Río Mitre is about 50 km from downtown El Calafate, a 50-minute drive. Daniel picks you up at your hotel, takes you to the river and brings you back at the time you agree, usually between 5 and 6 p.m. The price is fixed per vehicle for up to 4 passengers. Bring food, water and warm layers.
Quick summary
| Route | Your hotel in El Calafate → Río Mitre → back to your hotel |
| Distance | About 50 km from downtown · around 50 minutes |
| Usual day | Pick-up at 8:30 a.m., back between 5 and 6 p.m. · flexible |
| Transfer price | ARS 120,000 per vehicle in cash · card ARS 139,800 (+16.5%) · USD 83 at the day's rate · round trip, up to 4 passengers |
| Fishing | Santa Cruz province fishing permit, sold at fishing shops in downtown El Calafate |
| What to bring | Water, food and warm clothes |
What is Río Mitre like?
Río Mitre is a clear river running among lenga forests, about 50 km from downtown El Calafate. It is a place to spend the day outdoors, with condors overhead and trout in the water.
- Fly fishing: rainbow trout and brown trout.
- Lenga forests: the trees change color with the seasons; in autumn (March and April) they turn golden.
- Wildlife: condors, gray foxes, crested ducks and many other birds.
- Picnic by the river: bring food and spend the day on the riverbank.
- Nature photography: steppe, forest and river in a single day.
How does the private transfer to Río Mitre work?
Daniel picks you up at your hotel at 8:30 a.m. The drive takes about 50 minutes, with stops at viewpoints over the Patagonian steppe.
At the river the day is yours: fishing, a walk in the forest, a picnic or just sitting by the water. You head back at the time you agreed, usually between 5 and 6 p.m., and the schedule is flexible: you decide when to leave. The vehicle is just for your group. Daniel speaks Spanish and basic Portuguese, Italian and English. On WhatsApp we write to you in your language.
Do I need a permit to fish at Río Mitre?
Yes. You need the Santa Cruz province fishing permit, which you can get at the fishing shops in downtown El Calafate. Daniel can tell you where to go before your fishing day.
The fish here are rainbow and brown trout, and it is a fly-fishing river. For active fishing, plan your visit for summer, December to March.
Is Río Mitre worth it if I don't fish?
Yes. Many travelers go just for the scenery, for photography or to spend a day in nature without noise. In autumn, March and April, the lenga forests turn golden; each season looks different.
It also works for families with children: it is a calm, safe setting where kids can explore, play outdoors and learn about Patagonian wildlife.
What should I bring for a day at the river?
- Water and food for the whole day, for a picnic by the river.
- Warm clothes: Patagonian weather changes fast.
- If you fish: your gear and the Santa Cruz fishing permit.
- A camera, for the steppe, the forest and the river.
How much is the transfer to Río Mitre, and how can you pay?
The transfer has a fixed price per vehicle, round trip from your hotel, for up to 4 passengers. The amount below comes straight from the price panel.
- Cash in Argentine pesos: the cash price.
- Credit card: the same amount plus 16.5%.
- US dollars: at the day's exchange rate.
Groups of more than 4 passengers: contact us. We have a Hyundai H1 (up to 11 passengers) and a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15 to 19 passengers, depending on the unit); for larger groups we combine vehicles. More about cash, cards and dollars: paying in El Calafate.
What else can I plan around a day at Río Mitre?
If you want a countryside day with horses and a Patagonian barbecue, there is the private transfer to Estancia Nibepo Aike. For the ice, see the Perito Moreno Glacier transfer, and if you are just landing, the El Calafate airport transfer.
To fit everything into your stay, read the 3-day El Calafate itinerary. Travel agencies and tour operators: see transfers for travel agencies and tour operators.
Hi, I'm Daniel. I first came to El Calafate in 2006, fell in love with Patagonia and in 2012 moved here for good. In 2024 I started Transfer El Calafate by Jerez. For Río Mitre I take you to the river in the morning, wait while you fish and bring you back at the time we agree, so you set the pace of the day.
Want a day at Río Mitre?
Tell me your date, how many people are traveling and your hotel, and whether you plan to fish. We'll agree on the pick-up and return times.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to fish at Río Mitre?
Yes. The Santa Cruz province fishing permit is sold at the fishing shops in downtown El Calafate, and Daniel can tell you where to get it.
Can I go to Río Mitre without fishing?
Yes. Many travelers go just for the scenery, for photography or to spend a quiet day in nature.
How long is the day at Río Mitre?
The usual plan is pick-up at 8:30 a.m. and back between 5 and 6 p.m. It is flexible: you decide when to head back.
How far is Río Mitre from El Calafate?
About 50 km from downtown El Calafate, roughly a 50-minute drive, with stops at viewpoints over the steppe.
When should I go to Río Mitre?
Summer (December to March) for active fishing, and autumn (March and April) to see the lenga forests turn golden.
Is Río Mitre suitable for children?
Yes. It is a calm, safe setting where kids can explore, play outdoors and learn about Patagonian wildlife.
Is the Río Mitre transfer priced per person?
No. It is priced per vehicle for up to 4 passengers, with the round trip and the wait at the river included.