Where is El Calafate, Argentina?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 10, 2026 11:15 ET

El Calafate sits in southern Argentina, within the province of Santa Cruz, near the edge of Lake Argentino in the Patagonia region. It lies west of Río Gallegos and close to the Andes, serving as a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

Location Map of El Calafate, Argentina

About Map: The map showing location of El Calafate in Argentina.

Where is El Calafate Located?

El Calafate sits in southern Argentina, within the province of Santa Cruz, near the edge of Lake Argentino in the Patagonia region. It lies west of Río Gallegos and close to the Andes, serving as a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.

The town covers about 2,743 sq km (1,059 sq mi), combining a small urban center with vast surrounding natural landscapes. Population: 26,000 (Census 2022). Its remote setting and proximity to glaciers have shaped its growth as a tourism hub.

El Calafate is widely known for its access to iconic Patagonian scenery. Major attractions include Perito Moreno Glacier, Lago Argentino, Glaciarium Museum, Laguna Nimez Reserve, and excursions into Los Glaciares National Park.

El Calafate Facts

CountryArgentina
Province/StateSanta Cruz
CountyLago Argentino
Settlement TypeTown
RegionPatagonia
Population26,000 (2022)
Area2,743 sq km
Time ZoneART UTC-3
Postal CodeZ9405
Dialing Code+54 2902
Major RoadsRP-11, RN-40
Nearest AirportEl Calafate Airport
Nearest Major CitiesRío Gallegos, El Chaltén
Famous ForGlaciers, tourism
Main AttractionsGlacier, lake
TransportAirport, roads
Official LanguageSpanish
CurrencyArgentine Peso

Distance from El Calafate to Major Cities in Argentina

  • El Calafate to El Chaltén - 135 mi (217 km)
  • El Calafate to Río Gallegos - 200 mi (322 km)
  • El Calafate to Puerto San Julián - 350 mi (563 km)
  • El Calafate to Comodoro Rivadavia - 700 mi (1127 km)
  • El Calafate to Trelew - 900 mi (1448 km)
  • El Calafate to Puerto Madryn - 950 mi (1530 km)
  • El Calafate to Neuquén - 1100 mi (1770 km)
  • El Calafate to Bahía Blanca - 1200 mi (1931 km)
  • El Calafate to Santa Rosa - 1300 mi (2092 km)
  • El Calafate to Mendoza - 1400 mi (2253 km)
  • El Calafate to Córdoba - 1500 mi (2414 km)
  • El Calafate to Buenos Aires - 1700 mi (2736 km)
  • El Calafate to Rosario - 1650 mi (2655 km)
  • El Calafate to Santa Fe - 1700 mi (2736 km)
  • El Calafate to Salta - 2000 mi (3218 km)
  • El Calafate to Tucumán - 1900 mi (3058 km)
  • El Calafate to Ushuaia - 550 mi (885 km)
  • El Calafate to Posadas - 2200 mi (3540 km)