Frequently Asked Questions
PRISTINE EL CALAFATE LUXURY CAMP
Pristine El Calafate Luxury Camp is located within Estancia Dos Lagos, on the Peninsula de las Colonias, surrounded by the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino and Lake Roca, in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentine Patagonia. Its main access is via Provincial Route No. 15 in a northeast direction.
Pristine El Calafate is 62 km from Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), which is approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute drive, and 42 km from downtown El Calafate (1 hour).
From FTE Airport, take RP 11 turning right towards El Calafate. In the city, continue on RP 11 to the roundabout, take the second exit and continue 950 m, turn left onto Calle Los Pioneros (1.2 km), then right onto Avenida Salvador Lara (800 m) and left onto Avenida 17 de Octubre (which becomes RP 15, 800 m). Continue on RP 15 for 47.1 km (approximately 40 km of gravel road) and inside Estancia Dos Lagos drive 4 km on an internal road passing through two gates.
Yes, partially. Provincial Route 15 from El Calafate to Estancia Dos Lagos has approximately 40 km of gravel out of a total of 47.1 km. The final 4 km within the Estancia are also a dirt road.
It is not mandatory: the road is suitable for all types of vehicles year-round, except on rainy days, when a 4×4 is recommended for the gravel sections and the inner road of the Estancia.
Yes, we offer transfers from Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), downtown El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Torres del Paine (Chile). Transfers from FTE airport and downtown El Calafate are included at scheduled times (within the full program); the rest are available at an additional cost.
Cell phone signal covers the stretch from the airport to El Calafate and the first few kilometers of RP 15; within Estancia Dos Lagos, coverage is very limited.
Pristine El Calafate Luxury Camp operates between October and April of each year (southern spring, summer, and autumn season). Outside of that period, the camp remains closed.
The season from October to April corresponds to the most favorable weather conditions for camp experiences (navigation to the Perito Moreno Glacier, horseback riding, mountain biking, and trekking), and for the operation of Estancia Dos Lagos on the access road. In winter, snowfall and the roads make camp operations unfeasible.
The most recommended months are November to March, featuring long days, mild temperatures, and better weather stability for navigation to the Perito Moreno Glacier and outdoor activities.
Yes. The excursion “Visit to Los Glaciar National Park with Lake Roca Navigation” departs at 12:30 PM, is a half-day tour, and includes navigation along the south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, the least visited and most natural face of the glacier, available from October to April.
The southern face of the Perito Moreno is the least visited area of the glacier, with more exclusive access from the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino. It allows you to see the southern front of the glacier from the water, with fewer boats than on the northern face (Bajada de las Sombras / Puerto Bandera).
Pristine El Calafate includes multiple experiences in the All-Inclusive program: Navigation to the south face of the Perito Moreno + Los Glaciares National Park, horseback riding along the Brazo Rico, Patagonian cooking class, Mate ceremony, mountain bikes at Estancia Dos Lagos, trekking to Puesto Amarillo and Glacier Viewpoint, Wind Viewpoint Trail (self-guided), Brazo Rico Beach Trail, and Natural Cave Trail.
The Brazo Rico horseback ride departs at 10:00 AM, lasts approximately 2 hours, goes from Brazo Rico to Lake Roca, and ends at a viewpoint. A minimum age of 10 years is required.
The Trekking to Puesto Amarillo consists of a 5 km truck ride from the camp followed by a 2-hour trek to the Perito Moreno Glacier Viewpoint.
Pristine El Calafate offers several trails: the Wind Viewpoint Trail (self-guided, 30 minutes, the camp's highest point), the Beach Trail (1 hour 30 minutes along the coast of Brazo Rico crossing a ñire forest), and the Cave Trail (3 hours, medium-high difficulty, to a natural cave formed by erosion).
Yes. The Mountain Bike activity lasts approximately 2 hours and goes through Estancia Dos Lagos along Provincial Route No. 15, with a minimum age of 10 years.
The Pristine El Calafate Cooking Class focuses on the gastronomy of the Argentine Patagonia: lamb, mushrooms, trout, and other regional ingredients. It is taught by the camp's chef.
The Mate Ceremony is a 30-minute afternoon cultural experience that explores the history of mate in Argentina and teaches traditional brewing.
Yes, Pristine El Calafate offers recreational fishing in Lake Argentino, with the required permits issued and equipment included.
Yes. Pristine El Calafate offers a Full Day experience for visitors who want to discover Estancia Dos Lagos and the camp without staying overnight. The day includes a mid-morning reception, a guided activity from the Pristine program (horseback riding along Brazo Rico, trekking to the Glacier Viewpoint, a trail to the Beach, or mountain biking, subject to availability), a signature Patagones lunch paired with Argentine wines, and free time to explore the camp's viewpoints overlooking the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino. An exclusive alternative for those who are already based in El Calafate and are looking for a different day, away from the mass tourist circuits. Available during the season from October to April, with prior reservation at info@pristinecamps.com.
The domes of Pristine El Calafate are heated geodesic structures integrated into the Patagonian steppe, overlooking the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino and the surroundings of Estancia Dos Lagos.
Pristine El Calafate features 6 premium suites with a capacity of up to 3 guests each, and 2 premium family suites with a capacity of up to 5 guests each, making a total of 28 accommodated guests.
Yes. All domes are fully heated with wood-burning and alcohol stoves to cope with the Patagonian cold in spring and autumn.
Pristine El Calafate welcomes children from 6 years old, who can do the short trails, the mate ceremony, cooking classes, and the navigation to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Layered clothing is recommended: a thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a windbreaker/waterproof outer layer. Bring a hat, gloves, waterproof trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Yes. Although the weather is cold, the Patorean glare (reflection of the sun on lakes, rivers, and glaciers) is very intense and requires high sunscreen even on cloudy days, in addition to sunglasses with UV protection.