El Chaltén Hotels
Originally a climbers' mecca, El Chaltén is peppered with hotels that are still mainly run by staff dying to help you get out and about in the mountains. Spend your days amongst …
Choosing the right hotel in El Calafate
- For something a little bit special, get out to the edge of the city where a luxury lodge blends into the landscape
- The best views are to be found a little way out of the town centre.
- We love the characterful boutique hotels in the centre, where the passionate owners share their top tips for where to eat, and what to see.
- Backpacker hostels and B&Bs line the streets around El Calafate's central avenue and are only a short walk from the restaurants and bars.
Where can I stay in El Calafate?
Accommodation Types
Something Special
Eolo
If you're looking for a place of luxury and hosts who will pamper you and provide private guides for excursions, Eolo lodge is the place for you.
Go horse riding (for a small additional cost), trekking and mountain biking, or wildlife spotting amid the great vistas of La Anita Valley and Mount Frias, knowing that a tasteful and comfortable home is awaiting you at the end of your day.
Luxury hotel EOLO, Los Glaciares
Zoe says
At the end of a long day-out visiting the glacier it’s really nice to return to a cozy hotel and relax with a glass of malbec and watch the turquoise lake shimmering in the distance, oh make sure you try the local Calafate ice-cream too.
Zoe Winterbotham Patagonia Customer Experience Team Leader
Upmarket
Xelena
This 4-star hotel with unparalleled views over the lake make it standout from the other Calafate accommodations with town just a 15-minute walk along the stunning coastline.
If you’re looking to relax with spa treatment and wallow in the indoor/outdoor swimming pool whilst recovering from exploring the Andean mountains and glaciers nearby, then look no further.
Esplendor
Located four blocks uphill from the main avenue with its bars and restaurants, the Esplendor is a sophisticated upmarket hotel with spacious communal spaces and views across El Calafate to the mountains.
The Esplendor is one of the few hotels in El Calafate with a spa and indoor pool.
Boutique
Kosten Aike
The incredibly friendly staff and playroom (table football, pool and table tennis) make the Kosten Aike a good, comfortable hotel for families and groups.
Its location just 200m from the main street makes it great for eating out nearby and for visiting the local artisan shops. It's not the quietest of Calafate's hotels, but certainly great value for money.
Hotel Los Ponchos
Swoop's favourite Calafate hotel. A Poncho is a native garment for both warmth and protection, and this hotel in El Calafate offers this and more. A stylish boutique hotel with an elegant rustic charm, it's a great option for those wanting to be well looked after during their time in Patagonia.
The hosts make sure your stay is cozy and relaxing, with breakfast being served either in the restaurant or in your room if you prefer.
Located just far enough away from the centre to be peaceful, and with wonderful access to Lago Argentino, yet within walking distance to the shops and restaurants of the centre of town.
Patagonia Queen
This characteristic Patagonian hotel feels like a ski-lodge and boasts a wonderful location, spacious public spaces and a great games room with a pool table and table tennis.
Its 20 rooms are comfortable, a good size and all include a small hot-tub in the bathroom. With very friendly staff, this hotel is always popular with Swoop guests given its short walking distance to the centre. It's also within easy reach of the Laguna Nimez coastal nature reserve.
No Frills
La Estepa
A great budget option for your time in El Calafate, this hotel is one of the furthest from town and wonderfully immersed in the steppe scenery, just as its name suggests.
This cozy country lodge hotel is simple yet comfortable and is within walking distance from the Glaciarium museum. Town is a short taxi ride away, but with the in-house restaurant serving tasty food, you may prefer to stay and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the lake.
Schilling
This is a friendly B&B with simple rooms. The dining and communal areas have a warm ambience and are ideal for travellers to sit, relax and meet others.
It is located two blocks from the main avenue on a fairly quiet residential street and very close to the supermarket.
Hotel Kapenke
A really well located hotel in El Calafate which is characteristic, clean, simple and perfect for anyone exploring the area who is not looking for anything too fancy.
Along with a breakfast, dining area and small bar, this hotel also has decent sized rooms each with a private bathroom.
Swoop says
El Calafate is great for a one- or two-night stay, but if you're planning to be in Los Glaciares for longer we recommend basing yourself in El Chalten, or one of the authentic estancias closer to the mountains.
FAQs about hotels in El Calafate
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How do I get from the bus station to my hotel?
The bus station is a 25 minute walk from the centre of town, and central hotels. Taxis are available if you'd prefer.
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How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The airport is 30 minutes from the centre of El Calafate. You can either jump in a taxi or get a shared transfer with VES Patagonia or El Condor. The transfer counters are located immediately after you leave the baggage claim area. These will drop you at your hotel but be warned you may have to stop at everyone else's hotels first.
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How will I get to Perito Moreno Glacier?
It is 1.5 hours from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier. Most tours to Perito Moreno glacier will collect you from your hotel early in the morning at between 7am and 8.30am.
What our customers think of El Calafate Hotels
Review:
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El Calafate Hotels: How can we help you?
If you’re looking to arrange somewhere to stay in El Calafate, we can help you in one of two ways:
As part of a multi-day activity trip
We can help you plan and arrange a multi-day activity trip, such as a hiking, kayaking or horse-riding trip, to fit in with the rest of your plans. We’ll help you arrange the logistics of the trip too, such as how you’ll get to and from the trip departure point and where you’ll stay before and afterwards. Ask about arranging a multi-day activity trip.
As part of a tailor-made itinerary
With 15 years' experience in Patagonia, we’re experts at creating bespoke itineraries. We'll work with you to design a 2-3 week - or longer - holiday based on your exact requirements, from hiking trips to flights, bus trips, transfers and, of course, your accommodation. Find out more about Tailor-made trips.
El Calafate
El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina's Largest National Park. The town is named after the Calafate berry and legend has it that eating one of these berries will guarantee your return to the wilderness that is Patagonia.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-855-369-7866