El Calafate City Tour: Explore Ancient Rock Paintings and Historical Interpretation Center
4.1
13 Ratings
El Calafate
Discover the ancient rock paintings of Patagonia's earliest settlers and delve into the rich history of El Calafate on this 3-hour city tour. Explore the Walichu Caves, enjoy a panoramic tour of the Old Town, and visit the Historical Interpretation Center.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • El Calafate - This tour begins with the pick up from the hotels at the agreed time.
  • 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 (own expense) 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.
  • Lago Argentino - 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 (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 story of the Tehuelche peoples who lived here for centuries before the arrival of colonizers.

Either end your tour here to stay on at the museum cafe or souvenir shop, or finish your trip with a hotel drop-off.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional guide
  • Use of binoculars at Laguna Nimez
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a journey of discovery in El Calafate as you explore the ancient rock illustrations of Patagonia’s first inhabitants on this 3-hour guided tour. Enjoy comfortable travel in an air-conditioned bus to the picturesque shores of Lake Argentino where the Walichu Caves are located. These caves house rock artworks estimated to be around 4,000 years old. A tour of historical El Calafate will follow, offering a chance to spot flamingos and other bird species at Laguna Nimez. Finish the excursion with a visit to the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center to gain insights on the region’s fascinating history, geology, its people and its glaciers.

  • 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.
Location
El Calafate
Departure Point: Centrally located El Calafate hotels.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.1
(13 Ratings)
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Marialorenab2023
Apr 3, 2024
Walichu is the best of Calafate. - WALICHU IS THE BEST OF ALL CALAFATE. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We attended the visit with the whole family and my 9-year-old son Aristides was amazed by what he saw and experienced there, as were all of us! We were received very kindly by an employee (lawyer) who had left the profession to dedicate himself to this. The experience was sublime, the visit is a journey of immersion in the AONIKENK (CHALTEN) culture, it is a performance that takes you to another world. The equipment that they gave us for the visit gave us the native music, the history, the story, the detail, the local color and the love for the Tehuelche culture. The view of the wonderful Argentine Lake made us take THE HEART OF EL CALAFATE IN OUR EYES. No one can leave the city without visiting the Walichu caves. Being there we forget about the problems, it seems like a magical, dreamlike place. The warmth of the people who attended us made us feel that; Without a doubt, we will return one day. I give a standing ovation to those who work there with so much love and professionalism to show those who visit how valuable our roots are and how wonderful it is to know the culture of our native peoples. They are an example to imitate. Thanks a lot. This is not just a walk... it is immersing your soul in the Argentineness that passes through us!!!! Thank you very much. Aristides' mother.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne
Jun 14, 2017
Wonderful! We were so happy to have... - <p>Wonderful! We were so happy to have our guide. Really most of the tour was for Spanish speakers. She explained that her English wasn't too good and that wasn't true! her English was GREAT! She explained in detail the history of the region. You go over to the lake which is this fabulous color of blue and the landscape is totally surreal. You then go over to this ancient cave dwellings -- absolutely fascinating. Well worth it. It doesn't take all day, either so its just a nice day excursion. We also visited a museum which included some more history of the area. Its a nice alternative to going to the Los Glaciares Park.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Ljokun3
Feb 25, 2023
Good way to see the town - Very friendly. Lots of information over varied sites. Disappointed that the time advertised was incorrect, it meant we wasted a day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mitali
Sep 23, 2017
This was an okay tour. The Walichu... - <p>This was an okay tour. The Walichu caves were interesting, but the museum was not great. You can walk through the city of El Calafate on your own as it is fairly small. Walichu caves are not walking distance.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Balmatiusha_j
Mar 11, 2018
Nothing exciting about this . The... - <p>Nothing exciting about this . The cave you have to interpret yourself , a lot of assumptions were made . The city tour you can do on your own .</p>
Review provided by Viator
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May 2024
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