Bariloche to El Calafate: 3 Incredible Ways to Go

Both destinations are among the top choices for travelers visiting Argentina. However, planning the journey from Bariloche to El Calafate can sometimes be challenging. In this guide, we share the best…

Bariloche to El Calafate: 3 Incredible Ways to GoPatagonian road from the lakes to the glaciersPatagonia Road Trip

Across Patagonia: From Lakes to Glaciers

Both destinations are among the top choices for travelers visiting Argentina. However, planning the journey from Bariloche to El Calafate can sometimes be challenging. In this guide, we share the best travel options to help you choose the route that fits your itinerary.

Bariloche & El Calafate: Two Different Sides of Patagonia

Located in Northern Patagonia, in Río Negro Province, and about 1,500 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires, Bariloche is famous for its snowy landscapes and alpine atmosphere. Known as the gateway to Argentina’s Lake District, the city is surrounded by forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains, with charming villages adding to its distinctive character. Bariloche also welcomes thousands of high school graduates each year, particularly between October and December. For families, it offers an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature, while adventure seekers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Further south, in Santa Cruz Province and approximately 2,700 kilometers from Buenos Aires, El Calafate is the gateway to the spectacular glaciers of southern Patagonia. The town is the main base for visiting Los Glaciares National Park, home to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, and provides access to El Chaltén, known for Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. El Calafate can also be combined with Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, making it an important stop on longer Patagonia itineraries.

Both destinations lie along the Andes Mountain Range, but traveling from Bariloche to El Calafate involves crossing vast distances through remote Patagonian landscapes. By road, the journey can include long stretches of the legendary Ruta 40, making it an unforgettable option for travelers with time to explore Patagonia beyond its main destinations.

Bariloche to El Calafate by Land

You can travel from Bariloche to El Calafate by bus, with several stops along the way, or enjoy the freedom of a self-drive road trip. If you love slow travel and breathtaking scenery, driving along Ruta 40 is one of Patagonia’s great adventures. The route covers a vast distance, so most travelers spread the journey over several days to enjoy the landscapes and destinations along the way. Highlights include El Bolsón, on the border of Río Negro and Chubut, known for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, as well as Esquel and Trevelin, where Welsh heritage remains an important part of local culture. Before continuing south, Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also well worth visiting. As you travel farther south, the forests gradually give way to Patagonia’s vast steppe landscapes.

Further along Ruta 40, you can reach Los Antiguos and explore the nearby Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands), famous for its remarkably preserved prehistoric rock art. If your itinerary allows, you can cross into Chile from Los Antiguos and add a detour along the scenic Carretera Austral, including a visit to the spectacular Marble Caves. Back in Santa Cruz Province, Tres Lagos provides access to Lake San Martín, surrounded by dramatic mountains and turquoise waters. Continuing south, you can visit El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital and gateway to Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, before completing the journey in El Calafate, on the shores of Lake Argentino.

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Bariloche to El Calafate by Air

If you prefer to save time, flying is the fastest way to travel from Bariloche to El Calafate. During the high season, direct flights may operate between the two destinations, with a flight time of around two hours. Bariloche’s Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport offers domestic connections, while flights with a connection in Buenos Aires may also be available depending on the airline and season. The airport is located approximately 13 kilometers from downtown Bariloche and can be reached by car, taxi, or public transportation.

In El Calafate, Comandante Armando Tola International Airport is approximately 20–22 kilometers from the city center. Travelers can reach El Calafate by shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi. Flying is particularly convenient for travelers with limited time, allowing them to save several days compared with traveling overland through Patagonia.

Bariloche to El Calafate by Land, Water, and Air

If you enjoy combining different travel experiences, another excellent alternative is to travel through Argentina and Chile using a mix of land transportation, boat navigation, and flights. Begin in Bariloche with the famous Andean Crossing, a full-day journey combining bus rides and boat navigation across several pristine lakes while crossing the Andes Mountains. The journey ends in Puerto Varas, Chile, and can also be divided into two days with an overnight stay in Peulla.

While in Puerto Varas, consider visiting the impressive Osorno Volcano, often compared to Japan’s Mount Fuji because of its distinctive symmetrical shape. From nearby Puerto Montt, you can fly to Punta Arenas, with airlines and schedules varying depending on the season. Once in Punta Arenas, you can spend a day visiting the Magdalena Island penguin colony, typically accessible during the penguin season, or continue by land to Puerto Natales, approximately three hours away. Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, one of Patagonia’s greatest natural wonders. Spending at least one full day exploring the area is recommended, although many travelers stay three or four nights to combine scenic excursions with hiking.

The final leg takes you from Puerto Natales or Torres del Paine across the border into Argentina and onward to El Calafate. The road journey from Puerto Natales to El Calafate takes approximately five hours, depending on the border crossing and starting point. During the low season, from April through September, transportation options can be more limited, so it is important to check current schedules when planning this multi-country Patagonia itinerary.

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