Looking for the top hostels in El Calafate? If you’re planning a Patagonian adventure to this stunning region to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, you’re in the right place. El Calafate is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the region, including access to the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park. The town may be small, but it’s packed with an array of hostels to cater to different traveler preferences. In this article, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best hostels in El Calafate to ensure your stay is comfortable, budget-friendly, and memorable.
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The Best Hostels in El Calafate
- Best Overall Hostel in Puerto Natales: America del Sur Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Puerto Natales: Hostel Nakel Yenu
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Puerto Natales: Calafate Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Puerto Natales: South B&B El Calafate
- Best Social Hostel in Puerto Natales: Pioneros Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Puerto Natales: Red House Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Puerto Natales: Hostal Schilling
Best Hostel in Puerto Natales: America del Sur Hostel
Best Features:
- Spectacular Panoramic View: The hostel offers an amazing panoramic view of the mountains and the lake, providing a stunning backdrop for guests.
- Proximity to Center: Located just a 7-minute walk from the centre, the hostel combines a serene setting with convenient access to local attractions.
- Variety of Room Options: From 1 to 6-bed private ensuite rooms to dorm beds, the hostel provides a range of accommodation choices to suit different preferences and group sizes.
- Under Floor Heating: Guests can enjoy the comfort of underfloor heating, ensuring a cozy stay even in colder weather.
- Social Atmosphere: With a lively common area, the hostel encourages social interaction, making it an ideal choice for travellers looking to connect with others.
Description:
Situated on Calle Puerto Deseado 153 in El Calafate, Argentina, the America del Sur Hostel is designed with guest satisfaction in mind. The hostel boasts an exceptional panoramic view, only a short walk from the city centre. Accommodation options include 1, 2, 3, and 4-person rooms, each featuring underfloor heating for added comfort. The hostel emphasises a social atmosphere and offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant and bar.
Details:
- Address: Calle Puerto Deseado 153, El Calafate, Argentina
- Check-in Time: 3 pm
- Check-out Time: 10 am
- Reception Service Times: 24-hour reception service
What Other Travellers Are Saying:
- Great Social Experience: Guests praise the hostel for its social atmosphere, making it easy to meet and interact with fellow travelers.
- Fantastic Location: The unbeatable location, with breathtaking views and proximity to the central road, is highlighted in reviews.
- Warm and Welcoming Staff: Positive mentions of friendly and helpful front desk staff contribute to an overall positive experience.
- Clean, Safe, and Comfortable: The hostel is commended for its cleanliness, safety measures, and comfortable amenities, including hot showers with excellent water pressure.
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in El Calafate: Hostel Nakel Yenu
Best Features:
- Perfect Location: Short walk from downtown and the bus station.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Located in a quiet and nice neighbourhood with a relaxing vibe.
- Social Quincho: Offers a communal space with a fully equipped kitchen for guests to meet, share experiences, and enjoy BBQ (asado) together.
- Bilingual Staff: A helpful and bilingual staff ready to answer questions and assist with trip planning.
- Accommodation Options: Provides 6 dorms with lockers and double/triple rooms with private baths. Free internet access, Wi-Fi, sheets, daily cleaning, and luggage storage included.
Description:
Hostel Nakel Yenu in El Calafate, Argentina, is a gateway to an authentic Argentine Patagonia experience. A short walk from the city centre and bus station, it offers a cozy atmosphere, a social Quincho for communal gatherings, and a fully equipped kitchen. Accommodation options include 6 dorms and double/triple rooms, all featuring free internet access, Wi-Fi, and essential amenities. The bilingual staff is dedicated to assisting guests with information and trip planning to maximise their time in the region.
Details:
- Address: Pto. San Julian 244, El Calafate, Argentina
What Other Travelers Are Saying:
- Friendly and helpful staff; great facilities.
- Excellent location, five minutes walk to town and bus station; tidy rooms.
- Small and quiet hostel; 5-10 minute walk from town and bus station; clean facilities.
- Great location near bus stop and centre; clean and friendly staff; some noise issues reported.
