Hotel in Santa Cruz, Argentina
Calafate Hostel
Friendly El Calafate hostel with helpful staff who arrange tours. Clean dorms and privates, communal kitchen, and cozy lounge area with fireplace.
The Calafate Hostel is a long-running budget property located on Governor Moyano street in El Calafate, the main service town for visitors to Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz province, Argentine Patagonia. The hostel is approximately ten minutes on foot from Avenida del Libertador, El Calafate's principal commercial strip, and a short taxi ride from El Calafate International Airport.
El Calafate sits on the southern shore of Lago Argentino at an elevation of around 200 metres, surrounded by the steppe landscapes typical of southern Patagonia. It is the essential base for visiting the advancing face of Glaciar Perito Moreno, which lies 80 kilometres west via paved road, as well as the remote Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers accessible by boat through the national park.
The hostel occupies a two-storey building with character suited to the region — timber details, a central fireplace lounge, and a relaxed communal atmosphere. Accommodation consists of mixed-gender and female-only dormitory rooms with bunk beds, as well as double and twin private rooms with and without en suite bathrooms. All spaces are heated, a genuine necessity in the cold Patagonian climate where temperatures drop sharply even in summer.
A fully equipped communal kitchen allows guests to self-cater and significantly reduce daily expenses in a town where restaurant prices can be high. The tour desk arranges the standard El Calafate itinerary — ice-trekking walks on Glaciar Perito Moreno, boat excursions through the Los Glaciares canal system, and transfers to park viewpoints. Staff offer frank, practical advice on which operators provide the best value and which glacier experiences suit different fitness levels.
Luggage storage is available for guests whose departure times do not align with checkout, and laundry service helps multi-week Patagonian travellers manage gear. The Calafate Hostel remains a reliable, unpretentious base that appeals to budget-conscious solo travellers and groups who prioritise proximity to the national park.
Amenities
- free WiFi
- kitchen
- fireplace lounge
- tour desk
- laundry
- luggage storage
- heating
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 2902 492-450
Location
Gdor. Moyano 1296, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz
-50.3389, -72.2714 — View on map
Highlights
- Fireplace lounge and communal kitchen creating a warm social hub for Patagonian travellers
- Tour desk arranging ice-trekking on Glaciar Perito Moreno and boat excursions in Los Glaciares National Park
- Central El Calafate location walkable to restaurants and shops on Avenida del Libertador
- Dormitory and private room options with inclusive heating at budget-friendly rates
- Luggage storage and laundry service supporting multi-week Patagonian itineraries
Tips
- Book rooms well in advance for November through February — El Calafate fills rapidly during the austral summer, and budget accommodation is limited.
- The tour desk can often match online prices for glacier excursions; staff advice on smaller operators can save money over the larger bus-tour packages.
- Pack warm layers regardless of the season — Patagonian weather can drop significantly even in summer.
- Glacier viewing is best in the morning before afternoon winds pick up; ask staff to book the earliest available transfer to Perito Moreno.
- Carry Argentine pesos — El Calafate's ATMs can run dry during peak season, and some smaller businesses prefer cash.
FAQ
How far is the Calafate Hostel from Glaciar Perito Moreno?
The glacier is approximately 80 kilometres west of El Calafate. The hostel can arrange shared van transfers that take around 90 minutes each way.
Does the hostel have private rooms?
Yes, the hostel offers both dormitory beds and private double and twin rooms, some with en suite bathrooms.
Is Wi-Fi available throughout the hostel?
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Note that internet infrastructure in remote Patagonia can be slower than in Argentina's major cities.
Can the hostel store luggage if checkout is before my bus or flight?
Yes, luggage storage is available to allow guests to explore El Calafate after checking out.
Accessibility
The Calafate Hostel is a two-storey building; detailed wheelchair accessibility information is not publicly confirmed. Travellers with mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly before booking.
When to visit
November through March is the main tourist season, when days are long and weather is most reliable for glacier visits. The hostel operates year-round, but winter (June–August) brings extreme cold and limited tour availability.