The Calafate Maiden
Legend has it that Calafate was a beautiful young woman, daughter of the chief of the Tehuelche tribe, who fell in love with a young Selkman, from another tribe. The father objected and asked the shaman for help, who turned Calafate into a thorny plant, with golden flowers as his eyes, never seen in these lands.
The young man wandered for many months in search of his beloved.
It is said that the spirits helped him, turning him into a small and fast bird.
One summer day the bird perched on the bush to taste that fruit that it had never seen. And he realized that it was as sweet as the heart of Calafate, thus achieving, after many years, reconnect with his love.
Breathtaking landscapes
It was thus, that it is said in Patagonia, that the charm of Calafate remains in its fruits.
That’s why they say “He who eats Calafate, always comes back for more”
El Calafate is located on Lake Argentino, province of Santa Cruz, where on February 15 he was baptized by Francisco Moreno, when he saw its crystal clear turquoise waters he told him:
“To you who do not have a name, I baptize you Lago Argentino”
In 1899 the glacier was named in honor of Perito Moreno.
El Calafate is one of the entrances to Los Glaciares National Park. From here you can explore and enjoy an important fleet of buses, boats, bilingual guides and even make bold expeditions that cross the glaciers. Especially the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
Natural beauty