Where to stay in El Calafate: best areas and recommended hotels (2026)
El Calafate is the essential base for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier and the southern section of Los Glaciares National Park. It's a tourist town of around 23,000 people on the shores of Lago Argentino, with an international airport 20-30 minutes away and accommodation ranging from hostels to hotels with a spa. In this guide you'll find which area is best to book in, the 7 places to stay rated highest by guests who have already been there, and how to get around to reach the glacier or continue on to El Chaltén.
How to get to El Calafate
Most people fly into the town's airport, but you can also arrive by bus from El Chaltén or Puerto Natales, or drive on paved roads.
✈️Comandante Armando Tola Airport (FTE) — about 21-23 km east of town, 20 to 30 minutes by car. There's no local bus: you get there by private car service or taxi, shared shuttle or hire car (there are rental desks at the airport itself).
🛫Flights from Buenos Aires — Aerolíneas Argentinas flies from Aeroparque (and from Ezeiza in high season) and has announced 42 weekly flights for summer 2027; JetSMART operates from Aeroparque and Ezeiza. Aerolíneas also connects with Córdoba, Trelew and Ushuaia.
🚌Bus to El Chaltén — 215 km, about 3 hours, with Cal-Tur, Chaltén Travel and TAQSA from the bus terminal. It runs all year: up to 10 departures a day in high season and about 2 a day from May to September. They all stop at the airport, so you can go straight from the plane to the bus.
🇨🇱Bus to Puerto Natales (Torres del Paine) — Bus Sur and Marga TAQSA, about 5 hours including border formalities. Daily departures from October to March; from April to September, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.
🚗By car — 315 paved km from Río Gallegos. To El Chaltén you take RP 11, RN 40 and RP 23 (215 km, about 3 h): there are no petrol stations along the way, only the historic La Leona roadhouse halfway.
🚶Around town — there's no Uber, Cabify, DiDi or other ride apps. The centre is walkable (almost everything is less than 1.5 km away); there are taxis and private car services you can phone or hail in the street, plus bike hire.
Avenida del Libertador and its parallel streets are the heart of town: restaurants, tour agencies, exchange offices and the bus terminal a few blocks away. It suits travellers arriving without a car who want to do everything on foot. The downside is noise from bars and traffic at night in some hotels, and you have to walk to the waterfront to see the lake.
2. Waterfront and Bahía Redonda Lake views
Between the centre and the shore of Lago Argentino, near Bahía Redonda and the Laguna Nimez Reserve, ideal for birdwatching. It's quieter than the centre and some places have lake views. It suits couples who value peace and quiet. On the other hand, from some hotels it's a 10 to 15-minute walk to the restaurants, and in the wind that walk feels long.
3. Hillside neighbourhoods with views More space and views
Streets such as Puerto Deseado, Puerto San Julián and Presidente Perón, 7-15 minutes' walk from the centre, are home to highly rated hostels and 3- and 4-star hotels with views of the lake and Cerro Calafate, many with free parking. It suits travellers hiring a car or on a mid-range budget. The downside: there are hills, and walking back at night in the cold or wind isn't the most comfortable.
Tours and activities in El Calafate
Almost everything revolves around the Perito Moreno, which you can see from the walkways, from the water or by walking on the ice. If you have a free day, add a long boat trip on Lago Argentino.
7 recommended places to stay in El Calafate
These 7 places to stay were chosen for their score, number of reviews and location. The pros and cons come from what guests mention most often in recent reviews.
Hotel Kosten Aike ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating 9.1 · 619 reviews
Town centre, 200 m from the main avenue
ExteriorRoomSpa
A 4-star hotel in an Alpine-style building, with a spa (hot tub and sauna), gym, games room and garden. The rooms are spacious and guests particularly praise the location, which lets you do everything on foot, and the staff. It has free parking and an airport shuttle at extra cost.
Central location, everything on foot
Spacious rooms and attentive staff
Unreliable Wi-Fi in some rooms
Gym open only from 5 to 9 pm
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 172-231)
Price per night, room for 2 people
172231231·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is November (around US$ 231 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 172: 26% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
The hotel is a dream. Cosy, clean, comfortable. The breakfast area is beautiful, you can enjoy the morning while you eat. Breakfast is very complete. The rooms are spacious; we never felt cold. From the outside the hotel is beautiful. The staff were spectacular.
