El Calafate Tours

Checking in, Patagonian style: The best El Calafate hotels for every traveler

El Calafate is Patagonia’s small-but-mighty basecamp for glacier gawking, lamb-eating, and long naps after a day of hiking and cruising. Whether you want a boutique hotel with lake views, a rustic estancia with a fireplace, or a no-nonsense room close to the bus station, El Calafate has a roster of places to crash that suit every kind of traveler and every kind of sock.

Why base yourself here? It’s the gateway town to Perito Moreno Glacier (roughly 75–80 km away), packed with restaurants, tour operators, and those tiny souvenir shops selling sweaters that will outlast your phone battery.

Budget-friendly El Calafate hotels

Traveling to Patagonia doesn’t have to melt your wallet. These budget-friendly El Calafate hotels mix comfort with charm, with cozy beds, warm breakfasts, and a backpacker spirit that feels right at home in the world’s coolest wilderness.

Folk Hostel El Calafate Argentin

Folk Hostel is where Patagonia’s laid-back vibe meets modern traveler comfort. With colorful murals, communal spaces, and friendly staff, it’s a favorite among solo adventurers and digital nomads. Expect spotless dorms, private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a hearty homemade breakfast. Perfect if you want affordable El Calafate accommodation that still feels like a boutique find.

Location: Av. Libertador 2047, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 25,000–40,000 per night

Hostel Nakel Yenu

Hostel Nakel Yenu feels like an old mountain lodge reborn for budget travelers. It’s known for its rustic wooden interiors, bonfire nights, and a welcoming crowd that trades stories about treks and tours to the glacier. The rooms are simple but warm, with a communal kitchen and local craft brews always within reach. One of the most sociable places to stay in El Calafate.

Location: Calle Cmte. Tomas Espora 700, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 22,000–35,000 per night

Hotel y Restaurant Americano

Hotel Americano Perito Moreno keeps it classic and convenient. Set a short walk from the town’s main street, it offers spacious rooms, daily breakfast, and cozy common areas perfect for winding down after a day at Perito Moreno Glacier. Among the best hotels in El Calafate for travelers who prefer calm over chaos.

Location: Av. del Libertador 221, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 30,000–45,000 per night

Mid-range El Calafate hotels

Looking for comfort without the luxury price tag? These mid-range El Calafate hotels hit the sweet spot with modern amenities, warm Patagonian hospitality, and just the right dose of indulgence after a day exploring the ice.

Calafate Parque Hotel

Calafate Parque Hotel blends Patagonian coziness with a modern edge. Set near downtown yet quiet enough for a good night’s sleep, it features warm wood interiors, spa facilities, and large windows framing Andes views. The in-house restaurant serves regional classics such as lamb stew and Argentine blend, making it one of the best hotels in El Calafate for travelers craving comfort and character.

Location: Gobernador Gregores 1191, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 80,000–120,000 per night

Hotel ACA El Calafate

Run by Argentina’s automobile club, Hotel ACA El Calafate is a local favorite that combines efficiency with style. Expect spotless rooms, an elegant lounge, and a surprisingly upscale restaurant known for its Patagonian trout. Guests love its location near the main avenue—close to shops and restaurants, yet calm when you need to recharge. A classic El Calafate accommodation option for couples and small groups.

Location: Av. del Libertador 2020, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 75,000–110,000 per night

Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate

Perched on a hill with sweeping lake views, Hotel Esplendor El Calafate combines design, warmth, and a dash of drama. Its boutique interiors feature local art, while the spa and indoor pool add a touch of luxury. The restaurant offers Patagonian dishes paired with Malbec, perfect after a windy day on the glacier. Among the most photogenic places to stay in El Calafate, it’s equally good for romance or relaxation.

Location: Juan Domingo Perón 1143, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 95,000–150,000 per night

Luxury El Calafate Hotels

For travelers chasing glacier dreams with five-star views, these luxury El Calafate hotels deliver. Expect gourmet dining, panoramic windows, spa indulgence, and that serene, soul-stirring Patagonia silence you’ll wish you could bottle.

Xelena Hotel El Calafate

Xelena Hotel & Suites is the definition of lakeside elegance. Sitting right on Lago Argentino’s edge, this glass-fronted beauty pampers guests with heated pools overlooking ice-blue waters, a full-service spa, and plush rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Its restaurant, Mora, serves refined Patagonian cuisine, from king crab risotto to slow-cooked lamb. One of the most serene El Calafate hotels, luxury travelers adore it for its unmatched views and calm.

Location: René Favaloro 3540, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 180,000–250,000 per night

EOLO - Patagonia´s Spirit

A legend among luxury lodges, EOLO Lodge blends rustic authenticity with world-class comfort. Located halfway between El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier, this estancia-inspired retreat sits on a 10,000-acre private reserve. Rooms open to sweeping steppe and mountain views, while the on-site restaurant turns local produce into art. With guided hikes, horseback rides, and private transfers, EOLO Lodge redefines what luxury in Patagonia feels like: intimate, remote, and unforgettable.

Location: Ruta Provincial 11, km 23, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 480,000–650,000 per night

Design Suites Calafate

Design Suites is modern Patagonia done right. Sleek architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lake views so cinematic they could star in their own nature documentary. The hotel’s minimalist interiors highlight local materials like lenga wood and stone, while the wellness area features a heated pool, sauna, and panoramic spa deck. Its restaurant, Restó, serves inventive Patagonian fusion cuisine. A top choice for travelers seeking contemporary elegance among El Calafate hotels' luxury options.

Location: Calle 94, Nº190, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina | Find on Maps here

Price range: ARS 160,000–220,000 per night

Frequently asked questions about El Calafate hotels

What are the best hotels in El Calafate for first-timers?

Stay central for easy tour access, like Calafate Parque Hotel and Hotel ACA El Calafate are local favorites for comfort and location.

How far are El Calafate hotels from Perito Moreno Glacier?

Around 75–80 km (about 1.5 hours). Most hotels arrange transfers or day tours to the glacier.

When should I book luxury El Calafate hotels?

Book early for November–March (high season). For lower rates, try October or April with fewer crowds, same views.

Are there good budget places to stay in El Calafate?

Yes, Folk Hostel El Calafate, Argentina, and Hostel Nakel Yenu are affordable yet cozy, with great common areas.

Which hotels in El Calafate have the best lake views?

Xelena Hotel El Calafate and Design Suites El Calafate both overlook Lago Argentino. Sunrise lovers, take note.

Can I stay near Perito Moreno Glacier?

Most travelers stay in town, but EOLO Lodge offers an exclusive halfway base between El Calafate and the glacier, a true luxury escape.

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