Where to Stay in El Calafate, Argentina
This article rounds out a series I’ve written lately on Patagonia: which includes iconic places to stay inside Torres del Paine National Park, or more reasonable places to stay in nearby Puerto Natales. I’ve also covered El Chalten, which is one of my favorite places to hike in Patagonia. But today’s article focuses on El Calafate ~ which is the first place I ever traveled in Patagonia. Two girls I met at a Uruguayan horse farm & I decided to fly to El Calafate, so that we could visit Perito Moreno Glacier. Based on our adventures, find out where to stay in El Calafate, Argentina…
Once upon a time, three girls met in Uruguay…then flew down to El Calafate, to see the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier.
A quick overview of Patagonia’s three major cities:
- 1) Puerto Natales = The gateway to Torres del Paine National Park;
- 2) El Calafate = The gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier & other Patagonia adventures;
- 3) El Chalten = Town at the base of epic Mount Fitz Roy hike.
Map of El Calafate Hotels
America del Sur Hostel
La Cantera Hotel Boutique (Views)
Kosten Aike (Homey)
Hotel Mirador del Lago (Lake Views)
Posada Los Alamos (Lux)
Overview of El Calafate Hotels
The view from America del Sur Hostel in El Calafate, Argentina. From here, it’s a short walk to town & a short walk to the bus station that takes you to Perito Moreno Glacier!
- America del Sur Hostel ($40+) = My Favorite Hostel in ALL of Patagonia! The view you get from America del Sur’s massive dining room & lobby is worth WELL more than $40/night. Views of turquoise Lago Argentino are unforgettable…this is a jaw-dropping location. And a great place to meet friends to hike with! The large dining area allows you to either meet people ~ or if you need to work, you can always find a quiet corner.
- La Cantera Hotel Boutique ($92+) = Designer Lodge with Amazing Lake + City VIEWS: Set high on a hill in town, La Cantera gives you amazing views of both the city & Lago Argentino; many rooms offer lake views. They offer free breakfast, room service, as well as a nice restaurant & bar. Be sure to sit on their stunning outdoor terrace for incredible views of the lake. BEST VALUE.
- Kosten Aike Hotel ($120) = Cute Boutique Hotel with Good Amenities: If you want charm, a good location, & prefer the feel of staying in someone’s home vs. at an impersonal hotel: check out Kosten Aike. For a mid-range price, you can enjoy their free breakfast buffet, exercise room, spa & sauna. And you’re right in town: walkable to plenty of shops & restaurants!
- Hotel Mirador del Lago ($150+) = Chic Hotel with Incredible Lake Views: Set right on the shores of Lago Argentino, this unpretentious hotel has warm rooms with Wi-Fi & flatscreen TV’s ~ plus a good breakfast buffet, cozy restaurant, & snack bar. You’re right in town, & easily walkable to restaurants & shops.
- Posada Los Alamos ($204+) = Where to Stay for Unpretentious Luxury in El Calafate: This is the only five-star hotel in El Calafate. So if you’re looking for somewhere that has an amazing spa, where you can get a great massage: this is a great place to stay. Their indoor pool (shown below) is not to be missed, & their spacious grounds immerse you in nature instantly. There’s also high-end dining on-site: so need to leave the hotel to find good food.
Hotel Posada’s large indoor swimming pool is a welcome retreat after a long day of adventures…
“Gorgeous quaint spacious rooms [at Hotel Posada]. We had a slant ceiling of wooden beams. The bed was very comfy. Breakfast & location very good also.”
– Louisa De Silvo
Photos of El Calafate Hotels
La Cantera Hotel Boutique is set on a hill, offering amazing views.
Check prices at La Cantera Hotel Boutique.
Kosten Aike Hotel offers comfort & the feel of staying at someone’s home…
Hotel Mirador del Lago offers some of the best lake views in town.
Where to Stay in El Calafate
Goodbye, Argentina…
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: How Much Does a Trip to Patagonia Cost?
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Of the three major cities in Patagonia, which was your favorite? i.e. where would you spend the most time?
Hi Allison! That is really hard, because they’re all quite charming in their own way. And none are too big or overwhelming! But because there are SO many great hikes in El Chalten, pretty much all accessible from town: I’d choose to stay longer there. And also because there’s so much to see in Torres del Paine, I’d opt to stay longer in Puerto Natales as well. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like El Calafate! It’s super cute ~ but my absolute favorite adventures were located by the other towns. Hope that helps! xoxo Noelia