El Calafate

Travel Guide
El Calafate showing a waterfall as well as an individual male
El Calafate featuring landscape views and a lake or waterhole
El Calafate featuring forest scenes, fall colors and a pond
El Calafate which includes forests, a house and autumn leaves
El Calafate featuring hiking or walking and tranquil scenes as well as a large group of people
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 featuring landscape views and a lake or waterhole

Macrozona Bahía Redonda y Primeros Faldeos

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

Well-liked for its lake views and restaurants, you might stop by Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus Church and Gnome Village while you're exploring Cerro Calafate and the surrounding neighborhoods.

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 Kalken
Hotel Kalken
3 out of 5
Teniente Valentin Feilberg 119, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
The price is P4,457 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
P4,457
P4,457 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 7 - Feb 8
Stay at this 3-star hotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (204 reviews)
"Adequate. Serves our purpose"

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025

Hotel Kalken
Mirador del Lago Hotel
Mirador del Lago Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Del Libertador 2047, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,683 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
P8,683
P8,683 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 28 - Mar 1
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (403 reviews)
"It was a very nice stay. The view from the hotel is awsome"

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025

Mirador del Lago Hotel
Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate
Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate
4 out of 5
Av. Juan Domingo Perón 1143, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
The price is P7,302 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
P7,302
P7,302 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 3 - Feb 4
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in El Calafate. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (496 reviews)
"A bright, airy, luxurious mountain style retreat at the top of Calafete, a bit of a walk into the main stretch but only 10 minutes by foot. Great rooms, big and airy with plenty of space, and lovely, helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2025

Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate
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.
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! (122 reviews)
"The staff and owner of the hotel were very friendly and helpful. The hotel room was clean and well kept. Their daily breakfast was so good as well. I highly recommend it."

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2025

Linda Vista Apart Hotel
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 breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Bahía Redonda Viewpoint ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (94 reviews)
"The gentleman at the front desk was super polite and helpful. The breakfast brought to our cabin was amazing. Wished we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2025

Solares Del Sur Patagonia
Los Guindos
Los Guindos
3 out of 5
Jose Vazquez 1240, 1240, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Stay at this 3-star apartment in El Calafate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anfiteatro Del Bosque and Calafate Fishing are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (29 reviews)
"Amazing value property, well equipped has everything you need. The kitchen was stocked with the basics for your stay and for simple cooking. Cleaning service was great! Great communication as well. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2025

Los Guindos
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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