El Calafate

Travel Guide
El Calafate which includes a lake or waterhole and landscape views
Witness the power of nature on a boat tour of Glaciers National Park. Hear the roar as the glacial ice ruptures and falls.

El Calafate lies on the southern shore of the glacier-filled Lake Argentino in the heart of Patagonia. Its main attraction is the Perito Moreno glacier, a great wall of blue ice on which you can walk. Cycle around the small city center and ride a horse into the valleys and mountains of Patagonia.

Tour the Perito Moreno glacier by boat to get a closer look at the icebergs and ruptures in the vast blue landmark. The sound of the ice breaking is memorable. Hike around the glacier to see it from various angles. Put on crampons to walk on the ice. Discover holes, caves and other intriguing formations in the glacier.

Visit the region’s other large ice feature, Upsala Canal. This interesting annual retreat of the ice could be the result of global warming. Take a boat tour and drink champagne cooled by glacial ice or rent a kayak for a more personal experience near the glacier.

Stay at Estancia Cristina, a large ranch with excellent accommodations looking out at the snowy mountains. The complex organizes many tours to glaciers as well as activities, such as sailing, horseback riding, hiking and fishing.

The commune takes its name from a yellow flower with dark blue berries that is very common in the region. Enjoy the area’s fairly dry atmosphere, particularly in summer when the weather is quite warm. Winters are extremely cold with a lot of snow and ice.

The city is in southwestern Santa Cruz Province, near the Chilean border. It is 200 miles (320 kilometers) northwest of Rio Gallegos and stands directly between the cities of San Carlos de Bariloche and Ushuaia in the south of Argentina. Fly to El Calafate Airport, 13 miles (21 kilometers) east of the city, from many destinations across the country.

Complete the circuit of landmarks in El Calafate from the tranquil Plaza de los Pioneros, before conquering nature in the imposing countryside.

Where to stay in El Calafate

El Calafate showing landscape views and a lake or waterhole

Macrozona Bahía Redonda y Primeros Faldeos

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Macrozona Bahía Redonda y Primeros Faldeos is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Gnome Village and Calafate Fishing while you're in town.

Macrozona Bahía Redonda y Primeros Faldeos
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Cerro Calafate

4/5(11 area reviews)

Lake views and restaurants are some things travellers note about Cerro Calafate. Check out Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus Church or Gnome Village while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.

Cerro Calafate
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Macrozona Lago Argentino

Unique features of Macrozona Lago Argentino include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Lake Argentino or Laguna Nimez while you're exploring the area.

Macrozona Lago Argentino
Hotel del Glaciar Libertador
Hotel del Glaciar Libertador
2 out of 5
Avenida Libertador 587, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
The price is RM355 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
RM355
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this hotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Museo de El Calafate and Plaza de los Pioneros ...
8/10 Very Good! (203 reviews)
"Property is nice and in a great location."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2024

Hotel del Glaciar Libertador
Mirador del Lago Hotel
Mirador del Lago Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Del Libertador 2047, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
The price is RM914 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM914
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (311 reviews)
"Wonderful staff"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Mirador del Lago Hotel
Calafate Parque Hotel
Calafate Parque Hotel
4 out of 5
Gobernador Gregores esq. 7 de Diciembre, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
The price is RM966 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM966
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Anfiteatro Del Bosque and Gnome Village ...
9/10 Wonderful! (219 reviews)
Muy buena opción en el centro de la ciudad.
"Hotel bien situado muy cerca de la calle principal del Calafate, cerca de bares, tiendas y restaurantes. Te dan media hora en el spa gratis. El desayuno es bastante completo. El personal del front desk es muy amable y servicial. No es un hotel con mucho lujo, pero esta bastante bien para dormir un ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Calafate Parque Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Paraiso Patagonico Bungalows and Apart
Paraiso Patagonico Bungalows and Apart
3 out of 5
Calle 10015 N82, Villa Parque Los Glaciares, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions La Aldea de los Gnomos and Museo de ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
"Ok place, but far from downtown, laundry no longer available, our room was definitely dated (but our friends' room was much better)."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2023

Paraiso Patagonico Bungalows and Apart
Solares Del Sur Patagonia
Solares Del Sur Patagonia
3 out of 5
De Los Fresnos 3362, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Bahía Redonda Viewpoint ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (85 reviews)
Beautiful little hideaway
"The grounds are beautiful, bursting with flowers that are clearly well tended to. Room itself has nice charm and a beautiful view of the lake. We arrived extremely late due to a flight delay, but we were met by a member of their staff who drove to the hotel after midnight to check us in. They also ..."

Reviewed on 24 Dec 2023

Solares Del Sur Patagonia
Linda Vista Apart Hotel
Linda Vista Apart Hotel
3 out of 5
Avenida Padre Agostini 71, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Anfiteatro Del Bosque and Calafate Fishing ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
Very comfortable and spacious place in El Calafate
"Excellent hotel close to the city center. The cabins are large and comfortable. A full kitchen is included. And a plus: the owners, especially Suzana, are very friendly and helpfull people. I definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2024

Linda Vista Apart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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