Town in Santa Cruz, Argentina
El Calafate
Small Patagonian town and base for Perito Moreno Glacier and the Los Glaciares park. Good for 2–4 night stays, lake views and day trips; expensive for Argentina, windy and very quiet in winter.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,250–1,970Comfortable, one person · $1.9M–3MDetails
- Value for money69/100Better value than 68% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Feb, 15°CDetails
- Internet137 MbpsFixed broadband, Argentina medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and drinkable; many locals drink it directly.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$26–59Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to Perito Moreno GlacierVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in most hotels, restaurants and tour offices; carry cash for taxis, small cafés and the park gate, as ATMs can run empty.Details
Where to stay in El Calafate
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Avenida Libertador) | Hotels, restaurants and tour offices within walking distance |
| Costanera area (Lago Argentino) | Quieter stays near the lake and bird reserve |
| Hills near the old town | Cabins and long stays with views; need a short walk |
Apps that work in El Calafate
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PedidosYa | A few restaurants and grocery stores only |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Plataforma 10: Book long-distance bus tickets
- SUBE: Transit card for buses, Subte and trains
- Taxis: No Uber; use radio taxis or hotel bookings. The bus terminal and airport have official taxi queues.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Argentina.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in most hotels, restaurants and tour offices; carry cash for taxis, small cafés and the park gate, as ATMs can run empty.
- Currency: Peso (ARS). US$1 ≈ $1,523.09 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banelco and Link ATMs take foreign cards but charge a high flat fee per withdrawal with low limits.
- Tipping: Leave about 10% in restaurants, ideally in cash; the 'cubierto' cover charge isn't a tip. Rounding up is enough for taxis.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and phone wallets work at most terminals; Mercado Pago QR codes need a local account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- No arrival card or reciprocity fee for most visitors; immigration records your entry electronically.
- Some visa-required nationals holding a valid US visa can apply online for an electronic travel authorization (AVE).
- Extend your stay at a Migraciones office before it expires; overstays are fined at exit.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100
Plugs
Type C, I · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Personal, Claro and Movistar sell cheap prepaid chips in their shops with a passport; activation can be fiddly, so international eSIMs are easier. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Argentina
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.