
1 / 10El Calafate Safari Experience
About this activity
Explore a vast 42,000-acre working estancia (ranch) in Patagonia with guided 4x4 access to hilltop vistas and the historic Villalba family homestead. This immersive experience combines landscape, local heritage, and authentic Argentine cuisine in one comprehensive half-day excursion.
Visit Estancia 25 de Mayo, a sprawling 42,000-acre (17,000-hectare) ranch with a historical main house outside El Calafate. Traveling in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle, ascend the Huyliche and Calafate hills. Destination: an outpost of the Villalba family residences—the first inhabitants of this land. Learn about the family’s history and the native flora and fauna, then enjoy a typical Argentinian lunch.
Highlights
- ✓4x4 vehicle tour across Estancia 25 de Mayo's sprawling terrain
- ✓Panoramic views from Huyliche and Calafate hills
- ✓Visit the ancestral Villalba family residence and learn pioneer history
- ✓Native Patagonian flora and fauna interpretation
- ✓Traditional Argentine lunch on the ranch
Insider tips
- ★Wear layers—Patagonian weather changes rapidly; bring a windproof jacket even in summer
- ★The dirt roads are rough; the 4x4 vehicle is essential, not optional
- ★Arrive early to maximize daylight on the hilltop vistas, especially in shoulder seasons
Good to know
- •Duration is 5 hours total; plan for travel time to and from El Calafate town
- •Lunch is included; confirm any dietary requirements in advance
- •Terrain is uneven; sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes recommended
- •Limited mobile signal on the estancia; download offline maps if needed
Who it's for
Best time to visit
October to April (Patagonian spring and summer) offers the warmest, most stable weather and longest daylight. December–February provides peak conditions but busier crowds.











