El Calafate is a growing urban sprawl with few paved streets, signs or house numbers. Taqsa runs two routes around the city, mainly into the downtown and residential areas. All depart form the bus terminal ($0.60). Taxis are metered and expensive. Figure on $3.50 per kilometer (half-mile). There is an initial pick-up fee of $1. You can rent a bicycle to get around on your own. Not only does Patagonia Shop lease bikes, but it also does wheeled tours to Cuevas del Walicho and other sites (9 de Julio 29, Tel.: 49-2767, E-mail: info@patagoniabikes.com, URL: www.patagoniabikes.com). HLS Travesías sells bike parts, too (Buenos Aires 173, Tel.: 49-3806, URL: www.travesiasur.com.ar).

Over a dozen agencies rent cars, including these international firms:
Avis (Avenida del Libertador 1078, Tel.: 49-2877)
Budget (Friele 2119, Tel.: 49-5808)
Dollar Rent a Car (Avenida del Libertador 1341, local 7, Tel.: 49-2634)
Hertz (Avenida del Libterador 1822, Tel.: 49-3033)
Travelers frequently team up to rent a car and drive to other parts of Argentina and into Chile. Check with agencies about international rates.