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El Calafate, argentina

El Calafate

argentina

About El Calafate

El Calafate in Patagonia, southern Argentina, is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park – home to one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. The town is named after the local calafate berry – the legend goes that once you’ve eaten one, you're guaranteed to return to Patagonia. But with trekking across ice fields, horse riding over vast plains and the formidable Glaciar Perito Moreno just 80km away, you probably won’t need a berry to ensure another visit.

El Calafate's lake and mountain scenery is breathtaking, so you'll want to choose an El Calafate hostel that makes the most of it, with views from on-site bars, restaurants or bedroom windows. Try local specialities like Patagonian lamb grilled in a traditional asado (a kind of Argentinian barbecue) way as you warm yourself by a cosy fireplace. Some El Calafate hostels have rooms with underfloor heating and en-suite bathrooms, though you could even splash out on a bungalow with your own private kitchen.

The main road in El Calafate, Avenida del Libertador San Martín, is lined with craft beer bars, ice cream shops and artisan chocolatiers. Pioneer-style buildings made of bricks and adobe can be found in the older parts of town, while the wooden chalets with gable roofs and large windows elsewhere in the town are reminiscent of a Swiss ski resort. Wander along the shores of Lago Argentino and you’ll reach Reserva Laguna Nimez, an eco-reserve that's home to flamingos, black-necked swans and hawks.

You can see Glaciar Perito Moreno from the panoramic Curva de los Suspiros (Curve of Sighs) viewpoint – listen for the sound of large shards of ice crashing into the water. Jump on a boat trip for a closer look at the advancing glacier wall. Guided ice trekking tours are also available, where you'll strap on a pair of crampons before traversing the glacier itself to see blue lagoons, sinkholes and crevasses. Hike, horse ride or drive a 4x4 up Cerro Frías for 360-degree views across Lago Argentino, Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy.

If your feet are tired from trekking, you can hire a bike to get around El Calafate. Aeropuerto Lago Argentino is 23km from the town, with a direct bus connection. You can travel by bus to neighbouring Argentinetowns El Chaltén in 3 hours and Rio Gallegos in 4 hours, or across the border to Puerto Natales in Chile. The bus terminal in El Calafate is located on Julio A. Roca, just off Avenida del Libertador San Martín.

City Info

Countryargentina
Hostels12
Country CodeAR

12 Hostels in El Calafate

Hostal Schilling
Hostal Schilling

Located in El Calafate

9.6 (1079 reviews)

Hello Welcome to Hostal Schilling, located in the city of El Calafate, gateway to Glacier National Park and only 80 km from Perito Moreno glacier.

From Rs2525.09
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Folk Hostel
Folk Hostel

Located in El Calafate

9.5 (460 reviews)

Folk Hostel is the ideal for your trip to El Calafate in Argentina.

From Rs1.19
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Lago Argentino Hostel
Lago Argentino Hostel

Located in El Calafate

9.5 (9 reviews)

We are a family business run by its owners. With an excellent location in downtown, close to everything you need, we offer a comfortable, warm, clean and safe space that invites to share with others.

From Rs2321.35
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America del Sur Hostel
America del Sur Hostel

Located in El Calafate

9.4 (4576 reviews)

America del Sur Hostel is located in the city center, very close to the bus station and to the main attractions

From Rs1270.04
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Hostel Nakel Yenu
Hostel Nakel Yenu

Located in El Calafate

9.4 (1454 reviews)

Situated in Villa Parque Los Glaciares neighbourhood, only 10 minutes from the commercial area......

From Rs825.43
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Bla Guesthouse
Bla Guesthouse

Located in El Calafate

9.1 (254 reviews)

Bla Guesthouse in Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. A place where to stay like at home!

From Rs14.86
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Viajero Calafate Hostel
Viajero Calafate Hostel

Located in El Calafate

9.1 (34 reviews)

Viajero Calafate Hostel in El Calafate offers a cozy stay with modern amenities, including free bikes, a garden, and tour assistance, all within a friendly and secure environment.

From Rs2281.66
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Folk Suites
Folk Suites

Located in El Calafate

8.9 (211 reviews)

Welcome to Folk Suites the best place for your holidays in Argentina.

From Rs1.63
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I Keu Ken Hostel
I Keu Ken Hostel

Located in El Calafate

8.8 (87 reviews)

Welcome to I Keu Ken Hostel, located in the beautiful place of El Calafate, enjoy your days in the common areas and meet other travellers or go to explore the city center.

From Rs1141.27
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Calafate Hostel
Calafate Hostel

Located in El Calafate

8.6 (304 reviews)

Calafate Hostel has been considered the largest, best served and most modern hostel in the Argentine Republic.

From Rs1.73
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Pioneros Hostel
Pioneros Hostel

Located in El Calafate

8.1 (683 reviews)

Pioneros Hostel is located in El Calafate, Argentina

From Rs2496.86
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La Casa del Viajero 2
La Casa del Viajero 2

Located in El Calafate

N/A

La Casa del Viajero 2 in El Calafate offers comfortable, en-suite accommodations and a friendly atmosphere, perfectly located for travelers exploring Patagonia.

From Rs1808.04
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Backpacking in El Calafate

El Calafate is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in El Calafate, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.

Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, El Calafate has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in El Calafate offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.

When visiting El Calafate, don't miss the opportunity to:

  • Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
  • Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
  • Connect with other travelers at hostel events
  • Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in El Calafate