The climate in El Calafate is predominantly cold and dry, so it is difficult to differentiate seasonal clothing. Winds are more frequent and intense during the summer.

It is always advisable to have warm clothing and dress in layers. As for footwear, trekking or sports shoes are recommended.

Hooded windbreakers and coats such as gloves, scarf and jacket are recommended all year round. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen.

If you are Argentinean or from neighbouring countries, the usual document in your country of origin will be enough to stay as well as to go on local and regional excursions such as the visit to Chile. On the other hand, if you come from any other country, you must carry your Passport together with your Assistance Insurance and you should consult your Embassy or the Migration Office of your country for information about Visas. You should consider as "obligatory" for minors the possession of their identity document and the permanence with their parents or legal guardians duly accredited especially for lake excursions, trekking to the Patagonian Continental Ice and to visit Chile, since they will be required to be able to carry them out.

El Calafate has an international airport, located 20 km from the city, which receives daily flights from different cities in Argentina and other countries. You can contact us to coordinate your transfer to or from the airport.

For flight status please visit the following page: https://aeropuertoelcalafate.com/

The currency used in El Calafate is the Argentinean peso. It is advisable to carry cash, as not all establishments accept credit or debit cards. It is also possible to exchange currency in the city, especially in banks and exchange houses.

You can turn to Cambios Del Sur, located at Avenida Libertador n° 963: Telephone: 02902-491455. 

If for any reason you will need emergency service, please note the following:

• All hotels can call any of the emergency medical, police or fire services.
• Check with your travel medical assistance service to find out which professionals are available in our area and their speciality.
• The local hospital has qualified services of Medical Clinic, Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Traumatology, General Surgery, Trauma, Cardiology, Anaesthesiology, General Medicine and ambulance vehicles for land transfers (arrival time to a referral hospital and high complexity in summer: approximately two and a half hours) as well as qualified personnel for air transfers.

Useful telephones

Hospital 107

Telefonia 110 customer information

Official Time 113

Long Distance 19

Access to DDN 0

Access to DDI 00

Internal Serv. by Operator 000

Firefighters 100

Police 101

Civil Defence 103

If your emergency is on the access routes, please note that passenger vehicles have radio equipment to communicate with El Calafate, Río Gallegos or La Esperanza on the Civil Defence frequencies: HF 3857.5 USB - 6970 USB or VHF 149.335 and thus be able to request the necessary assistance.

Los Glaciares National Park is a unique and protected place. It is important to respect the indications of the guides and not to leave rubbish or carry out activities that may damage the environment. Remember that we must be responsible with the conservation of these natural spaces.