El Calafate Car Rental Deals

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Because of its remote location, many people think that car rental in El Calafate is expensive. Try a simple price comparison check and you will discover that we are far more affordable than you imagined. Whether you wish to rent a family estate for a week or an SUV for a weekend, you can customize your vehicle with some of our optional extras. Winter tires and extra tire and windscreen coverage are always popular additions in this part of the world. Add a GPS to make getting around easy or check out our deals for under 21s. Be sure to check which extras are available when booking online.

Traffic Information

It is just a short to the town center when you rent a car at El Calafate Airport. The airport is 13 miles east of the city and it takes around 20 minutes to cover the scenic route. The city is on the shores of Lago Argentino and the RP11 route along the lakeshore is a pleasure to drive. However, not all roads in Patagonia are as well maintained so it is well worth adding extras like tire and windscreen cover if you intend to visit rugged regions such as Los Glaciares National Park to see the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier.

Although El Calafate was founded in 1927, it is still a small city. It is easy to drive around but do be prepared for longer trips if you want to really see the sights that make the region a hit with tourists from around the globe. Nothing is really nearby in Patagonia but everything is within reach when you choose car rental in El Calafate. On street parking in town is limited but most hotels have parking spaces for guests.

Sixt Tips

El Calafate is the gateway to the Perito Moreno glacier so a visit is essential. The glacier measures 97 square miles and it is one of the most important tourist attractions in Argentina. Named for the 19th century explorer Francisco Moreno, the glacier can be reached on foot during the summer months, but it is a difficult trek. Instead, plan a day trip and go by car. You can then take a boat tour that takes you to within just a few feet. Be aware that you must leave by 10.00 pm if you are visiting any part of Los Glaciares as overnight stays in the park are not permitted. Visit the nearby Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum to learn more about this magnificent glacier field. And, don't forget to stop for a drink at the Glaciobar. The ice bar is one of the museum's most popular spots and even the glasses are carved from ice

Sightseeing Destinations

The Santa Cruz region is best known for the peaks and glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park and it is so much easier to plan road trips and outings with your own rental vehicle to hand. While the region is popular with hikers and trekkers, it also appeals to photography and art enthusiasts who come for the unique light and stunning scenery. While the Perito Moreno glacier is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to El Calafate, popular alternative road trip destinations include El Chalten and the Reserva Laguna Nimez which is a must for wildlife fans. Los Glaciares National Park is one of Argentina's most visited places and it is known for dramatic ice fields and glaciers, including the spectacular Perito Moreno.

Distance to Perito Moreno, Los Glaciares National Park

• From El Calafate city center: 50 miles via RP11, about 70 minutes
• From El Calafate Airport: 63 miles via RP11, about 80 minutes

 

El Chalten is well worth the drive from El Calafate and it is a great place for a weekend getaway. The town is known for its superb lakeside location and the rugged Fitz Roy mountain.

Distance to El Chalten

• From El Calafate city center: 132 miles via RN40/ RN23, about 3 hours 18 minutes
• From El Calafate Airport: 124 miles via RN40/ RN23, about 3 hours 9 minutes

You can also make shorter trips in one of our comfortable rental cars and the Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve is an excellent option. No visit to Argentina is complete without seeing some of the region's amazing birds and the lakeside park is home to hundreds of species including indigenous swans and flamingos.

• From El Calafate city center: 3.2 miles via RP11, about 10 minutes
• From El Calafate Airport: 13 miles via RP1, about 22 minutes