El Calafate

Horseback Riding

Gustavo Holzmann. Anything from a short day ride along Lago Argentino to a weeklong camping excursion in and around the glaciers can be arranged in El Calafate by Gustavo Holzmann or through the tourist office. Av. Libertador 4315, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, 9405. 2902/493-278. www.cabalgataenpatagonia.com.

Provincial Tourist Office. Estancias Turísticas (tourist ranches) are ideal for a combination of horseback riding, ranch activities, and local excursions. Information on all the estancias can be obtained from Estancias de Santa Cruz is in Buenos Aires at the Provincial tourist office. Reconquista 642, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, 6612. 11/5237-4043. www.estanciasdesantacruz.com.

Estancia El Galpón del Glaciar. Estancia El Galpón del Glaciar welcomes guests overnight or for the day—for a horseback ride, bird-watching, or an afternoon program that includes a demonstration of sheep dogs working, a walk to the lake with a naturalist, sheep-shearing, and dinner in the former sheep-shearing barn served right off the asador by knife-wielding gauchos. Ruta 11, Km 22, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, 9405. 2902/497-793 or 11/5217-6719. www.elgalpondelglaciar.com.ar.

Estancia Maria Elisa. Estancia Maria Elisa is an upscale choice among estancias in Santa Cruz. 50 km from Calafate on Ruta 40, El Calafate, Santa Cruz. 2902/492-583. www.estanciamariaelisa.com.ar.

Nibepo Aike. A good estancia to consider if you want to stay close to El Calafate is Nibepo Aike. 53 km from El Calafate near Lago Roca on Ruta 15, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, 9405. 2902/492-797 or. www.nibepoaike.com.ar.

Alta Vista. Convenient to El Calafate, Alta Vista is a solid choice for the standard estancia activites (horses, sheep, asados) and offers good guidance for local hikes. 33 km from El Calafate on Ruta 15, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, 9405. 2902/499-902. www.hosteriaaltavista.com.ar.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Boat Tours
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding

• Ice Trekking
• Land Rover Excursions
• Mountain Biking