Want to experience estancias in El Calafate? Here’s a list ranging from luxury lodges to working ranches where you can spend the night!
I always say that for a true taste of Patagonia, you need to experience at least one estancia, and if you’re travelling to El Calafate, you’ve got several to choose from!
“What is an estancia?” you might ask.
In Argentina, an estancia is a vast tract of private land used for farming or rearing sheep and cattle. These estancias can be found across the country and they range from working ranches that welcome guests to more luxurious lodges that have switched their focus to tourism. This makes them a fun alternative to staying in hotels.
One of the benefits of staying at one of the many estancias in El Calafate is that you’ll get to enjoy some of the best scenery in all of Patagonia.
Many of the estancias in the area are located within the boundaries of Los Glaciares National Park since they predate the park’s existence, and even the ones that are outside the park limits have privileged views of lakes, mountains or the steppe.
We’ve selected 5 of the best El Calafate estancias and they each offer something a little bit different. But one thing is for sure, whichever you choose, you’ll get to experience a glimpse of rural Patagonia and the gaucho way of life!
Estancias in El Calafate
1. EOLO – Patagonia’s Spirit
EOLO is a luxury estancia and Relais & Chateaux property located halfway between El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park. It sits on 10,000 acres of land, which adds to the feeling of seclusion in the enormity of Patagonia.
Eolo is the Spanish name for Aeolus, the Greek god of wind, which is a very apt name for this windswept property in the middle of the Patagonian steppe.
EOLO offers a boutique experience with only 17 rooms. Guests can choose between the Superior Rooms which offer views of the lake, steppe, or mountains; the Superior Rooms which are larger and have a second window with views of the gardens; and the Corner Rooms which are the highest category.
There are no televisions in the rooms since the goal is for guests to connect with the natural environment and fellow guests. However, there is WiFi access covering all hotel areas free of charge.
While EOLO does not have a spa, it does have a dry sauna, steam sauna, outdoor jacuzzi and massage room.
The estancia has its very own on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy 4 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, tea time and dinner. The restaurant is headed by chef Juan Pablo Bonaveri who combines the flavours brought over by European immigrants with native Patagonian culinary traditions.
With so much land to explore, guests can enjoy a variety of activities at the estancia like horseback rides, mountain biking or hikes to Cerro Frias or Laguna de los Flamencos which are included with your stay.
Of course, Los Glaciares National Park is right there waiting to be explored! Additional activities can be booked like boat tours to the glaciers, ice trekking, and kayaking, or you can explore the boardwalks around Perito Moreno Glacier.
EOLO is a seasonal property that’s only open from early October to the end of April. That means you can experience spring, summer and autumn, but it closes during the winter months given the extreme weather and its remote location.
“Seemless perfection. From booking to pick up, ease of planning and organizing our excursions, Eolo exceeded my expectations. Hotel location high on hill with sweeping views of beautiful surrounding plains, mountains, and spectacular Lago Argentino. 5* dining, incredibly helpful and willing staff, only 17 rooms–very well done! Even the weather cooperated.” – Linda from USA
✨ Stay at Eolo – Patagonia’s Spirit. ✨
Address: Ruta 11 Km 23, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
2. Estancia Cristina
Estancia Cristina is a remote estancia located inside Los Glaciares National Park and getting there is quite the adventure!
The journey begins by flying into El Calafate, the closest town to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the gateway to the park.
This is followed by a 45-kilometer overland transfer to Puerto Punta Bandera where you board a boat for a 2 to 3-hour navigation across Lago Argentino that will bring you to Estancia Cristina.
Given its location, Estancia Cristina is the only property that has a land-based lookout point to the Upsala Glacier, the Mariano Moreno Mountain Range and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
The estancia has 20 rooms spread out across 5 casas or houses surrounding the main lodge. The houses are named Mountain, Steppe, Forest, River and Family.
The main lodge, Octógono, is octagonal shaped and houses the restaurant and gathering place where guests can relax or mingle.
Several activities are included in the stay rate like an expedition to the Upsala Glacier, plus numerous guided hikes that lead to waterfalls, lagoons and glaciers (all varying in length and level of difficulty).
Estancia Cristina offers a full board program where all meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included.
Considering its remote location, there is no cell phone signal or Wi-Fi service at Estancia Cristina. You are coming here to truly disconnect and be at one with raw, untamed nature.
Estancia Cristina is open from October 1st to April 30th and then closes for the season from May 1st to September 30th.
Note: Estancia Cristina offers a day visitors program known as Wild Visits featuring 4 different itineraries focused on trekking, horseback riding, Upsala Glacier or a classic adventure. You can contact them here for more information.
