people inside the 4x4 passing by the river
group dining in the cave at night
bottle of wine with the meal
guide explaining cave paintings
Lake Argentino
people on the cliff of the argentine lake
archaeological site
friends dining in the cave
4x4 vehicles
4x4 vehicle on the road next to the argentinean lake
group in the archaeological zone
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Nativo Experience Lakes and Caverns from El Calafate

Visit the shores of Lago Argentino and enjoy a delicious meal in a cave

El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in El Calafate between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. or between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Ends: To your lodging in El Calafate 3 hours later (depending on the selected option).
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Nativo Experience Lakes and Caves tour from El Calafate is a midday excursion by 4x4 along the shore of Lake Argentino. It is perfect for those travelers arriving that day in El Calafate or leaving in the afternoon, as it has a duration of 3 hours.

Together with the guide, you will travel back in time through the passage of man in these lands. You will discover stories of the first expeditions to the Tehuelche culture and how they ventured into the unknown. In addition, you will visit a cave with cave paintings, where you can taste a delicious Patagonian meal.

Want to know more? 🤓 Here are all the details:

Tour details

Included

  • Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
  • Round-trip transportation
  • 4WD tour
  • Lunch or dinner with beverage and dessert

Important information

There are two departure times:

  • In the morning: pick-up between 11:00 and 12:00 am.
  • Afternoon: pick up between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

The tour is suitable for all ages.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! If you cancel at least 9 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Nativo Experience Lakes and Caverns from El Calafate

Duration: 3 hours

🚙 Pick up in El Calafate

The Nativo Experience tour will start with the pick up at your accommodation in El Calafate in the morning (between 11:00 and 12:00) or in the afternoon (between 17:00 and 18:00), depending on the selected option. Get in the 4x4 and get ready for this adventure through the Patagonian steppe.

native experience excursion

Argentino Lake

You will arrive at the shores of Lake Argentino, where the guides will give you an informative talk about the formation of the place, the fauna and the native flora.

Punta Bonita Cliff

You will ascend to get a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. From there you will observe the extension of Lake Argentino and the Andes Mountain Range.

people watching the argentinean lake from the cliffs

Archaeological site

You will walk about 500 meters through the archaeological site while the guide will explain the meaning of the cave paintings you will see on the rocks and the techniques they used.

guide showing the cave paintings in the cave

🍽️ Lunch in the cave

Finally, it is time to enjoy a delicious Patagonian meal inside the cave. You can enjoy a homemade soup, followed by a lamb casserole with vegetables in country bread, a dessert of chocolate mousse accompanied with wine, water or juice. A vegetarian menu is also available.

After this tasting, you will head back to El Calafate where the Nativo Experience Lakes and Caves tour will end.

group tasting patagonian food at the cave

What to bring to Nativo Experience Lakes and Caverns from El Calafate

  • ID card or passport
  • Comfortable and warm clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Camera

Where does the tour Nativo Experience Lakes and Caverns from El Calafate start

The city of El Calafate is located 3,000 km from Buenos Aires, and 325 km from the city of Río Gallegos, capital of the province of Santa Cruz. The airport has direct daily connections with Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Bariloche, Trelew, Córdoba and Rosario. Several airlines operate this route, being Aerolineas Argentinas the most frequent one. From Howlanders we also recommend you to check LADE airline.

If you want to arrive by land you can do it by bus. The trip between Buenos Aires and El Calafate takes about 36 hours. From Río Gallegos, the trip takes 4 hours. If you come from Puerto Natales we recommend you to take a bus that arrives to El Calafate in about five hours or hire a private service with us. Finally, if you are traveling from Ushuaia, please check the waiting times due to the crossing of the Strait of Magellan or stopover in Rio Gallegos.

Questions & Answers

  • Will I be picked up at my accommodation in El Calafate?

    Pick up is included in any accommodation with reception located in El Calafate. If you are staying in an Airbnb, or in an accommodation without reception, you will not be picked up. In this case, a meeting point in downtown El Calafate will be indicated.

  • Is there a vegetarian menu?

    Yes, it includes a main course of sautéed vegetables served on country bread.

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