- This hostel is highly praised for its location, friendly staff, cleanliness, and the social atmosphere provided by the communal Quincho.
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in El Calafate: Calafate Hostel
Best Features:
- Perfect Location: Centrally situated in El Calafate, just a few meters from the bus terminal, shopping centres, banks, supermarkets, and public offices.
- Large Common Spaces: Spacious communal areas that facilitate socialising and meeting other travellers.
- Wooden Architecture: The hostel’s wooden construction creates a friendly and cozy atmosphere.
- Economical Excursions: Dedicated staff working to secure reductions for the best excursions in El Calafate, ensuring an economical stay.
- Modern and Comfortable: Considered the largest, best-served, and most modern hostel in the Argentine Republic, offering 189 beds of the highest comfort.
Description:
Calafate Hostel, recognised as the largest and most modern hostel in Argentina, is designed to provide a comfortable, economical, and clean environment for travellers. With 189 beds of the highest comfort, the hostel is constructed from wood, creating a friendly and cozy atmosphere. Centrally located in El Calafate, it is just a few meters away from key amenities and the bus terminal. The dedicated staff actively work to secure reductions for the best excursions, making the stay economical and enjoyable.
Details:
- Property Address: Gobernador Moyano 1226, El Calafate, Argentina.
What Other Travellers Are Saying:
- Very Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Highlighting the positive and helpful demeanour of the staff.
- Central Location: Praise for the hostel’s ideal location, close to various amenities and transportation hubs.
- Well-Equipped and Convenient: Commendations for the hostel’s comprehensive facilities, including airport transfer, breakfast, and tour booking services.
- Beautiful Room: Positive feedback on the hostel’s aesthetic, particularly regarding the room’s comfort.
- Value for Money: Recognition for the economical and cost-effective aspects of the hostel.
Best Hostel for Couples in El Calafate: South B&B El Calafate
Best Features:
- Magnificent view over Lago Argentino and La Cordillera de Los Andes
- All rooms equipped with heating, private bath, and lake view
- Personalised service in a family atmosphere, run by owners
- Home-made breakfast and room service available
- Central location with parking, multilingual staff, and tour reservations
Description:
South B&B El Calafate is situated in a prime location offering stunning views of Lago Argentino and La Cordillera de Los Andes. The hostel provides a personalised and family-oriented atmosphere, with rooms featuring heating, private baths, and lake views. Guests can enjoy home-made breakfast, room service, and the convenience of a central location. The hostel is run by its owners, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment.
Details:
- Property Address: Peron 1016, El Calafate, Argentina
- Check-In Time: 12:00 pm
- Check-Out Time: 10:00 am
- Reception Service Times: Not specified on the page
What Other Travellers Are Saying:
- Stunning views of Lago Argentino and the Andes
- Personalised and family-friendly atmosphere
- Comfortable rooms with heating and private baths
- Convenient central location
- Positive reviews for the home-made breakfast
Best Social Hostel in El Calafate: Pioneros Hostel
Best Features:
- Ideal Location: Situated near the centre of El Calafate, the hostel offers a convenient base for exploring the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Diverse Accommodation: From private twin and double rooms with ensuites to shared dorms, the hostel caters to a range of preferences and budgets.
- Facilities: The hostel provides essential amenities such as internet access, laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, and bike hire, enhancing the overall backpacking experience.
- Common Areas: With common rooms and a garden, the hostel encourages social interaction among guests, fostering a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
Description:
Pioneros Hostel, located on the shores of Lago Argentino in El Calafate, Argentina, serves as an excellent base for exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier. Accommodations include 2-6 bedded rooms with facilities like internet access, laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, a restaurant, and bike hire. The hostel’s diverse offerings cater to various traveler preferences, from private ensuite rooms to shared dorms.
Details:
- Address: Los Pioneros 255, El Calafate, Argentina
- Check-in Time: 24 hours
- Check-out Time: 14:30
- Reception Service Times: Daily, with flexible check-in and check-out hours.
