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.
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, hotel EOLO 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 cosy hotel and relax with a glass of Malbec and watch the turquoise lake shimmering in the distance. Oh, and make sure you try the local Calafate ice cream too!
Zoe Winterbotham Patagonia Customer Experience Team Leader
Boutique
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 cosy 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 Lake Argentino, yet within walking distance to the shops and restaurants of the centre of town.
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.
Hotel Mirador del Lago
Mirador del Lago
A superb well-located hotel, away from the hustle and bustle the town centre, yet only 500m walk to the downtown area. With ample views over the Lake Argentino, we’d recommend the superior rooms as they’re larger and boast more of a view.
The buffet breakfast is one of the best in El Calafate and the spacious communal and garden areas allow for guests to relax outside of their rooms if desired.
Hotel Mirador del Lago
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 El Calafate's hotels, but certainly great value for money.
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 cosy 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.
Los Canelos
Set in a charming house overlooking the valley, Los Canelos, is a cosy three-star hosteria, 200m from Calafate Creek.
It has a good restaurant and a continental breakfast is provided. Try to take advantage of the sun terrace. There is also a wine bar boasting a wide variety of wines from local and international cellars.
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.
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.