Lake Argentino & Walichu Caves: 4x4 Tour with Cave Lunch

Summary

Lake Argentino’s blue sweep, ancient caves, lunch by stone walls

You’ll ride along Lake Argentino’s wild shoreline in a 4x4, climb Punta Bonita for panoramic views over El Calafate and the Andes, explore ancient Tehuelche cave art at Walichu Caves with a local guide, then share lunch or dinner inside a real cavern overlooking the water. That feeling stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to eat lunch inside a cave? I didn’t think about it much either until we rolled out of El Calafate in that bumpy 4x4, dust swirling behind us. The air was sharp and cold, but not in a bad way—more like you could taste the lake on your tongue. Our guide, Martín, kept pointing out little things—old fence posts swallowed by grass, the way the wind shifts the color of Lake Argentino from gray to this weird turquoise. He told stories about explorers naming the lake, but honestly I kept getting distracted by the silence out there. It’s big country.

The climb up Punta Bonita wasn’t hard (even for me, who always forgets to stretch). At the top you just stand there for a second because you can see everything—the Andes like teeth on one side, El Calafate tiny in the distance. Someone said it looked like Patagonia was holding its breath. Then we headed down toward the Walichu Caves. The wind picked up and you could smell earth and something old—maybe that’s imagination or maybe it’s real. Inside the caves, Martín showed us these faded red handprints and animals drawn by Tehuelche people thousands of years ago. I tried tracing one with my finger (not touching, promise) and felt weirdly connected to whoever made it. Didn’t expect that.

Lunch happened right there in one of those caves—pumpkin soup first (so good after being outside), then lamb stew baked into bread that cracked when you tore it open. There was chocolate mousse too but honestly I was still thinking about those paintings and how quiet everyone got for a minute. You look out from inside the cave and see Lake Argentino all blue and restless. It’s hard to explain but I think I’ll remember that view longer than anything else from this trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Argentino coast and cave visit

• Tour Lake Argentino coast
• Climb Punta Bonita cliff
• Visit Punta Walichu archaeological site
• Interpret native cave paintings
• Lunch or dinner in cave with view

Top questions

How long is the Lake Argentino & Walichu Caves tour?

The tour lasts half a day including stops at Punta Bonita cliff and Walichu Caves with lunch or dinner.

Is lunch included in the Walichu Caves tour?

Yes, lunch or dinner is served inside one of the caves with views of Lake Argentino.

What food is served on this 4x4 tour?

Pumpkin soup, lamb casserole in country bread, chocolate mousse, plus drinks are included; dietary options available if requested.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free and children’s options are available if requested in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, all fitness levels are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Do you visit actual archaeological sites on this day trip?

Yes, you visit Punta Walichu where original cave paintings by Tehuelche people can be seen and interpreted by your guide.

How do you get to Walichu Caves from El Calafate?

The group travels by 4x4 vehicle along the coast of Lake Argentino with pickup included from El Calafate hotels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in El Calafate by 4x4 vehicle, entrance fees to Punta Walichu archaeological site where you’ll see ancient cave paintings with your local guide’s interpretation, plus a full meal—pumpkin soup, lamb casserole baked into bread (or special dietary options), chocolate mousse and drinks—all served inside a lakeside cave before heading back.