Car Rental El Calafate Guide
Driving Through El Calafate With Your Hire Car: Your In-depth Guide to Car Rentals and Exploring
Nestled along the shores of Lake Argentino, El Calafate is your gateway to the mesmerizing glaciers of Argentine Patagonia. With otherworldly landscapes and countless adventure trails, having a car at your disposal can dramatically elevate your El Calafate experience.
Advantages of Renting a Car in El Calafate:
- Direct Connectivity: Directly drive to the scenic spots without waiting for tours or public transportation.
- Flexible Scheduling: Witness sunrise over the glaciers or linger longer at your favorite spots – all on your own schedule.
- Expansive Exploration: Beyond popular attractions, discover hidden treasures of the region that aren't on every tour map.
Key Details on Car Hire:
- Nearest Airport: Comandante Armando Tola International Airport is the closest to El Calafate, located just about 20 km east of the town. A straightforward 20-minute drive via Av. del Libertador will get you to the town center.
- Tolls: The primary roads around El Calafate are toll-free. However, always have some local currency on hand for unforeseen charges.
- Road Conditions: The main roads, like the one connecting El Calafate to the airport or to the Perito Moreno Glacier, are paved and well-maintained. However, many secondary routes, especially leading to remote areas, can be gravel roads.
- Traffic: Given El Calafate's remote nature, traffic is generally minimal. However, roads can get busier during the peak tourist season.
Driving to Must-Visit Attractions:
- Perito Moreno Glacier: Located about 80 km away, this iconic glacier is a straight drive via RP11. It takes around 1.5 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes.
- Walichu Caves: Just a short 8 km drive north of El Calafate, these caves boast ancient rock paintings.
- Estancia Cristina: While part of the journey involves a boat ride, having a car lets you reach the starting point at Punta Bandera, 47 km away, at your own pace.
- La Leona Petrified Forest: About 110 km north-east on RN40, this offers a glimpse of the region's ancient geological history.
Things to Keep in Mind When Driving:
- Weather Conditions: Given Patagonia's notorious weather swings, always check the forecast before longer drives.
- Gas Stations: While there are a few stations in El Calafate, they can be sparse outside the town. It's wise to fill up before venturing far.
- Driving at Night: It's generally recommended to avoid driving after dark, mainly due to the wildlife and the road conditions.
- Car Type: Considering the gravel roads and potential for adventure, opting for an SUV or a vehicle with higher clearance can be beneficial.
Conclusion:
El Calafate, with its untouched beauty and glacier-crowned horizons, offers unparalleled experiences when explored at one's own rhythm. A rental car can be your key to unlocking this Patagonian paradise in all its splendor.
For real-time details, always check local conditions and consult local resources before embarking on your journey.
Current Rental Rates in El Calafate
Mystery Car Compact or Larger
4 Adults, 3 Doors
From 96.94 EUR/day
7 Days rental at 678.62 EUR from 21/09/2026
Volkswagen Gol
5 Adults, 3 Doors
From 98.63 EUR/day
7 Days rental at 690.44 EUR from 21/09/2026
Chevrolet Onix
5 Adults, 5 Doors
From 100.82 EUR/day
7 Days rental at 705.76 EUR from 21/09/2026
Key Highlights for Car Hire at El Calafate: Making the Most of Your Journey.
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Perito Moreno Glacier: Utilize your rental car from El Calafate to visit one of Argentina's most stunning natural wonders, the Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive to Los Glaciares National Park and witness the breathtaking beauty of this massive ice formation. Walk along the boardwalks for different perspectives, or take a boat tour to see the glacier up close.
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El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy: Embark on a scenic drive to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, located within the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Hike trails with varying difficulty levels leading to incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding peaks. The drive itself offers picturesque views of the Patagonian steppe and Viedma Lake.
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Patagonian Estancias: Experience the authentic Patagonian rural life by driving to one of the traditional estancias (ranches) near El Calafate. Participate in sheep shearing demonstrations, horseback riding, and enjoy a traditional asado while learning about the gaucho lifestyle.
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Rios de Hielo Boat Tour: Take a short drive to Punta Bandera, where you can embark on a Rios de Hielo boat tour that navigates through Lake Argentino's northern arm. Witness the stunning Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers from the water, an unforgettable experience showcasing the sheer scale of these ice formations.
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Walichu Caves: Drive to the Walichu Caves located just outside El Calafate. Discover ancient rock paintings estimated to be over 4,000 years old, providing insight into the early inhabitants of the region. The site also offers beautiful views of Lake Argentino and the surrounding landscapes.
El Calafate - Popular Destinations
- Perito Moreno Glacier - Approximately 80 kilometers
- El Chaltén - Approximately 220 kilometers
- Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) - Approximately 300 kilometers
- Estancia Cristina - Approximately 50 kilometers
- El Calafate Airport - Approximately 20 kilometers
Our Most Popular Rated Local Car Rental Suppliers from El Calafate
8.6
No.1: NATIONAL,
based on 15 reviews
2 min (average wait time)
7.9
No.2: ALAMO,
based on 22 reviews
20 min (average wait time)
El Calafate car hire information
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€ 678.58
Average price:
(per week)
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€ 96.94
Best Price:
Per Week
Average prices per day in El Calafate
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| Item | Percent |
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| January | € 153 |
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| February | € 163 |
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| March | € 149 |
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| April | € 143 |
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| May | € 146 |
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| June | € 136 |
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| July | € 136 |
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| August | € 138 |
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| September | € 144 |
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| October | € 128 |
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| November | € 141 |
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| December | € 143 |
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| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 129 |
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| February | € 147 |
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| March | € 125 |
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| April | € 120 |
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| May | € 123 |
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| June | € 119 |
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| July | € 112 |
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| August | € 112 |
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| September | € 124 |
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| October | € 109 |
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| November | € 127 |
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| December | € 123 |
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| Item | Percent |
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| January | € 118 |
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| February | |
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| March | |
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| April | € 76 |
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| May | € 74 |
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| June | € 71 |
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| July | € 58 |
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| August | € 57 |
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| September | € 56 |
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| October | € 88 |
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| November | € 96 |
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| December | € 125 |
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| Item | Percent |
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| January | € 195 |
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| February | € 220 |
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| March | € 235 |
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| April | € 201 |
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| May | € 209 |
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| June | € 189 |
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| July | € 188 |
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| August | € 198 |
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| September | € 199 |
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| October | € 155 |
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| November | € 169 |
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| December | € 169 |
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| Item | Percent |
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| January | |
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| February | |
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| March | |
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| April | € 60 |
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| May | € 46 |
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| June | € 44 |
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| July | € 46 |
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| August | € 42 |
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| September | |
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| October | |
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| November | |
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| December | |
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| Item | Percent |
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| January | € 219 |
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| February | € 247 |
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| March | € 241 |
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| April | € 226 |
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| May | € 232 |
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| June | € 218 |
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| July | € 220 |
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| August | € 226 |
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| September | € 230 |
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| October | € 174 |
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| November | € 198 |
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| December | € 197 |
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*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices
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FAQs - How can we help?
There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.