What Other Travellers Are Saying:
- Wonderful Location: Guests praise the hostel’s excellent location near the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Superb Staff: The front desk staff, particularly Mayra, is highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness.
- Good Breakfast: The included breakfast receives positive mentions, though some guests note issues with heating and older furniture.
- Room for Improvement: Some travellers mention areas for improvement, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, maintenance issues, and room key systems.
Best Cheap Hostel in El Calafate: Red House Hostel
Best Features:
- Centrally located on the main street, a short walking distance from the city centre.
- Beautiful garden with a stunning lake view, featuring hammocks and garden furniture.
- Cozy lobby with sofas and shelves stocked with books for relaxation.
- Well-equipped kitchen for those who prefer to cook their own meals.
- Three large shared dorms for socialising and two private double rooms for more privacy.
Description:
Welcome to Red House Hostel in El Calafate! Centrally located on the main street, our hostel is a perfect starting point for exploring the wonders of the destination. Our outstanding features include a beautiful garden with a lake view, a cozy lobby, and well-equipped kitchen facilities. We offer three large shared dorms and two private double rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay with good wifi connectivity. Enjoy the company of our friendly resident cat, Franela, and take advantage of laundry services and tour organisation. Our staff is dedicated to making your stay comfortable and memorable.
Details:
- Property Address: Av. Libertador 1841, El Calafate, Argentina
- Check-In Time: From 13:00 to 23:00
- Check-Out Time: Before 11:00
- Reception Service Times: 7:00 to 23:00
What Other Travelers Are Saying:
- Very cozy hostel with helpful staff, assisting with tour organisation.
- Clean and well-maintained facilities with nice privacy screens in bunk beds.
- Super nice and helpful staff, short walk to the town centre.
- Exceeded expectations with friendly and accommodating staff, clean private rooms.
- Perfect hostel with a lovely private bathroom, friendly and helpful hosts.
Best Hostel with a Private Room in El Calafate: Hostal Schilling
Best Features:
- Perfect Location: Situated in the heart of El Calafate, just two blocks from the main avenue.
- Superb Staff: Guests praise the helpful and friendly staff, ensuring a pleasant stay.
- Fantastic Cleanliness: The hostel maintains high standards of cleanliness, contributing to a comfortable environment.
- Free Breakfast: Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast, providing a good start to their day.
- Security: The hostel boasts excellent security with security lockers provided in all rooms.
Description:
Hostal Schilling is located in El Calafate, the gateway to Glacier National Park. Conveniently situated in the town centre, the hostel is only 80 km from Perito Moreno glacier. The front desk is open from 8:00am to midnight every day, and the staff, including Sophie, Agustin, and Ramiro, are dedicated to helping guests manage their budgets while exploring Patagonia. The hostel offers various room options, including twin and double rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Check-in is at 3:00 pm, and check-out is at 10:00 am. Accepted methods of payment include cash and credit cards.
Details:
- Property Address: Gobernador Paradelo 141, El Calafate, Argentina
- Check-In Time: 3:00 pm
- Check-Out Time: 10:00 am
- Reception Service Times: 08:00 am to 12:00 am
What Other Travellers Are Saying:
- Guests highlight the cleanliness and efficiency of the hostel.
- The staff is commended for being helpful and accommodating.
- The location is praised for its convenience, being close to the main square.
- Positive comments about the breakfast options and quality.
- Guests appreciate the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, contributing to an enjoyable stay.
Conclusion
El Calafate stands as not only a haven for natural wonders but also a destination that offers an array of excellent accommodation options. The town’s hostels not only provide budget-friendly stays but also an opportunity to connect with fellow travellers and share in the adventure of exploring the stunning landscapes that surround this Patagonian gem. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant social scene, comfortable amenities, or a strategic location for exploring the wonders of El Calafate, these top hostels ensure that your stay is as memorable as the natural beauty that surrounds this picturesque destination. While you’re in town, ensure you explore the best food in El Calafate. Safe travels!
