Best hotels in El Calafate

Positioned in Patagonia's adventure capital, this welcoming base strikes the perfect note between comfort and practicality. The spa provides much-needed muscle relief after glacier hikes, while the artisan bakery's morning aromas could tempt even the most determined mountaineer to linger over breakfast. It's refreshingly unpretentious, focusing instead on the essentials that matter after a day in the wild.

Opening in December 2026

Set within a stunning Patagonian estancia, surrounded by the sweeping pampas and offering glimpses of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, Explora El Calafate provides a serene starting point and sanctuary for those drawn to the wild beauty of southern Patagonia.

Some hotels simply provide a bed for the night; others invite you into a world they've meticulously crafted. This newcomer to El Calafate falls firmly into the latter camp. Born from the complete transformation of a former guesthouse, the property has emerged as something rather special – a design-conscious bolthole where every material, scent and texture has been chosen to echo the wild landscape beyond. Run by siblings Luisina and Facundo Perez Costa, there's a warmth here that feels genuinely familial rather than corporate. The building features charred timber using the ancient Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique – a rather clever nod to sustainability that also happens to look extremely handsome against the Patagonian stone. It's an ideal perch from which to explore the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and the wider wonders of Los Glaciares National Park, yet close enough to town for an evening stroll along Avenida del Libertador.

Set in a sheep-breeding farm, Estancia Nibepo Aike offers rural accommodation with scenic mountain views, 69 km from Perito Moreno Glacier. There is a restaurant, and a lush garden surrounding the property. Heated rooms at Estancia Nibepo Aike are located in a picturesque wooden house with gabled roofs. They are decorated with wooden, rustic-style furniture, and parquet floors. A buffet breakfast including juices, fruits, bread, and natural jams is served in a breakfast room overlooking the mountains. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, and drinks can be ordered at the bar. Guests can explore the surrounding hills by horse riding and trekking, or take part in sheep-breeding activities to experience the local lifestyle.