Edgar · Costa Rica · Sep 2026
9Great hotel
Very good location and service from the staff. The internet is unreliable.
Alejandro · Costa Rica · Sep 2026
10Excellent
Everything was very good: service, cleanliness, etc.
Roberto · Argentina · Sep 2026
10An excellent place to stay
The location is excellent, close to Avenida Libertador and the main restaurants and shops. I'd highlight the service from the reception and restaurant team, very attentive and helpful. The room is spacious, with a comfortable bed and sheets. Breakfast is very good, though with few fruit options.
Nivaldo · Brazil · Oct 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 619.
Hotel Posada Los Alamos ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating 9.1 · 857 reviews
Town centre, near Lago Argentino
Aerial viewRoomPool
A 4-star hotel with a spa, indoor pool with large windows, a small 18-hole par-3 golf course, two bars and La Posta restaurant, serving regional cuisine. The breakfast buffet and the spa get the most praise. Note: the spa, pool and breakfast are in another building, across the street.
Highly rated spa and heated pool
Full and varied breakfast
Spa and breakfast across the street
Some dated bathrooms and rooms
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 222-1000)
Price per night, room for 2 people
222·283·283283·····1000
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is September (around US$ 1000 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 222: 78% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
Breakfast was delicious, the room excellent, with good-quality, comfortable bedding.
Pilar · Costa Rica · Sep 2026
10A flawless stay in Calafate!
The friendliness of the staff. The facilities in general! The gym and spa area, highly recommended.
Paola · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Excellent hotel!
Everything was fabulous, from the breakfast to the size of the facilities and the kindness of the staff. A lovely experience!
Marcelo · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Unbeatable
Highly recommended, I'd say the best in the area. It's beautiful, the hotel is very well kept, everything is comfortable, breakfast is super complete. The restaurant and the service are wonderful. All the staff are always attentive. I'd stay here a thousand times.
Maria · Colombia · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 857.
Mirador del Lago Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating 9.0 · 1,034 reviews
Waterfront, facing Lago Argentino
ExteriorLoungeLake view
A 4-star hotel facing the lake, about 300 m from the town centre, with a lounge with a fireplace looking out over the water and some rooms with panoramic views. It has its own restaurant, La Bahía, serving meat and smoked fish, and free parking. Reviews have high praise for the breakfast and the warmth of the staff.
Very complete breakfast buffet
Warm, attentive staff
Heating hard to adjust
Rooms and bathrooms on the small side
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 138-340)
Price per night, room for 2 people
211·272340272312220138138138138166
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 340 a night) and the cheapest is May (around US$ 138: 59% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
The hotel in general and the breakfast. The Wi-Fi in the room was pretty patchy.
Lucia · Colombia · Sep 2026
10Excellent value for money
The design, the location and the service were incredible.
Maria · Colombia · Aug 2026
10Comfortable
Very attentive staff and excellent cleanliness.
Jose · Puerto Rico · Jul 2026
10Calafate with a beautiful view of Lago Argentino
They're renovating and we got a room with the new furniture, everything very modern and very clean. The staff are very attentive.
Dunstan · Mexico · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,034.
Hotel Bahia Redonda ⭐⭐⭐
Rating 8.9 · 396 reviews
50 m from Bahía Redonda
ExteriorRoomLounge
A 3-star hotel 50 m from the bay and about 100 m from the shopping area, with 24-hour reception and free parking. It's in the middle of a renovation: the new rooms, spacious and with underfloor heating, get the most praise. Breakfast starts early, in time for tours. It has no restaurant of its own.
Renovated, spacious, modern rooms
A short walk from the main avenue
Part of the hotel still under works
Fairly basic breakfast
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 108-350)
Price per night, room for 2 people
108184300350335240160160130140140·
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 350 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 108: 69% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
Spacious, comfortable room, well located and the breakfast was acceptable. At first the room was too hot, but I mentioned it and they fixed it straight away.
Jennifer · Spain · Sep 2026
10An excellent option for staying in Calafate
Excellent location and value for money.
Luis · Costa Rica · Sep 2026
10Cosy, comfortable and charming
It's very comfortable and warm, the heating is perfect and the location is very close to the centre of El Calafate. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Jennifer · Ecuador · Sep 2026
7Pleasant, comfortable.
