La Chacra Hotel

Located on the outskirts of El Calafate, the gateway to the majestic glaciers of Patagonia, La Chacra is a charming family-run “Hostería” that offers a warm, rustic escape. Set within a sprawling four-hectare estate filled with leafy trees and rose gardens, this traditional Patagonian ranch-style lodge provides a peaceful alternative to the busy town center. It is the perfect sanctuary for travelers seeking silence, personalized service, and a genuine connection to the rugged beauty of Southern Argentina.

Rooms & Accommodation

The accommodations at La Chacra are designed with a “country-chic” aesthetic, emphasizing warmth and simplicity. The rooms feature large windows that frame views of the expansive gardens and the distant Patagonian steppe. Guests can choose from Standard Double, Twin, and Triple rooms, all of which are outfitted with cozy linens, wooden furnishings, and private bathrooms. The absence of televisions in the rooms is intentional, encouraging guests to unplug and immerse themselves in the sounds of nature and the crackle of the shared fireplace.

 

Dining

The culinary heart of La Chacra is its inviting dining room, where the day begins with a homemade Patagonian breakfast. Guests can enjoy artisanal breads, regional jams made from Calafate berries, and freshly baked pastries. While the lodge is a short drive from the diverse restaurants of El Calafate, the hosts often provide evening snacks or light refreshments in the common areas. The focus here is on “slow food” and traditional hospitality, making every meal feel like a gathering in a private country home.

 

 Facilities

La Chacra excels in providing spaces for relaxation and reflection. The main house features a cozy Living Room with a Library and Fireplace, where guests gather to share stories of their glacier expeditions. Outside, the vast Park and Gardens offer wind-sheltered corners for reading or birdwatching. The property also includes a quincho (barbecue area) and offers free Wi-Fi in common areas, private parking, and a dedicated travel desk to help guests navigate the challenging Patagonian terrain.

 

Activities

The lodge serves as a serene base for exploring the Los Glaciares National Park. The world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier is an easy day trip away, as are the hiking trails of El Chaltén. For those staying closer to “home,” the property is ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking, or taking a tranquil walk to the shores of Lago Argentino. The staff are experts in arranging local excursions, from 4×4 off-road adventures to boat tours that navigate the towering icebergs of the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

 

Sustainability & Community

As a family-operated establishment, La Chacra is deeply rooted in the preservation of the local landscape. The property utilizes sustainable gardening practices to maintain its lush grounds in an otherwise arid environment. By promoting local guides and small-scale tour operators, the lodge ensures that the economic benefits of tourism stay within the El Calafate community. Their commitment to “low-impact” tourism is evident in their encouragement of water conservation and their efforts to protect the native flora and fauna that call the estate home.