Unforgettable overnight stay at the Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the biggest highlights of a trip to Patagonia is undoubtedly a visit to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. This huge mass of ice, which is part of the Southern Ice Fields glacier, attracts thousands of visitors every year. To fully enjoy this breathtaking natural wonder, choosing the right accommodation is crucial. In this article, you will learn all about the different accommodation options in the area surrounding the glacier.
El Calafate – the base for visiting the glacier
The closest town to the Perito Moreno Glacier is El Calafate, around 80 km away. This picturesque town on the edge of Lago Argentino is the perfect starting point for your visit to the glacier.
Hotels and hostels El Calafate has a wide selection of hotels and hostels to suit all budgets. From luxurious boutique hotels to cozy hostels, everything is represented here. Most of the accommodation is located in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk from the main square. Some particularly recommendable options are the XELENA Hotel & Suites with its award-winning design, the Hostería Posta Sur with its own winery or the affordable America Calafate Hostel.
Vacation apartments and lodges
If you are looking for a little more privacy and comfort, you can also book one of the many vacation apartments or lodges in El Calafate. Most of them offer fully equipped kitchens, living rooms and often even their own hot tub or a wonderful view of Lago Argentino. Some of the best addresses are the Antigua Patagonia Lodge, the Cabañas Villa La Angostura or the exclusive Casas Particulares Camila.
Accommodation in the national park
If you want to be even closer to the Perito Moreno Glacier, you can choose one of the accommodations within the Los Glaciares National Park. Here you can spend the night right on the doorstep of this natural wonder.
Refugios and ecolodges
In the middle of the breathtaking landscape of the national park, there are some cozy mountain huts, so-called refugios, as well as some comfortable ecolodges. Due to their remote location, they offer a unique closeness to nature and an unforgettable stay. The best addresses include the El Calafate Mountain Lodge, the Recuerdo Glaciar Lodge and the Refugio Torre.
Camping
For camping fans, there are several officially designated campsites in Los Glaciares National Park. Very close to the Perito Moreno Glacier is the Camping Dique Muerto campsite, from where you can reach the glacier on foot. The pitches are simple but clean and equipped with the most basic facilities such as showers and toilets. This is the perfect choice for an unforgettable night under the Patagonian stars.
Tips and insider knowledge
Seasonality
The high season in the Perito Moreno region is from December to February. This period is the warmest, but also the most expensive. The low season from March to May or September to November offers significantly lower prices, sometimes with savings of up to 50% compared to the high season.
Book early
In the high season in particular, it is advisable to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible, as the popular addresses book up quickly. You should book at least 3-6 months in advance to get the best deals.
All-inclusive or just accommodation?
Some accommodations, especially the ecolodges, offer all-inclusive packages with meals, tours and activities. For most travelers, however, it is cheaper to opt for accommodation with breakfast and book the activities separately on site.
Regardless of which accommodation you ultimately choose, a stay in the majestic surroundings of the Perito Moreno Glacier will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the uniqueness of this region with a glass of Patagonian wine or a campfire under the millions of stars.