Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
372
February, making October to November and March to April the most economical time
to visit. The main issue to resolve when selecting lodging in El Calafate is if you want to
stay in town or not. There is a slew of mediocre inns within walking distance of the main
drag, Avenida del Liber tador. Then there are more about 10 to 15 minutes away , and
most of these hotels offer complimentary shuttles to town, as well as better views. Finally,
there are options significantly far from town, which will appeal to those looking to relax
and stay still.
Estancias
Eolo Patagonia's Spirit
Finds
Inspired by the ever-present Patagonian winds,
Eolo is a new take on the old-style ranch. Built around a protected courtyard, it is upscale
through and through, yet casual and comfor table. Expansive cream-colored rooms have
huge windo ws and a mixtur e of ne w and antique furnishings. B athrooms hav e r efur-
bished mirrors, vanities, and deep tubs with windo ws looking out to the v astness. The
corner suite has a vie w of the Torres del Paine on a clear day. No matter which way you
look, there are sublime expanses outside with no trace of civilization in sight. Only 25km
(15 miles) from El Calafate, and en r oute to the P erito Moreno Glacier, the location is
convenient to town, the airport, and the main tourist attractions, making it much mor e
convenient than Eolo's competitors, and a good place to base a trip lasting fr om 3 to 5
days. Most people come her e as an all-inclusiv e package that includes transfers and all
meals, as well as trekking, bird-watching, and horseback riding. Or you can just relax by
the indoor heated pool. The unpretentious and flexible staff will call y ou by name and
make you feel at home. F or a place with only 17 r ooms, Eolo offers a r emarkably com-
plete experience.
RP 11, K m 23, El C alafate.
&
02902/492042,
or 11/4700-0075 in Buenos Air es for reservations. www.
eolo.com.ar. 17 units. 2-night packages start at $720 (£486) per person double; 4-night packages start at
$1,120 (£755) per person double . Rates include all meals , airport transfers, and ex cursions. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge; indoor pool; sauna; guided ex cursions; high-speed I nternet; library; TV
room.
In room:
Safe.
12
Estancia Cristina
Moments
If seclusion is the new luxury, this
estancia
is the
ultimate indulgence. S ituated at the end of the nor th arm of Lago Argentino, it 's the
well-preserved former ranching outpost of the Masters family, early-20th-century British
pioneers. To get her e (see “ Visiting an Estancia,” above), you take a spectacular 4-hour
boat trip , sailing past floating icebergs and the enormous U psala G lacier. O ne- and
2-night packages allow you to choose from a selection of day ex cursions such as treks, a
4WD trip, or a wonderful horseback ride. Upon return, you'll have the place to yourself,
once the day-trippers have headed back to to wn. At night, the silence and dar kness will
astound you. Relax in a soaker tub, explore the Masters family museum, roam the Eng-
lish gardens, enjoy bird-watching, or sidle up to the bar for a glass of
vino tinto.
Twelve
rooms have been designed to r esemble the older ranch buildings, with light gr een roofs
and white walls. Inside, they're clean, spacious, and fr esh, with large beds and huge bay
windows that open onto the Cerr o N orte. The food is ex cellent, and the ser vice is
friendly and charming. The modern facilities don't detract from the histor y or majestic
setting of the place. Both gentle and r ugged, new and old, Estancia C ristina is a gem,
making it a fav orite of so many P atagonian travelers. If you can splurge for just 1 night
in Patagonia, do it here.
9 de Julio 57, local 10, El C alafate.
&
02902/491133,
or 11/4814-3934 in Buenos Air es for reservations.
www.estanciacristina.com. From $455 (£307) per person double. Rates include all meals, excursions, and
transfers. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; hiking trails; Internet; library; museum.
In room:
Safe.