Breakfast is very complete and plentiful. It starts very early, because the tour companies come to pick up guests very early. The bed is very comfortable and large; the room has underfloor heating that you can adjust in the room itself. The new rooms are a bit far from reception.
Silvia · Argentina · Jun 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 396.
Hotel Picos Del Sur ⭐⭐⭐
Rating 9.0 · 967 reviews
Hillside, 10 min walk from the centre
ExteriorRoomView from the terrace
A 3-star hotel with views of Lago Argentino and Cerro Calafate, 10 minutes' walk from the centre and the bus terminal. It has a restaurant, bar, free parking and its own airport shuttle. Guests particularly praise the staff, who help organise tours, and the cleanliness.
Staff who help with tours
Clean, warm and with a good view
Simple breakfast with little variety
10-15 min uphill walk to the centre
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 64-98)
Price per night, room for 2 people
82112*8898786464·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 98 a night) and the cheapest is March (around US$ 64: 35% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
* Double rooms may not be available on those dates: other room types are shown, usually larger ones.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
There's absolutely nothing to complain about at this hotel, everything is perfect: the service, the building, the room, the breakfast, the restaurant, the staff. In short, it's the best.
Diego · Costa Rica · Sep 2026
10An excellent stay
Excellent hotel. The service was incredible, the staff are very friendly and always willing to help. The facilities are very nice, comfortable and clean, and the location is excellent. Also, a few times I had to have breakfast before the set time and there was no problem at all.
Aletvia · Mexico · Sep 2026
10Excellent
The hotel staff were lovely and very attentive, offering all kinds of help and assistance when we asked about things to do in El Calafate. The breakfast buffet was very complete. Spotlessly clean.
Maria · Spain · Aug 2026
9Recommended
Very good value for money, within walking distance of the centre, breakfast was fine and there's a garden with a view. The staff were very friendly and recommended tours to us.
Diana · Spain · Jun 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 967.
Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating 8.9 · 848 reviews
Hillside, with lake and mountain views
Lake viewRoomLounge
A 4-star boutique hotel with modern decor, a spa, sauna and heated pool, and views of Cerro Calafate and Lago Argentino. It has a Patagonian-cuisine restaurant and the Iglú bar. Guests praise the pool and the service; getting to the centre involves stairs and slopes, something to bear in mind if you have reduced mobility.
Heated pool and spa
Very attentive staff, help with tours
Rooms sometimes too warm
Same breakfast every day
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 122-339)
Price per night, room for 2 people
122334282339444*299210168·210210210
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is January (around US$ 339 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 122: 64% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
* Double rooms may not be available on those dates: other room types are shown, usually larger ones.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
It's a beautiful hotel! Impressive from the moment you arrive. As are the service and the luxury facilities.
Andrea · Peru · Sep 2026
8A good stay.
The hotel is close to the centre, you can easily get there on foot. Breakfast was pretty good. The service from the staff is very good! The shower water was sometimes cold and then suddenly super hot.
Analia · Argentina · Sep 2026
10An excellent place, the best in Calafate.
Everything was impeccable, the service is simply unbeatable. Excellent treatment and support from the reception staff, even for arranging a tour or a taxi. I'll definitely be back! Plus, the pool is beautiful. Breakfast with plenty of options!
Ana · Colombia · Sep 2026
8Highly recommended
I liked the rooms. I asked the staff whether it was possible to have vegan options at breakfast and they took my request into account. I really appreciate it. Perhaps they could vary the breakfast options.
Marianela · Peru · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 848.
America Del Sur Calafate Hostel
Rating 9.1 · 2,629 reviews
Hillside, 7 min walk from the centre
ExteriorRoomKitchen
A hostel with private rooms and shared dorms, all with private bathrooms, underfloor heating and views of the valley and mountains. It has a shared kitchen, laundry, restaurant and a dining room with large windows for watching the sunset. Guests highlight the family atmosphere, the view and the staff's help with arranging tours.
Panoramic view of the lake and mountains
Warm atmosphere and helpful staff
Basic breakfast, eggs extra
Bunks without privacy curtains
How much a night costs, month by month (≈ US$ 70-160)
Price per night, room for 2 people
70124*176*188*194*174*160100100100100·
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The most expensive month is April (around US$ 160 a night) and the cheapest is October (around US$ 70: 56% less). Months marked «·» don't have a rate loaded yet: the property opens its calendar in stages, so it doesn't mean it's closed.