“The staff, the facilities and the location, it was just perfection. We felt welcomed from the very moment we set foot on the boat where we had the whole floor to ourselves and were offered coffee/tea and medialunas. The journey there was simply magnificent, and so were the views from the estancia. Our room was gorgeous with beautiful authentic decor and a spacious, elegant bathroom. We loved in particular the attention to simplicity and sustainability. We took part in three activities: two hikes and one horseback ride. All of them were very well organised and with professional and friendly staff who were very knowledgeable about the area and its history. It was an amazing experience and we couldn’t recommend it enough.” – Elena from Hungary
✨ Stay at Estancia Cristina. ✨
Address: Lago Argentino, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
3. Estancia Nibepo Aike
Estancia Nibepo Aike is another famous estancia on the outskirts of El Calafate and it is beautifully situated in Los Glaciares National Park.
This estancia was started at the turn of the 20th century by Santiago Peso, a Croatian immigrant. He settled some 20,000 hectares together with his partners and began raising sheep and cattle.
Back then, this place was known as Estancia La Jerónima. However, the estancia was later renamed Nibepo Aike in honour of the founder’s daughters. ‘Nibepo’ comes from taking the first letters of the girls’ nicknames – Niní, Bebe and Porota – and ‘Aike’ is the Tehuelche word meaning ‘Place of’.
Nibepo Aike has a total of 10 rooms of which 8 are standard and 2 are superior. These can be set up as twin, double or triple rooms.
The estancia offers a full board experience, which in Argentina means 4 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. You won’t go hungry!
The cuisine features typical Patagonian food which includes stews, casseroles, meats and pastas.
Some of the activities guests can enjoy during the estancia stay include horseback rides ranging from 1 to 3 hours, guided tours, rural work demonstrations, hiking trails, and the use of bicycles.
While guests can opt for a classic stay at the estancia, there are also some more adventurous itineraries. These include overnight horse treks to visit hidden glaciers, which involve camping at outposts along the way.
Note: This estancia welcomes day visitors for a Día de Campo which includes a tour of the estancia, a sheep shearing demonstration, optional horse riding, and an Argentine BBQ. You can read more about our day trip to Estancia Nibepo Aike here.
“Beautiful property, very isolated and nestled among magnificent mountains and hills with access to a couple lakes. The guests house was very cute and rustic with a common fireplace and dining room, but very comfortable. The staff were friendly and accommodating. It was chilly at night so bring warm clothing (we were there in April – their autumn). When you wake up in the morning and go outside, you can hear the quiet, it is so peaceful; and if you go outside at night you can see incredible stars (hopefully it’s not cloudy!). Nice food and amazing activities too. We did a lot of horseback riding to beautiful places and the estancia tour was very interesting.” – Claire from USA
✨ Stay at Nibepo Aike. ✨
Address: Ruta Provincial 15, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
4. Helsingfors Lodge
Helsingfors Lodge is another remote estancia set within the boundaries of Los Glaciares National Park halfway between El Calafate and El Chalten. It sits on the shores of Lago Viedma, a lake formed from melting glacial ice.
The estancia was started by Alfred Ranström, a Finnish immigrant who settled here in the early 20th century and named the place after his homeland’s capital city: Helsingfors is Helsinki in Swedish.
Helsingfors Lodge offers a boutique experience with a total of 9 rooms each with their own private bathroom – some featuring whirlpool baths and others featuring Scottish showers.
Staying at Helsingfors Lodge also offers the opportunity to disconnect from it all. There are no televisions in the rooms, there is no mobile signal on the property, and WiFi access is only available in the lobby area. But who needs any of that to pass the time when you have untamed nature at your doorstep?
As far as activities go, your stay at this estancia is all about enjoying nature and the outdoors. That means horse trekking and hiking to places like the Blue Lagoon, Mirador del Condor, Laguna del Morro, and neighbouring Estancia Los Hermanos.
After such active days outdoors, you’ll no doubt be hungry! The estancia’s restaurant focuses on regional Patagonian cuisine featuring typical dishes like trout and lamb, not to mention the outdoor barbecues locally known as asado which are prepared by the chef.
Like with most remote estancias in El Calafate, this is a seasonal property which is open from November through April.
“If you are thinking of booking Hosteria Helsingfors, DO IT!!!!!!!! We had THE most incredible stay here. It is expensive but considering how remote it is and that all food and excursions (and transfers if you arrive/ leave on the correct day)are included, actually very fair. It is in the most incredibly beautiful, remote surroundings. The hotel is warm and cozy. We arrived in the rain and spent a wonderful first afternoon sitting by the fire. Our next two days consisted of amazing walks led by Justina – a fabulous guide. The food was some of the best we had in Argentina and beds some of the most comfortable we have stayed in. We got engaged here and the staff opened a bottle of champagne in our honour – really unexpected and kind. We just wished we had stayed longer. I would definitely recommend arranging dates so you are picked up/ Dropped back on the days the hotel offer or that you hire a car. If you do, make sure it is 4wd as the roads are hairy!! Probably the best hotel we stayed at!!!” – Rosie from United Kingdom
✨ Stay at Estancia Helsingfors. ✨
Address: Lago Viedma, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, El Chalten, Santa Cruz
5. Estancia El Galpón del Glaciar
El Galpón del Glacier is a guesthouse located some 20 kilometres west of El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentino. It was formerly known as Estancia Alice, a working ranch focused on wool production dating back to 1912.
