Hotel in Santa Cruz, Argentina
Alto Calafate Hotel
Modern hotel on hill overlooking El Calafate with panoramic lake views. Features comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and shuttle to town center.
Alto Calafate Hotel stands on the hillside above the town of El Calafate at Avenida J. Pantano 5050, a mid-range property that trades on its elevated position to deliver panoramic views across Lago Argentino — the largest lake in Argentina — and the sweeping Patagonian steppe beyond. El Calafate is the primary gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few advancing glaciers and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located approximately 80 km west of the town by road.
The hotel features a modern design with clean lines and large windows oriented to capture the lake panorama. Accommodation ranges from standard double rooms to superior rooms and junior suites, all finished with neutral palettes and quality furnishings appropriate to the Patagonian setting. Heating is effective throughout the property — a critical amenity given El Calafate's cold winters and the strong winds that characterise Santa Cruz province year-round.
Breakfast is included in room rates and is served buffet-style, offering a substantial spread of continental and hot items to fuel guests before long days at the glacier or on trail. The on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a menu centred on Patagonian ingredients: cordero patagónico (Patagonian lamb), Santa Cruz trout, and seasonal regional produce. The bar is a warm gathering point during Patagonian evenings.
A reliable shuttle service connects the hotel to El Calafate's town centre, which lies downhill from the property. The main commercial street, Avenida del Libertador, concentrates glacier tour operators, restaurants, and artisan shops. The hotel's front desk assists guests with booking day excursions to Perito Moreno Glacier — including guided walks on the glacier catwalks and boat circuits — as well as to Upsala Glacier and Lago Argentino's ice-field tributaries. El Calafate's Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) is approximately 23 km from the hotel; transfers are arranged on request.
The hotel draws both independent leisure visitors and small group tours, and staff are experienced with the logistics of glacier access and weather-dependent itinerary adjustments common to this part of Patagonia.
Amenities
- panoramic views
- restaurant
- bar
- shuttle service
- breakfast included
- free WiFi
- heating
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 2902 491-910
Location
Av. J. Pantano 5050, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz
-50.3167, -72.3000 — View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic views of Lago Argentino and the Patagonian steppe from the hotel's elevated hillside position
- Included buffet breakfast — substantial enough to fuel full-day glacier excursions at Perito Moreno
- On-site restaurant serving Patagonian cordero (lamb) and Santa Cruz trout in a warm dining room
- Shuttle service linking the property to El Calafate town centre and glacier tour operators on Avenida del Libertador
- Practical base for day trips to Perito Moreno Glacier, 80 km west in Los Glaciares National Park
Tips
- Book at least three months ahead for the peak season (November–March) when El Calafate receives high visitor volumes and glacier excursion slots fill fast
- Request a superior room or junior suite for the most expansive Lago Argentino views; upper-floor standard rooms also offer good panoramas
- Glacier excursions depart early — make full use of the included breakfast before long days on the catwalks
- Patagonian wind is a constant feature of El Calafate; pack windproof and waterproof layers regardless of the month
- The town centre is accessible on foot downhill (approximately 20 minutes) but the uphill return warrants use of the hotel shuttle, especially after a full day with gear
FAQ
How far is Alto Calafate Hotel from Perito Moreno Glacier?
The glacier is approximately 80 km west of El Calafate. The hotel's front desk assists with booking full-day excursions, which typically include guided catwalk walks on the glacier and optional boat circuits on Lago Argentino.
Is breakfast included in room rates?
Yes — a buffet breakfast is included in standard room rates at Alto Calafate Hotel, served each morning before excursion departures.
Does the hotel offer transfers from El Calafate airport?
Airport transfers from Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), approximately 23 km from the hotel, can be arranged through the front desk on request.
Is there on-site parking at the hotel?
Yes — parking is available on-site for guests travelling by private vehicle or rental car, which is a common choice for independently accessing Perito Moreno Glacier and other sites in Los Glaciares National Park.
Accessibility
Alto Calafate Hotel is a modern property set on a hillside above El Calafate; the sloped terrain around the building may present some challenges for guests with limited mobility. Internal lift access between floors is available. Guests requiring adapted rooms or step-free ground-floor access should contact the hotel directly before arrival.