Everything you need to plan a short trip to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glacieres National Park, including all the very best things to do in El Calafate, where to stay and how to get there!
If you're passing though El Calafate, Argentina chances are your main goal is a glacier adventure! For those planning on spending a few days however, you'll be pleased to know that there's still plenty to do in this small town.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in El Calafate, as well as where to stay, and useful transport tips.
Things to do in El Calafate
A day trip to Perito Moreno GlaciEr
You cannot possibly visit El Calafate and not spend a day in complete awe of Perito Moreno. In fact, it's probably one of the most impressive sights in all of Argentina. Not sure you believe us? Take a look at this photo journal.
Whilst you can certainly visit the glacier with a tour, there really is no need, and it can easily be done independently. For our thorough guide on doing this, see this post with all you need to know for a day trip.
For those that have a little more cash to burn, a hugely popular tour involves strapping on a pair of crampons and summiting the glacier itself. For more information on these tours, click here.
VISIT THE GLACIARIUM
Whilst being a very informative museum on all things 'glaciar', the real attraction is 'The Glaciobar'.
The Glaciarium | Dan Lundberg (edits made)
Entry is not cheap (is anything in Argentina?) but this bar made entirely out ice - even the glasses that contain your drink - is definitely a interesting way to spend the afternoon!
For more information, see the website.
CYCLE AROUND THE LAKE
If you're on a little bit of a budget, you'll be pleased to know that there are still activities you can do in town that won't cost an arm and a leg - like rent a bike and cycle around the lake.
Simply follow the paved road at the end of town running alongside the water, and don't forget to look up - the views are spectacular! There's a wonderful spot for lunch located at the end of the paved road so don't forget to pack some goodies.
To rent, head to La Barraca at the end of the main street on the opposite side of the plaza from the gas station or visit Rent My Bike ($100 AR per hour or $300 AR per day).
Fancy a splurge? Hit the slopes and take on an action-packed day of mountain biking. Click here to find out more.
VISIT LAGUNA NIMEZ RESERVE
If you're a bit of a twitcher, or simply want to see flamingoes in the wild, then Laguna Nimez Reserve should definitely be on your to-do list. This 2.5km self-guided trail has various recommended look-out spots to view the different birds without disturbing them.
Flamingoes | Liam Quinn (edits made)
Entrance fee is AR$100 and the park can be accessed on foot, or you can choose to combine it with a cycle to Lago Argentino (see above) and get there a little quicker.
where to stay in el calafate
There is a large number of accommodation options in El Calafate to cater to the varying budget levels of the people that pass. through, and below you can find out pick.
BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN EL CALAFATE
Depending on your budget and whether you need a kitchen to cook in, there are literally dozens of guest houses and hostels to choose from in El Calafate - and take it from us, we spent a long time trawling around the town with our backpacks on searching for the best deal!
Bla Guesthouse | This funky, well designed hostel is where we stayed, drawn in by its reasonable prices and great kitchen. Check prices and availability on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
America del Sur Hostel | For those who enjoy waking up to spectacular views (take our word for it - this place is full of them!) consider America del Sur Hostel. It's a little walk out of town, but the place is beautiful! Check availability and prices on on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Calafate Hostel | Whilst a little bland, this super popular hostel has thousands of excellent reviews, a central location, good sized privates and dorms, a guest kitchen and super helpful staff. Find out more here.
Other highly rated hostels include Folk Hostel, Hostal Schilling, Trastienda Guest House and Titan Hostel y Cabañas Del Titan.
MID-RANGE
Kau Kaleshen | This highly rated guest house is super cosy, with good-sized comfortable rooms, a charming inner courtyard garden (plus guest living room) and an excellent on-site restaurant. Guests also speak highly of their included breakfast. Find out more here.
Don Pepe Hotel y Cabañas | This simple guest house is only a few metres from the Main Street, and offers simple but cosy rooms for a good price. Ideal for a couple who don’t fancy a hostel, but don’t want to shell out a fortune. Find out more here.
Calafate Parque Hotel | A comfortable 4* hotel that feels reminiscent of a ski lodge. Centrally located and relatively modern, it has large rooms, good facilities (including a spa, gym and restaurant) and attentive staff. Find out more here.
Posada Larsen | This highly rated guest house in a wonderful location not too far from the lake offers comfortable and cosy rooms and incredible views. Find out more here.
Another simple but excellent option is Posada Karut Josh.
LUXURY
Design Suites Calafate | Located north of El Calafate, in a privileged position at lake’s edge, this incredible hotel offers large and beautiful rooms (some with views over the lake), excellent facilities including an indoor pool, and even a free shuttle into town. It certainly provides the wow factor, and the perfect introduction to Argentine Patagonia. Find out more here.
For more excellent views of Lago Argentino, take a look at the popular Xelena Hotel & Suites.
Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate | A truly outstanding property, from the plush rooms to the excellent communal areas, the Esplendor offers a touch of luxury. Facilities include a spa, gym, swimming pool and restaurant. Find out more here.
How to get to El Calafate
BY BUS
If travelling from Buenos Aires, you will need to first travel to Rio Gallegos (approx 36 hours) and then catch a connetion onwartd to El Calafate (4 hours). In order to break up this trip, we recommend spending a few days in Puerto Madryn.
From Puerto Natales, there are regular buses to El Calafate, taking around five hours.
You can find some good information and options for transport and shuttles on Bookaway.
BY PLANE
Just in case you hadn't realised yet, Argentina is huge - and despite what some people will have you believe, long-distance bus travel is expensive. If you're planning your trip to El Calafate in advance, booking a flight from elsewhere in the area might work out to be significantly cheaper.
There are daily flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Bariloche and Trelew (and soon from Córdoba and Mendoza) as well as international flights from Chile with DAP. Check prices here.
The airport is located 22km outside of town and can be accessed by a bus (AR$120 one way or AR$200 return) or taxi (AR$360)
