Reserva Laguna Nimez — Attraction in El Calafate

The reserve is a 15-20 minute walk from El Calafate central and is well worth a visit if you enjoy nature. The entrance fee was 12,000 pesos ($11 usd), well worth it. You receive a short briefing from friendly staff about do's and dont's, and a colourful pamphlet (in Spanish and English) depicting the flora and fauna in the reserve. A circuit of the reserve is 4km on mainly flat ground, which took me 2 hours at a leisurely pace. There are several benches to rest, and hides from which to observe. There are many well illustrated signboards around the trail that highlight particular birds and when they visit. I visited when the reserve opened at 9.30am, which I recommend as much quieter and wildlife more active. As well as many different birds, I was lucky to see a Gray Fox. Although many birds were quite close, binoculars would be beneficial if you have them. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, the great weather helped, and am happy to recommend...

First of all, say that this place felt like the biggest mistake of our Calafate visit. A$150 pp very badly spent.

Even more so, when we realised that we could have walk outsode the fence eastwards to where you can reach the public entry of the beach, then backtrack westwards on the beach to wjere the Reserve boundry fence has 2 openings giving access to it. You can this way walk in&out the place without needing a ticket, and still see all you want. Just be a little cheeky.

About the place:

Even though they say 200 species can be seen in the place, you'll be lucky to see 10. The place is rather dull, which is expected, as reserves are, but all species it msy hold, are well hidden away from visitors, even flamingos were so far away out to the lake you would have struggled with a potent lens. And beach strallers saw them all the same as us without needing a...

Reserva Laguna Nimez is a beautiful nature reserve located just outside El Calafate, Argentina. Established in the early 1990s, it spans approximately 35 hectares and is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The reserve is particularly famous for its diverse birdlife, with over 80 species recorded, including the iconic Chilean flamingo and black-necked swan. The tranquil lagoon at the heart of the reserve reflects the stunning colors of the Patagonian sky, making it a perfect spot for peaceful walks along its well-marked trails. Visitors can enjoy this serene environment year-round, with the best birdwatching opportunities typically occurring between...