Car rental in El Calafate

Renting a car in El Calafate is the ideal choice for anyone planning to visit Perito Moreno Glacier, Lake Argentino, or Los Glaciares National Park. The town itself is compact, but the most remarkable sights lie well beyond its limits. Having your own vehicle means you can head out at dawn to beat the crowds at viewpoints, or linger by a waterfall without being tied to public transport schedules.

Where to Rent a Car in El Calafate

Booking through Localrent lets you choose the right vehicle in advance and rest assured it will be ready when you need it. Here's what Localrent offers:

1. Fleet of vehicles under 5 years old, most between 1–3 years
2. Virtually all cars with unlimited mileage
3. Customer support available throughout your entire rental period
4. Transparent pricing — you pay exactly what's shown, with no hidden fees
5. A straightforward online booking process

With Localrent, picking up your car is hassle-free — the vehicle is ready at your specified time, so you can focus entirely on exploring El Calafate.

Driver Requirements and Documents

The minimum age is typically 22, with at least 2 years of driving experience — though requirements can vary between individual vehicles, so always check the specific listing before booking.

You'll need a passport, a valid driver's license, and your booking voucher. A credit card isn't always required, but if it's listed in the rental terms, it must be in the primary driver's name.

Driving Tips for El Calafate

Traffic in El Calafate is relaxed — no complex interchanges or multi-lane highways. Roads are mostly single-lane in each direction. At intersections without signs, vehicles approaching from the right have priority. Traffic lights are rare, road markings are minimal, and there are no painted stop lines or lane dividers — simply follow the general flow of traffic.

The key challenge in this region is wind. Patagonian gusts can be sudden and fierce, especially on open stretches of road and near Lake Argentino. Strong crosswinds can physically pull the steering wheel, so keep both hands on the wheel at all times and avoid sharp maneuvers. When overtaking trucks, be aware of the turbulence pocket that forms in their wake. Maintain a greater following distance than you normally would — wind gusts and large vehicles can affect your trajectory unexpectedly.

Speed limits follow standard Argentine regulations:

• Built-up areas: 40–60 km/h
• Rural roads: 110 km/h
• Motorways: 120–130 km/h

Wildlife is another factor to keep in mind. Guanacos and sheep frequently wander onto roads, particularly at dawn and dusk. Don't be tempted to speed up even when the road ahead looks completely clear.

Fuel Stations in El Calafate

El Calafate has just three fuel stations: two YPF and one AXION Energy. Only one operates around the clock — the others open at approximately 7:00 am and close at 9:00 pm or midnight.

All stations are full-service: an attendant will pump the fuel for you. Simply tell them the fuel type and the amount you'd like, then pay at the cashier — cash or card accepted.

Before heading out of town, always fill up the tank. Distances in Patagonia are vast, and fuel stations outside the city are extremely scarce.

Parking in El Calafate

Street parking is widely available throughout El Calafate, including the town center. Spots can be found near shops and hotels, and there's a sizable parking area adjacent to the tourist information center. Parking is free unless signs indicate otherwise.

Paid parking within the town itself is unlikely to be an issue. However, within national parks — the main destinations for most visitors — parking fees typically apply.

How to Book and Pick Up Your Car

Booking ahead on Localrent is the most convenient approach, especially during peak tourist season:

1. Select your pickup and drop-off city and rental dates
2. Use filters to narrow down vehicles by type, age, or power
3. Review the listing, select any optional extras, and confirm you meet the driver requirements
4. Check the final price and click "Book"
5. Enter your driver details and confirm the pickup and return locations

After booking, you'll receive an e-voucher by email with full details and contact information — your car will be waiting at the agreed location.

Where to Go with a Rental Car

El Calafate is a gateway town — most visitors come specifically to experience Patagonia's dramatic natural landscapes. A rental car is your ticket to reaching glaciers, lakes, and viewpoints on your own terms. Five popular destinations worth exploring:

1. Perito Moreno Glacier — the region's headline attraction and one of Argentina's most iconic natural wonders. Multiple viewing platforms at different elevations let you watch enormous chunks of ice calve into the lake with a thunderous crack. Several walking trails around the glacier offer varying perspectives on its remarkable scale.
2. Los Glaciares National Park — a vast protected area of glaciers, mountains, and lakes. Pull over at scenic viewpoints overlooking glaciers and fjords, take short walks along well-marked trails, and stop at visitor centers to learn about the region's geology and flora.
3. Punta Bandera — a tranquil spot on the shores of Lake Argentino where you can watch icebergs drift by without the usual tourist crowds. Small excursion boats depart from here, offering a close-up view of the ice formations from the water.
4. El Chaltén — a small village about 220 km north of El Calafate via a paved road. The drive itself is scenic, with sweeping views of mountains and lakes along the way. From the viewpoints in El Chaltén, you can take in Fitz Roy and hike to Laguna Torre.
5. Río Gallegos — the southern capital of Santa Cruz province, roughly 310 km from El Calafate on a paved road. Worth a stroll along the riverfront to see fishing boats and the point where the Gallegos River meets the Atlantic. The provincial museum in the town center covers Patagonian nature and history.

Any vehicle from the Localrent fleet will handle these routes comfortably. Just make sure to fuel up whenever you have the chance — especially before long drives across Patagonia.

Pickup Locations in El Calafate

You can book your car for pickup at El Calafate Airport, arrange delivery to your hotel, or collect it directly from the rental office — whichever works best for your itinerary.

Travel Tips for El Calafate and the Surrounding Region

Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable. A clear morning can give way to strong winds without much warning, so keep a windproof layer in the car. Along Lake Argentino and across the steppe, gusts tend to pick up in the afternoon — maintain a firm grip on the wheel and increase your following distance.

If you're planning to visit lesser-known natural sites beyond Perito Moreno, note that signage is often sparse or appears at the last moment. Mark your route on a map beforehand, and download offline maps — mobile coverage outside town is unreliable.

For longer drives such as the trip to El Chaltén, bring enough food and water, particularly if you're planning stops at viewpoints where shops are few and far between. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen — light reflected off ice and water intensifies UV exposure, even on cool-looking days.

FAQ: Car Rental in El Calafate