$118 Rental Cars in El Calafate

Find cheap car rental deals in El Calafate, Argentina

El Calafate is a buzzing Patagonian destination near some of the region’s most spectacular glaciers. Come here to explore the charming Argentinian town, feasting on lamb in the acclaimed restaurants, and hopping between the museums. Then, use your rental car to head out to the surrounding mountains and lakes. Let Orbitz help you to find the perfect vehicle for you.

Renting a car in El Calafate: What you need to know

You’ve landed in El Calafate and you’re ready to start exploring. Here’s the crucial information on renting a car here before you go.

Which car rental companies operate in El Calafate?

Although the town of El Calafate is not huge, it experiences a large demand for rental cars among visitors heading into the Patagonian wilderness. Choose from companies here such as Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Hertz, Sixt and more.

What is the minimum age for renting a car in El Calafate?

The law in Argentina states that you must be at least 21 to rent a car in El Calafate. Note that many companies apply a surcharge for drivers under 25.

Where can I pick up my rental car in El Calafate?

Most of El Calafate’s car rental companies can be found along the main road through the city center, the 11. The airport, which is about 25 minutes away from El Calafate, hosts more car rental outlets.

What do I need to bring with me to pick up a rental car?

Make sure you bring your driver’s license, credit card and an International Driving Permit.

Can I drive across the border to Chile in a rental car?

You can drive across the border, but it takes a lot of planning. Let your car rental company know in advance that this is your plan, and they can find an appropriate car and source insurance for both countries. This will incur extra costs, but the result could be a trip to magnificent Torres del Paine.

Explore El Calafate: Gateway to the glaciers

Use your rental car in El Calafate to drive around the town center before heading out to the surrounding landscape. We’ve picked three sights to explore in the region.

El Calafate

Spend some time in the town to discover its laid-back, outdoorsy charm. It’s a great place after a hike to enjoy craft beer or expertly roasted meat. Just outside El Calafate lies the Glacier Museum, which provides lots of information about the geography of the surrounding region. Next door, you’ll find a cocktail bar carved out of ice.

Perito Moreno Glacier

The number one draw in this region is the noisy, spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive west, toward the border with Chile, to view this magnificent ice feature. Listen out for its loud groans as it expands and collapses into the Lago Argentino. Hiking trails in the area lead to different angles for viewing this unmissable natural wonder.

La Leona

The town of La Leona is home to a petrified forest, where fossilized trees line a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. Join a tour along the hiking trails here to find the remains of dinosaurs, unusual rock formations, and spectacular views of the Andes as you reach the tops of the ridges.