Today this country guesthouse welcomes guests from around the world. It has 16 rooms (double and triple) offering views of Lago Argentino and the Andes Mountain Range.
While most estancias in El Calafate are quite remote, this particular guesthouse is just a 20-minute drive from town meaning you can enjoy the many things to do in El Calafate but also get the relaxing estancia experience.
Guests at El Galpón del Glaciar can enjoy birdwatching at Laguna de los Pájaros, a nature reserve that receives over 30 species of birds.
Horseback riding is another way to soak in the wild, rugged scenery and the staff can help organize rides based on your level of riding experience.
In addition, the estancia offers sheep herding demonstrations with working Kelpie dogs who are true professionals at their task. They also do shearing demonstrations in the shed where you can learn more about the history of wool production in Patagonia.
El Galpón del Glaciar is a seasonal estancia that is open from October to April.
Note: If you’re interested in visiting for the day, El Galpón del Glaciar offers a Día de Campo which includes a guided visit of the estancia, a sheep shearing demonstration and a traditional Argentine barbecue of Patagonian lamb. You can contact them here.
“Wonderful place that has kept its legacy and authenticity. One of the few estancias where the Argentinian countryside means home. Astonishing view on the lake, great staff and service. Beautiful horse-ride on the lake side welcomed by the local wildlife. Would recommend without hesitation.” – Thibault from France
✨ Stay at Estancia El Galpón del Glaciar. ✨
Address: Ruta Provincial 11 22, El Calafate, Santa Cruz
Estancias in El Calafate: What to Know
Most estancias are outside El Calafate.
Since most El Calafate estancias are current or former working ranches, they are mostly located outside of town.
This means you should be prepared for a long journey down dirt roads. I mean, reaching certain estancias even involves a boat ride!
This is something to think about when considering where to stay in El Calafate, since the estancia experience tends to be remote, though the reward is that you can be surrounded by raw, rugged nature.
Some estancias are inside the national park.
Because most estancias in El Calafate predate the formation of Los Glaciares National Park, today, some of the historic estancias are located within the park boundaries.
What this means for the estancia owners is that the property can only be inherited but not sold, and once there are no heirs the land reverts to the National Park Service.
For you the guest, it simply means you are privy to unspoiled nature!
Staying at an estancia can be pricey.
There’s no denying it, staying at an estancia comes with a certain price tag, especially if you’re opting for the luxury estancias.
So why are estancias so expensive?
First, you have to consider their remote location; the long distances mean that everything has to be brought in and staff need to be housed on-site!
Also, keep in mind that the cost of your stay often includes the transfer from El Calafate to the estancia, full room and board, and guided activities to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay.
Estancia stays are a great way to disconnect.
As you’ve been reading through these estancia descriptions trying to choose which one is right for you, you may have noticed that many force you to disconnect simply because of their geographic location!
That’s right. Some estancias have no WiFi connection, no mobile signal, and no TVs in the room!
The focus is on admiring the panoramic views, enjoying outdoor activities and connecting with fellow guests.
A few estancias welcome day visitors.
An overnight stay is the best way to get the full estancia experience, however, if your budget doesn’t quite extend that far, some estancias near El Calafate let you visit for the day.
You’ll typically see these day trips advertised as a Día de Campo which translates to a ‘Countryside Day’.
The itinerary usually includes a guided visit of the estancia, a sheep shearing demonstration (if it happens to be a working sheep ranch), perhaps a hike or a horse trek, and the visit generally ends with a traditional Argentine BBQ.
Stay at an estancia at the end of your trip.
I know I keep repeating myself telling you that most of these estancias are very remote, but that brings me to my next piece of advice: save your estancia stay for the end of your visit!
There are so many things to do in El Calafate, not to mention all the excursions to see the glaciers, and it’s better to be centrally located to make the most of these activities and travel places.
So stay in El Calafate for a few days, and then tack on at least 2 days at an estancia as a way to unwind. You won’t want to leave the estancia once you get there, so it’s the best way to end your trip to Patagonia!
And if you can’t get enough of the estancia experience, consider doing another estancia stay in Buenos Aires just before flying back home – there are lots of beautiful properties quite close to the airport!
Lastly, consider glamping in Patagonia.
This blog post has been strictly focused on estancias in El Calafate, however, if you’re looking for unique accommodations you can also consider glamping.
There are plenty of luxury domes near El Calafate and El Chalten, which also make for a memorable experience.
Or you can consider glamping just outside Buenos Aires at the end of your trip.
GROUP TOURS – If you’d rather join a group tour to travel in Argentina, check out Gadventures.
CAR RENTAL – To explore Argentina beyond the cities, the best way to do so is by renting a car. Discover Cars offers rentals across the country.
BUS TICKETS – Bus travel is a great way to see Argentina. BusBud offers numerous routes.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – Don’t leave on your trip without booking travel insurance. You can get a quote on SafetyWing.
HOTELS – Booking.com offers accommodations to suit all budgets and travel styles.
TOURS – For a variety of tours and activities, have a look at Viator.