Family: El Calafate and El Chalten
Walking on glaciers and sheering sheep are a few of the adventures that can be sampled in this area of the world!
Located right over on the western edge of Argentina, El Calafate and El Chalten are hugely popular destinations and offer an interesting mix of activities that will suit a whole range of age groups. The main draw to the area is the Perito Moreno Glacier that flows down from the Southern Iceshelf and can be accessed from El Calafate. On top of this, the nearby El Chalten gives some walking and more active options for those that prefer.
As mentioned above, the real beauty of an area like El Calafate and El Chalten is that there is a truly varied mix of options and activities for all the family. For those that would like to be more visual then the region around El Calafate really offers something special. Using the town as a base it is possible to walk on ice, as well as witness the glacier itself from up close and personal. On top of this there are also options to take a guided boat ride round to a few of the other glaciers in the area while drifting past ice bergs and stunning scenery.
For families that are more active, it is also possible to spend a day on a traditional Argentine ranch in the area seeing how they still sheer the sheep by hand and finishing the experience with a traditional lamb “Parilla” (barbeque).
For those in the family that would like to be a little more active still, then the nearby village of El Chalten has a whole host of walks and hikes to suit any age or level of fitness. The beauty of the area is that, at its centre, is the outstanding Fitz Roy mountain and surrounding peaks. Regardless of hike or activity this backdrop is ever present. Along with the walks and hiking there is also a strong community of rock climbers and ice climbers over here and so, should someone like to have a go, it is easy arranged.
Click here to view some video footage of the El Calafate area.
Click here to view some video footage of the El Chalten area.
