El Calafate in winter...too cold and dark ?
 

Planning a trip for August next year to Argentina,Peru and Chile. I was thinking about a three day tour to El Calafate to see the glaciers, any thoughts on timing in August (winter).

I was there in early May a few years ago and I would say the following:

It was cold, it got dark early but on the plus side the glacier was a lot quieter, accom (which is normally sky high here) was a lot cheaper. It is also the kind of place that has a really nice charm to it when it is winter and dark and cold.

But having said that, I'm sure most people would say go during summer.

Also, worth bearing in mind that transport connections to and from here are alot less frequent in the off season.

Thanks pgriffin.
The flights are ok at that time of the year from BA as far as I can see. We will be going skiing in Chile after we are there so we will have plenty of cold weather gear.

When I was down that direction I also found it well worth making the effort to go to Ushuaia. It's a cool place to hang out for a few days. Although it is hard to get to (unless you fly) so it is worth spending 4 or 5 days once you're there.

I have three days at this stage, but you never know ! :)