According to tourists who visited Santa Cruz Province, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive glacier and UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible by walkways, navigation, or ice trekking. It rises up to 70 meters above the water level. 2. Explore the Cave of Hands, an archaeological site with prehistoric rock art dating back 9,000 to 10,000 years, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Access is via a land excursion. 3. Go to El Chaltén, known as the National Capital of Trekking, surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks like Fitz Roy. It offers hiking routes of varying difficulty levels. 4. Settle in El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier and a tourist service center with a significant hotel and dining offer. It is accessible by air and land. 5. Bring warm, windproof clothing, book accommodation and tours in advance, and prepare for vast and sometimes desolate landscapes.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Santa Cruz Province are: 1. Navigation on Lake Argentino to see glaciers like Upsala and Spegazzini. There are different navigation options, from half-day to full-day trips. 2. Hiking in El Chaltén, taking walks to viewpoints of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The trail to the Condor Lookout takes about 1 hour. 3. Marine wildlife watching in Puerto Deseado, exploring the Deseado Estuary to see Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and birds. It is a Provincial Natural Reserve. 4. Taste Patagonian cuisine, including traditionally cooked Patagonian lamb, trout, guanaco, and regional products. 5. Travel along sections of the legendary Route 40, experiencing the Patagonian landscapes. It is the kilometer 0 of National Route 40.
From Santa Cruz Province, the following day trips can be made: 1. El Chaltén: 215 km (3 hours by car), ideal for adventurers and nature lovers, known as the National Capital of Trekking. It is accessible by car or bus. 2. Cave of Hands: 350 km (4-5 hours by car from El Calafate), for those interested in history and archaeology. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and can be accessed by car (a suitable vehicle is recommended for some sections) or an organized tour. 3. Puerto Deseado: 700 km (8-9 hours by car from El Calafate), for wildlife enthusiasts, with marine wildlife watching in the Deseado Estuary. It is a Provincial Natural Reserve. Accessible by car or bus. 4. Petrified Forests of Jaramillo: 350 km (4 hours by car from Puerto Deseado), for those interested in geology and paleontology. It is one of the most important petrified forest sites in the country. Accessible by car (a 4x4 is recommended for some sections) or an organized tour.
To visit the main attractions of Santa Cruz Province, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 7 days. With 3 days, you can see the essentials like the Perito Moreno Glacier. With 5 days, you can combine glaciers with El Chaltén or the coast. With 7 days or more, a deeper exploration of different areas is possible. This is justified by the vast territorial extension of the province and the geographical dispersion of its attractions, along with travel time between destinations. A suggested itinerary for 5 days is: Day 1-2: El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier. Day 3: El Chaltén (trekking). Day 4-5: Atlantic Coast (Puerto Deseado, Puerto San Julián) or Cave of Hands. The desired travel pace should be considered.
The high season is from December to February, with temperatures between 8°C and 20°C, longer days but windier, and very high prices that can double. The low season is from June to August, with cold winter weather (temperatures between -5°C and 5°C), the possibility of snow, and low prices with discounts of 30-40%. The ideal season is from October to April, offering a good balance between pleasant weather (temperatures between 5°C and 15°C), fewer crowds, and prices 15-25% cheaper than in high season.
Traveling to Santa Cruz Province has a moderate to high cost level. The estimated daily budget is: backpacker between USD 50 and USD 80; mid-range between USD 100 and USD 180; and comfort between USD 200 and USD 400. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal between USD 10 and USD 20; budget meal between USD 5 and USD 10; public transport between USD 1 and USD 2 per trip; entrance to Los Glaciares National Park between USD 15 and USD 30; budget accommodation per night between USD 20 and USD 40; and mid-range accommodation per night between USD 80 and USD 150. An example budget for 5 days is USD 500-900 per person (excluding international flights). Generally, it is more expensive than other Argentine Patagonian provinces but comparable or slightly cheaper than high-end destinations in Chile or Europe. To save money, it is recommended to travel in low or mid-season, take advantage of supermarket options, use public transport, and look for accommodations with kitchens.
You can enjoy free attractions like the Riverside Walk in Río Gallegos, the viewpoints in El Chaltén with free access to trails, and the main trails of the Petrified Forests of Jaramillo. There are Free Walking Tours in El Calafate and El Chaltén, based on voluntary tips. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Entrada al Parque Nacional Los Glaciares from USD 15, Navegación corta Glaciar Perito Moreno (Safari Náutico) from USD 25, Visita a Estancias (opciones básicas) from USD 40, Navegación Glaciares with price to check.
