El Calafate travel guide

El Calafate Tourism | El Calafate Guide

You're Going to Love El Calafate

With a population of 8,000, El Calafate is a must-see destination in Santa Cruz, Argentina. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything El Calafate has to offer.

When to visit El Calafate

El Calafate in June
Estimated hotel price
€50
1 night at 3-star hotel
El Calafate in June
Estimated hotel price
€50
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to El Calafate in January, when the average temperature is 13 °C, and the highest can go up to 19 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is July, when it can get as cold as -3 °C, with an average temperature of 1 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 19 mm. In contrast, November is usually the driest month of the year in El Calafate, with an average rainfall of 3 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to El Calafate

Plane

When flying to El Calafate, you’ll arrive at El Calafate (FTE), which is located 11 miles from the city centre.

Bus

El Calafate’s bus station is located 1.4 miles from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to El Calafate, you’ll arrive at El Calafate (FTE), which is located 11 miles from the city centre.

Bus

El Calafate’s bus station is located 1.4 miles from the city centre.

Airports near El Calafate

Airlines serving El Calafate

KLM
Good (854 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (710 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (817 reviews)
GOL
Good (685 reviews)
Aerolineas Argentinas
Excellent (536 reviews)
JetSMART
Okay (81 reviews)
Flybondi
Good (152 reviews)

Where to stay in El Calafate

From 5-star hotels such as the Xelena Hotel & Suites to great affordable options like the Hotel Picos Del Sur, El Calafate offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around €85 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to €81 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Calafate Hostel and America del Sur Hostel Calafate.

Where to stay in popular areas of El Calafate

Most booked hotels in El Calafate

Hotel Picos Del Sur
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
€68+
Xelena Hotel & Suites
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
€139+
Blanca Patagonia Boutique Inn and Cabins
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
€82+
Design Suites Calafate
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
€101+
Terraza Coirones Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
€55+

Hiring a car in El Calafate

Hiring a car in El Calafate costs €39 per day, on average, or €118 if you want to hire it for 3 days.

Expect to pay €1.03 per litre in El Calafate (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between €12.28 and €16.37. The most frequently booked car type in El Calafate is Standard (Class Standard Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 54% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Hiring a car in El Calafate costs €39 per day, on average, or €118 if you want to hire it for 3 days.

Expect to pay €1.03 per litre in El Calafate (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between €12.28 and €16.37. The most frequently booked car type in El Calafate is Standard (Class Standard Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 54% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Car hire agencies in El Calafate

Hertz

Hertz

Budget

Budget
Find car hire in El Calafate