Parque Nacional Los Glaciares | El Calafate

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares – Patagonia, Argentina

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Los Glaciares National Park) is one of Argentina's most renowned and spectacular natural reserves, located in the Patagonian region of the country. The park, established in 1937, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of 7,300 square kilometers (2,800 square miles). It is famous for its breathtaking glaciers, mountain ranges, and lakes, making it one of the most visited natural parks in Argentina. The park is located in Santa Cruz Province, in the southern part of the country, near the border with Chile, and it draws thousands of tourists each year for its incredible beauty and stunning landscapes.

General Information

• Location: Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is situated in the Patagonian region of Argentina, in Santa Cruz Province, near the town of El Calafate. It spans across a variety of ecosystems, including glaciers, forests, mountains, and lakes.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its significant natural value, particularly its role in preserving the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest ice fields in the world.
• Glaciers: The park contains some of the most famous and impressive glaciers in the world, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Viedma Glacier, and the Upsala Glacier. These glaciers are integral parts of the park’s ecosystem and attract visitors from around the globe.

Key Highlights & Attractions

1. Perito Moreno Glacier

• Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly the star attraction of Los Glaciares National Park. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing, and it is famous for its spectacular ice calving. Visitors can witness massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the waters of Lake Argentino, creating a dramatic spectacle.
• Perito Moreno is one of the most accessible glaciers, with boardwalks and viewing platforms providing visitors with multiple vantage points. For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided glacier treks are available on the ice surface, where visitors can walk across the glacier and explore its crevasses and ice formations.

2. Viedma Glacier

• Viedma Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the park and is located on the Viedma Lake. It is known for its deep blue ice and impressive size. Visitors can explore the glacier via boat tours on the lake, where they can get up close to the glacier and witness its towering ice face.
• Glacier treks on Viedma Glacier are also available for adventurous visitors who want to explore the glacier up close. These treks allow visitors to walk across the glacier, experiencing its unique features such as crevasses, ice caves, and jagged peaks.

3. Upsala Glacier

• Upsala Glacier is another major glacier in the park, known for its massive ice formations and stunning scenery. It is one of the largest glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and is accessible by boat tours from El Calafate. The boats navigate through Lago Argentino, providing stunning views of the glacier and icebergs floating in the lake.
• Upsala Glacier is located in the Bajo de las Sombras area, and visitors can take short hikes to get a better view of the glacier from different perspectives. The glacier's ever-changing ice formations and the dramatic landscape make it one of the most photogenic areas in the park.

4. Laguna Capri

• Laguna Capri is a small, picturesque lake located at the foot of Cerro Torre. It is a popular spot for camping and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks, including the iconic Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. The area is part of the Patagonia trekking route and is known for its serene beauty and opportunities for hiking.
• Laguna Capri is a starting point for several treks, including the famous Laguna de los Tres hike, which offers some of the best panoramic views of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy.

5. Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Chaltén)

• Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most famous peaks in Patagonia, known for its dramatic spires and challenging climbing routes. The Fitz Roy massif is located in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park, near the town of El Chaltén. It is a popular destination for climbers, trekkers, and photographers due to its stunning beauty and rugged terrain.
• There are several hiking trails around the Fitz Roy massif, offering visitors the chance to see glacial lakes, forests, and breathtaking views of the mountain. One of the most famous treks is the Laguna de los Tres hike, which takes visitors to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the mountain.

6. Lago Viedma

• Lago Viedma is one of the largest lakes in the park and is surrounded by glaciers, including Viedma Glacier. The lake is famous for its bright turquoise waters, which are a result of the glacial meltwater. Visitors can take boat tours on the lake to explore the surrounding glaciers and enjoy stunning views of the icebergs and mountains.
• The lake is also a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including condors, flamingos, and black-necked swans.

7. Laguna del Desierto

• Laguna del Desierto is a remote and serene lake located in the northern part of the park. It is accessible by boat or a guided trek and offers a more tranquil and isolated experience compared to the more popular areas of the park. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks, making it an ideal location for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

How to Get There

• By Car: The town of El Calafate is the main gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and can be reached by road from major cities like Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. From El Calafate, visitors can drive to the park, with easy access to the Perito Moreno Glacier, Viedma Glacier, and other popular attractions.
• By Boat: Boat tours depart from Puerto Bandera (near El Calafate) and travel across Lago Argentino to reach several glaciers in the park, including Perito Moreno, Viedma, and Upsala glaciers.
• By Plane: El Calafate has its own airport (Comandante Armando Tola International Airport), with flights connecting the city to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and other Argentine cities.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (December – March): The best time to visit Los Glaciares National Park is during the Patagonian summer, when the weather is milder and most of the tours and activities are in full operation. This is the high season, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
• Autumn (April – May): Early autumn offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall foliage in the park. It’s a good time for those looking for a quieter experience.
• Spring (October – November): Spring offers mild weather and fewer tourists, with the added bonus of blooming flora. The landscapes are fresh and vibrant, making it an excellent time for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Winter (June – September): Winter can be quite cold, but it’s also the least crowded time of year. For those who enjoy snow-covered landscapes and winter activities, this season offers a peaceful and tranquil experience, though some tours may be limited.

Conclusion

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is one of Argentina’s most spectacular natural wonders, offering visitors the chance to experience breathtaking glaciers, rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine wilderness. From the famous Perito Moreno Glacier to the towering peaks of Mount Fitz Roy, the park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and incredible landscapes for travelers to explore. Whether you’re interested in trekking, glacier viewing, boat tours, or simply taking in the natural beauty, Los Glaciares National Park is a must-visit destination in Patagonia.