Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the reserve's entrance at the end of the shore road in El Calafate, the trail heads north along the east side of Laguna Nimez, a shallow lagoon fringed with reeds. It reaches the shore of Bahía Redonda, an arm of Lago Argentino, then turns back south between the lagoons and along the west side to return to the entrance. Nineteen numbered stops with boards explain the plants and birds along the way.
It is 2.8 km round and almost level; allow about half an hour, more with binoculars. The grade is Easy: a flat, gravel and grass path.
The reserve is run by the national university of southern Patagonia, UNPA, and charges an entry fee at the gate; residents of El Calafate enter free. It is open daily. The shore is very exposed to the westerly wind, so bring a windproof layer.
Chilean flamingos, black-necked swans and upland geese are the stars; early morning and evening are best for birds.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- El Calafate made the lagoon a municipal reserve in 1986, and the national university of southern Patagonia (UNPA) has managed it since 2001
- Chilean flamingos, black-necked swans and upland geese are often seen on the water
- The reserve lies on Bahía Redonda, an arm of Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake
- About 100 bird species have been recorded in the 35-hectare reserve
Getting there
Start: Reserva Laguna Nimez entrance. -50.32834, -72.26826
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around El Calafate: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.