* Double rooms may not be available on those dates: other room types are shown, usually larger ones.
Public price per night for 2 people, before taxes and fees (in Argentina they are added when you reserve and depend on your residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate where available; quoted for 2 consecutive nights. Rates vary by date. Updated 27/10/2026.
The hostel has a really beautiful view for drinking mate and spending the afternoon in the sun. The room is very good value for money and has underfloor heating. Breakfast is basic.
Bonamino · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Human warmth in a family setting
The warmth of the place, the people who run it and the people who visit: a house full of homeliness.
Carlos · Colombia · Sep 2026
9A really nice stay
The place is very good value for money, it's comfortable and you get a good view of the sunset. The centre is a 10-minute walk away. One thing I'd recommend is putting curtains on the bunk beds to make them more private.
Samira · Argentina · Sep 2026
9The best option in Calafate.
The hostel has a really lovely family atmosphere, the staff are super cool and the restaurant is exceptional, absolute geniuses. The place is clean and very warm. Amazing view and a great option to stay. I got a top bunk and it was quite uncomfortable.
Juan · Uruguay · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 2,629.
Map of places to stay in El Calafate
See where each place to stay in El Calafate is on the map and compare prices and availability.
Plan the rest of your trip
You don't need a car in town: the centre is walkable and there are taxis and private car services, though no ride apps. For the Perito Moreno Glacier, about 80 km away on the paved RP 11 (around 1 h 30), there's a regular bus from the terminal and tours that pick you up from your hotel. Hiring a car gives you more freedom for viewpoints and for the road to El Chaltén, but remember to fill up before you leave: there are no petrol stations along those 215 km.
The most popular things to see and do in El Calafate
Perito Moreno walkways — Five signposted circuits of 570 to 1,117 m facing the glacier, open all year; walking them at a relaxed pace takes about 3 hours.
Safari Náutico boat trip — A boat trip of around one hour in front of the glacier's south face, suitable for all ages and available all year.
Minitrekking or Big Ice — Walks on the glacier wearing crampons: minitrekking takes ages 8 to 65 and Big Ice, ages 18 to 50.
Todo Glaciares boat trip — Seven hours on Lago Argentino to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, from Puerto Punta Bandera, with a landing at the Spegazzini base.
Laguna Nimez and Glaciarium — The reserve, on the lakeshore, is ideal for birdwatching; the Glaciarium is a museum dedicated to ice and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Frequently asked questions
Is one day enough for the Perito Moreno Glacier?
For the walkways, yes: the glacier is about 80 km away (1 h 30 on RP 11) and walking the five circuits at a relaxed pace takes about 3 hours; a full tour with transport takes around 8 hours. If you also want a boat trip or to walk on the ice, it's worth adding another day, as minitrekking takes about 9 hours door to door.
Do I need to hire a car in El Calafate?
It isn't essential: there's a regular bus to the glacier from the terminal and tours pick you up from your hotel. But there's no bus from the airport and no ride apps, so a car gives you freedom for the glacier, the viewpoints and the road to El Chaltén (215 paved km, with no petrol stations along the way). There are car hire desks at the airport.
Can I visit El Chaltén as a day trip from El Calafate?
You can, but it's demanding: it's about 3 hours each way. There are full-day guided tours and buses all year. If you want to do the long treks, such as Laguna de los Tres (8 to 10 hours' walking), it's best to stay there for at least one or two nights.
How much is the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park?
The day pass for foreigners costs about US$ 32; Argentine residents pay a lower rate and foreigners also have a 3-day pass (Flexipass). At the glacier gate cards and cash in pesos are accepted, and you can also buy online on the official National Parks website.
Can I cross to Torres del Paine from El Calafate?
Yes. Bus Sur and Marga TAQSA go to Puerto Natales in about 5 hours, via the Cancha Carrera/Cerro Castillo or Dorotea crossings. You need a valid passport and must complete Chile's SAG sworn declaration online at least 24 hours in advance. From April to September buses run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.
Are there pet-friendly places to stay in El Calafate?
Yes: El Calafate has about 40 places to stay that accept pets, mostly cabins and apartments; few hotels do. None of the places in this guide allow pets. See pet-friendly places to stay in El Calafate →
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official website of any property. If you book through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
