El Calafate: Gateway to Argentine Patagonia

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeChau
  [chow]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pair-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (koh-lehk-tee-voh)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

El Calafate, located in the southern region of Patagonia, Argentina, traces its origins back to the early 20th century. The town was named after the calafate bush, a native plant whose berries were used by the indigenous Tehuelche people. European settlers arrived in the early 1900s, attracted by the opportunities for sheep farming in the expansive Patagonian plains.

The official establishment of El Calafate as a town occurred in 1927. Initially, it served as a remote outpost providing supplies and services to the sparse population of the region. Its strategic location on the shores of Lago Argentino made it an ideal spot for a settlement, acting as a gateway to the vast wilderness of Patagonia.

The discovery of the Perito Moreno Glacier in the early 20th century marked a turning point for El Calafate. The glacier, one of the few in the world that is still advancing, became a significant attraction. In the 1970s, the Argentine government recognized the potential of the region for tourism and established Los Glaciares National Park to protect the natural wonders, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy Mountain, and numerous other glaciers and peaks.

During the late 20th century, substantial investment was made to develop El Calafate’s infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of tourists. The opening of El Calafate International Airport in 2000 was a pivotal moment, significantly improving accessibility. Hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses flourished, transforming the once-sleepy town into a bustling tourist hub.

El Calafate is not just a gateway to natural beauty but also a repository of cultural heritage. The El Calafate Regional Museum, known as the Centro de Interpretación Histórica, offers insights into the region’s indigenous history, European colonization, and the development of the Patagonian frontier. The Tehuelche people’s legacy and the influence of early settlers are evident in the town’s cultural fabric.

Today, El Calafate is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends its historical roots with modern amenities. It serves as the principal base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park and other natural attractions in Patagonia. Festivals, cultural events, and local crafts reflect the town’s rich heritage and its ongoing relationship with the stunning Patagonian landscape.

El Calafate is located in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. The nearest airport is Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), which is about 23 kilometers from the town center. There are direct flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and other major cities in Argentina. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the town.

El Calafate is a small town and most attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are readily available for longer trips or if you prefer not to walk. There are also local buses that can take you to nearby attractions, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier. Car rentals are available and can be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in El Calafate. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the town center, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Buenos Aires or another major city before arrival.

El Calafate is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always best to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 101 for police, 100 for fire, and 107 for medical emergencies. The local hospital and medical facilities are available in El Calafate. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While El Calafate is not particularly religious, it's always good to be respectful at any religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as Patagonian lamb and trout. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience El Calafate like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Argentine goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Glaciarium, a museum dedicated to glaciers, and take a boat tour to see the Perito Moreno Glacier up close. For a unique experience, try some locally made Calafate berry liqueur.