The modern history of El Calafate began in the initial decades of the 20th century, when the area was simply a sheltering place for wool traders.

The town was officially founded in 1927 by the government of Argentina in a bid to promote settlement,[1] but it was the creation of nearby Perito Moreno National Park (1937) that sparked growth and the building of better road access.

The 220 kilometers separating Calafate from El Chaltén on the other side of the Lake Argentino in the national park are paved, as well as the 315 kilometres to Río Gallegos.

Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) are regularly visible from El Calafate congregating in the waters of Lago Argentino at the north shoreline near Estancia La Querencia.

Other attractions in El Calafate are Laguna Nimez nature preserve, where it's possible to do birdwatching and observe local fauna and flora; 4x4 vehicle excursions to Cerro Frías, Cerro Huyliche[12] and La Leona petrified forest and Punta Walichu (archaeological sites); several farms[13] which showcase traditional activities (sheep herding, shearing, horseback riding, Argentine barbecue, among others); Glaciarium,[14] a museum that focuses on ice and glaciers, especially in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

The most recent World Altitude Gliding record of 22,657 m (74,333 ft) was set near El Calafate on 2 September 2018 by Jim Payne and Tim Gardner in the new Perlan 2 glider (with pressurised cabin).