Is El Calafate expensive to visit?
In El Calafate, budget travelers spend $28 (AR$37,378) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $65 (AR$86,326) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $128 (AR$170,612) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to El Calafate.
El Calafate is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You may find El Calafate to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, El Calafate is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in South America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Medellin, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Recife.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is El Calafate Expensive?
Mt. Fitz Roy, Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina (Near El Chalten)
How much money do I need for a trip to El Calafate?
The average El Calafate trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these El Calafate travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to El Calafate cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit El Calafate on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $28 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, El Calafate has plenty of hostels such as America del Sur Hostel, Hostel Nakel Yenu, and Hostal Schilling. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to El Calafate to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $65 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in El Calafate is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel ACA El Calafate is a solid choice for families, while Los Ponchos Apart Boutique also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for El Calafate here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $128 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip with Optional Boat Ride - offered by Viator.
Moreno Glacier near El Calafate, Argentina
Accommodation Budget in El Calafate
In El Calafate, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $71, but in peak season, they can average around $132. Prices generally range from $43 to $218, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in El Calafate for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $73 (AR$108,247). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $37 (AR$54,124) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in El Calafate? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in El Calafate include:
- Los Ponchos Apart Boutique starting at $299
- Hotel Kosten Aike starting at $73
- Kau Yatun Hotel Boutique starting at $145
- Mirador del Lago Hotel starting at $121
- Hotel Posada Los Alamos starting at $98
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in El Calafate
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $4.20 (AR$6,201) per person, per day, on local transportation in El Calafate. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in El Calafate is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$4.20
AR$6,201
You can reach this town by flight from a handful of destinations around Argentina. Most flights take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and during the peak season the flights are usually full. It is necessary to make reservations well in advance. The only other option to reach El Calafate is by bus. The trip can be cumbersome and slow on challenging roads. It does offer some incredible views, but only when the weather allows.
One impressive trip is along Ruta 40 between El Calafate and Bariloche. If the weather cooperates you will see some dramatic and impressive scenery. It is important that you book bus tickets out of town immediately after you arrive, as the tickets sell out quickly.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, with guide and transfer to / from the hotel for $79 details
- "Todo Glaciares" Boat Tour + optional transfers from El Calafate for $205 details
- Private Transfer to El Calafate Airport (FTE) for $29 details
How much does it cost to go to El Calafate? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in El Calafate will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in El Calafate
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in El Calafate can vary significantly, the average cost of food in El Calafate is $6.69 (AR$9,877) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$6.69
AR$9,877
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in El Calafate is around $7 (AR$9877) per person, with previous travelers spending from $3 to $15. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in El Calafate are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $2
- Lunch: $1 to $3
- Dinner: $2 to $5
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Because of the town's remote location, food in El Calafate is very expensive. If you're on a particularly tight budget, then you can pick up supplies at one of the four supermarkets around town. You will not find any good fresh food, but packaged food is available.
There are some decent restaurants throughout the town, most of which specifically cater to tourists. You can find pizza and pasta, as well as local specialties such as Patagonia lamb. There are also plenty of restaurants that offer empanadas as an affordable option. There are also a couple of bars in town where you can buy a beer and relax with fellow travelers.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in El Calafate, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Estancia 25 de Mayo Experience with Dinner from Calafate for $190 details
- Lakes and Caves Tour with Dinner and Wine Included for $190 details
- Estancia 25 de Mayo in El Calafate - PM visit with dinner for $165 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in El Calafate
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in El Calafate typically cost an average of $52 (AR$76,898) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$52
AR$76,898
El Calafate and the surrounding area is all about natural beauty. Perito Moreno Glacier is a must see in the area. It's located about 80 kilometers away from town and has a costly entrance fee, which allows you to stay for just one day. Camping is not allowed. The glacier is incredibly impressive, particularly as it falls. There are viewing platforms and hiking trails that help you enjoy the area.
There is also a recently built museum about the area's glaciers. The museum, the Glaciarum, is located just a few kilometers outside of town and has a variety of exhibits and information on the area's history and geography.
A visit to El Calafate is all about the excursions. Most people use the town as a base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park. The most popular excursions are to Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Chalten, and Cerro Torre. It is easy to arrange an excursion from town to Perito Moreno Glacier. You can catch a bus from town, or there are plenty of tourist agencies that run tours to the glacier.
Another fun experience is to visit a ranch, which can be arranged by any travel agency. It's also fun to rent a bike in town and take a ride along the lake. There is a paved road that you can follow and the views are amazing. Make sure you pack a lunch.
If you're in town during the winter months, then you can rent ice skates and skate in the shallow bay near the town center.
A nice way to explore destinations in El Calafate is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Argentine Cuisine Experience in El Calafate for $130 details
- Full-Day Tour to Perito Moreno Glacier with optional Navigation for $98 details
- Safari Azul: Perito Moreno Boat & Walking Tour to touch the ice for $175 details
El Calafate, Argentina
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.