompanied by a homemade empanada and an alfajor, a traditional Argentine dessert.
With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and personalized journey.
Wheelchair accessibility, stroller access, and the availability of service animals make the tour inclusive.
While most travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the well-curated wine and food pairings, a few have reported inconsistencies in the tour quality, highlighting the importance of researching the specific guide assigned to a given tour.
Read our full review: Calafate Wine Tours Pedestrian City Tour Paired With Wines Review
Book now: Check availability
El Calafate City Sightseeing Tour Including Walichu Caves
This 3-hour El Calafate City Sightseeing Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s history and natural wonders.
Highlights include the Walichu Caves, featuring 4,000-year-old rock paintings, and a tour of El Calafate’s Old Town and historical landmarks.
Travelers will also visit the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center to learn about local geology and wildlife, and Laguna Nimez, a bird preserve where swans and flamingos can be spotted.
Priced from €161.58 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a professional guide.
With a maximum group size of 30, this sightseeing experience provides an immersive and informative introduction to the attractions of El Calafate.
Read our full review: El Calafate City Sightseeing Tour Including Walichu Caves Review
Book now: Check availability
El Calafate City Tour and Walichu Caves
Embarking on the El Calafate City Tour and Walichu Caves, travelers can expect a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich history and natural wonders.
Priced from $111 per person, this tour offers a city sightseeing experience and a visit to the Walichu Caves. Led by a bilingual guide, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with entrance fees.
While travelers have praised the tour’s ability to showcase hard-to-reach sites, some have suggested including the Ice Museum to enhance the understanding of the local glacial history.
With a minimum of 2 adult passengers required for confirmation, this tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: El Calafate City Tour and Walichu Caves Review
Book now: Check availability
Calafate City Tour With Walichu Caves
Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s Patagonian region, the Calafate City Tour with Walichu Caves offers travelers a captivating exploration of El Calafate’s rich history and natural wonders.
Operated by Argentina Travel Online, this tour takes visitors to the Walichu Caves, a remarkable geological site featuring ancient cave drawings.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour provides a personalized experience, starting from the designated meeting point and ending at the same location.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, making it suitable for families.
Priced from $85 per person, the Calafate City Tour with Walichu Caves promises an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of El Calafate.
Read our full review: Calafate City Tour With Walichu Caves Review
Book now: Check availability
City Tour
Patagonia Dreams offers a comprehensive City Tour, providing visitors with an insightful exploration of El Calafate’s vibrant culture and captivating landmarks.
This guided tour, limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, offers hotel pickup and a delightful lunch complemented by soda/pop. The tour covers the city’s must-see attractions, allowing participants to enjoy the local history and charm.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who’ll sit on laps.
With a single one-star review out of the total, the City Tour promises an engaging and informative experience for those seeking to discover the essence of El Calafate.
Read our full review: City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
El Calafate offers a variety of engaging city tours that cater to different interests. From wine-paired walking tours to in-depth explorations of local landmarks like the Walichu Caves, visitors can discover the city’s rich history and culture. These tours provide an excellent way to experience the charming streets and unique attractions of El Calafate.