We started our Patagonia adventures in the lakeside town of El Calafate, situated in the heart of Santa Cruz on the banks of Lago Argentino. The town was an obvious entry point, located only 20 minutes from the main airport in Patagonia (El Calafate Airport). We arrived from Santiago unsure what to expect, and have detailed a few of the reasons why you should visit, a few things to consider, and a couple of recommendations if you do go! You can also see some of our other Patagonia guides linked at the end of the article!
Why should you stay in El Calafate:
- Proximity to airport: El Calafate is home to the airport in the region, and is considered a gateway to Patagonia. Flights arrive from around Argentina and Santiago (Chile), making it a really easy stop and entry point for your visit.
- Perito Moreno Glacier: This is one of the primary reasons to stay in El Calafate. The glacier is one of the most breathtaking locations we have ever witnessed, and we would highly recommend it to anyone. This is worth a stay in El Calafate alone! (see guide here).
- More tour options: El Calafate is the bigger town, home to more tour operators. If you are looking to have a variety of experiences, including Glacier tours, horseriding, asado barbeques, ranch visits and more, El Calafate might tick that box better!
- Varied accommodation options: Being the bigger town, El Calafate has more accommodation options, including more ‘top tier’ and mid-low range stays.
A few top things to do in El Calafate:
- Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier: If you didn’t gather already, the glacier is the towns and region’s top attraction.. and justifiably so! This is an exceptional natural beauty! If you come to the region, visiting Perito Moreno Glacier is a must!
- Day trips to the nearby national parks: El Calafate is located between 2 of Patagonia’s best national parks, Torres Del Paine, and El Chalten. Both of these regions could justify a visit and prolonged stay on their own, however if you are pressed for time, or want to base yourself in El Calafate, consider a day trip to both! They are home to exceptional views, great hikes, and more varied experiences!
- Walk, run or cycle around Lago Argentino: The promenade around the the lake the loops out from the town is calm and beautiful. Excellent for a run, walk or cycle.
- Check out the artisanal market: A cute little market sits in the heart of the town. Well worth a visit!
- Get coffee at Miles Coffee House! There’s not many good cafe’s in El Calafate, but the coffee and empanadas at Miles were great!
- Grab some hearty food at Pura Vida: Hearty, home cooked food at decent prices is a win for the ‘expensive’ El Calafate. The staff are super friendly and the excellent sized serves of oven baked pies are sensational.
- Enjoy the nature! The air is fresh, the views are great, and you are close to a multitude of national parks and regions. Enjoy this as you enter Patagonia.
- Drive the iconic Ruta 40 and the stunning roads leading to nearby towns/attractions e.g. Perito Moreno/El Chalten etc. Bucket list stuff!!
A few top places to stay in El Calafate:
El Calafate has a lot of excellent accommodation options, however they aren’t that budget friendly. We’ve done a little research on some top picks, including gorgeous place we stayed on the fringe of the town.
- Hosteria La Estepa: We stayed in this gorgeous hotel with stunning views. Only downside is the location on the fridge of the town (need a car/taxi to reach). [Highly Recommend].
- Hosteria Schilling: A good budget option, with decent private rooms in a nice hostel.
- Patagonia Hope Suites: Located well in town, decent price, and have private rooms and studios.
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