I know I wasn’t totally smitten with Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas in Chile, in terms of not being much of attractions in themselves, but boy did I miss them when walking the street(!) of El Calafate, Argentina. This place is built for tourists. And it is packed with them. Souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and the likes line the main street. Not an inch of local vibe. What it does have in common with the other two towns, is that it too is a base for exploring the surrounding area, especially Perito Morena Glacier. Actually when everybody leaves for their tours for the day, it settles down, to a lot more pleasant place. So what’s good? Ice cream at Tito, always packed when passing by; German bakery, with lots of nice stuff on offer, and the take-off from the airport, during which you’ll spot the teal coloured Argentino Lake – a true beauty!! I was blown away!
Website: elcalafate.tur.ar
Can’t wait to read about your Glacier bit – glad you escaped the touristy town! That lake is indeed stunning. #FarawayFiles
The glacier was cool!
Hmm, interesting. Not what I imagined it to look like at all. Thanks for sharing your holiday snaps 🙂 #farawayflies
Haha, me neither 🙂
One part of the world we wish to get soon, thanks for sharing your impressions! #farawayfiles
My pleasure 🙂
The natural scenery looks beautiful. I prefer the outdoors to the touristy town vibe. I didn’t get that far south in Argentina when I was there (so no glaciers or massive hiking treks.)
The Perito Moreno glacier was worth coming there for. Working on a post on it, but life keeps coming in the way 🙂