Rios de Hielo | El Calafate

Ríos de Hielo (Rivers of Ice) – Patagonia, Argentina

Ríos de Hielo (meaning "Rivers of Ice" in Spanish) is an incredible tourist route in Patagonia, Argentina, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors interested in glaciers, mountains, and pristine wilderness. The route primarily focuses on the glacier-fed rivers that flow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest ice fields in the world, located in the Los Glaciares National Park. These rivers are essential components of the region's unique glacial landscape, and traveling through them offers incredible views of both glaciers and the majestic landscapes of Patagonia.

General Information

• Location: The Ríos de Hielo route runs through the Patagonian region of Argentina, specifically in the southern part of Santa Cruz Province, and it takes visitors through stunning areas of Lago Argentino, Lago Viedma, and the surrounding glaciers.
• Glacial Origin: The Ríos de Hielo are formed by the meltwater from glaciers such as the Viedma Glacier, Upsala Glacier, and Perito Moreno Glacier. These glaciers feed into rivers that flow through valleys and mountains, creating spectacular scenery along the way.
• Main Rivers: The main rivers in the Ríos de Hielo route include the Viedma River and the Brazo Rico, both of which originate from glacier meltwater and flow through the Los Glaciares National Park and surrounding landscapes.

Key Highlights & Attractions

1. Boat Tours Along Viedma River

• Viedma River is one of the central rivers on the Ríos de Hielo route and is fed by the Viedma Glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park. Visitors can embark on boat tours along the Viedma River, which winds through Patagonian valleys and offers breathtaking views of surrounding glaciers, icebergs, and mountains.
• The boat ride allows travelers to witness the glacier-fed waters, dramatic ice formations, and rugged Patagonian wilderness that define this part of the world. The sight of large icebergs floating down the river, having calved off from the glacier, is an unforgettable experience.

2. Viedma Glacier Viewpoint

• For those wanting a closer look at Viedma Glacier, there are also viewpoints along the Viedma River that provide stunning views of the glacier's ice face. From these viewpoints, visitors can appreciate the size and power of the glacier as it pours meltwater into the river, creating the glacial flow.
• In addition to taking in the views, some tours also include short hiking excursions that lead to observation points offering even more panoramic views of the glacier and the river.

3. Brazo Rico and Upsala Glacier

• Brazo Rico is a part of Lago Argentino, and it is one of the main arms of the lake, located near the Upsala Glacier. Travelers on the Ríos de Hielo route can take boat tours that pass through the Brazo Rico region, providing amazing views of the Upsala Glacier and the surrounding landscapes.
• As the boat cruises along Brazo Rico, visitors can witness stunning views of icebergs, glacial waters, and the vast Patagonian steppe. The impressive ice formations and the backdrop of the Andes Mountains make this a popular and awe-inspiring part of the route.

4. Glacial Ice Treks

• The Ríos de Hielo route also offers opportunities for adventurous visitors to engage in ice treks on the Viedma Glacier and other nearby glaciers. These guided tours provide the chance to explore the ice field up close, walk on the glacier’s surface, and learn about the processes of glacial movement and melt.
• Experienced guides lead visitors through the glaciers, pointing out unique features such as ice formations, crevasses, and moulins, where meltwater funnels down into the glacier. These treks are ideal for those seeking a more active and immersive glacier experience.

5. Scenic Drives and Hikes

• The Ríos de Hielo route also includes scenic drives and hiking trails through the region. Visitors can travel along roads that offer access to beautiful spots such as Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Viedma, where panoramic views of glaciers and lakes are available.
• The hikes along the route provide the chance to experience the Patagonian wilderness up close, offering vistas of snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and glacier-fed rivers. These trails are perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the landscape on foot while avoiding the crowds.

6. Environmental Education and Conservation

• Many of the tours along the Ríos de Hielo route provide valuable insight into the environmental significance of the glaciers and rivers. Visitors learn about climate change, the retreat of glaciers, and how the glaciers shape the land and ecosystem of the region.
• The region’s glaciers are also important for water conservation and understanding the ecology of Patagonia, making these tours educational as well as awe-inspiring.

How to Get There

• By Boat: One of the best ways to explore the Ríos de Hielo route is by taking a boat trip. Most tours depart from El Calafate, which serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. From here, boats navigate through Lago Argentino, passing stunning glaciers such as Viedma Glacier and Upsala Glacier.
• By Road: The route can also be explored by road, with several scenic drives offering access to different viewpoints and hiking trails along the way. However, the boat tours are generally the highlight of the experience, as they provide a closer look at the glaciers and river systems.
• By Plane: Scenic flights over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field can also be arranged for those wishing to see the glaciers and the Ríos de Hielo from above. These aerial tours offer a bird’s-eye view of the glaciers, rivers, and ice fields, making for a memorable experience.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (December – March): The best time to visit the Ríos de Hielo route is during the Patagonian summer months when the weather is milder, and all tours and activities are in full operation. This is also the peak tourist season, so booking in advance is recommended.
• Autumn (April – May): Early autumn is a quieter time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The region’s foliage begins to change color, providing a beautiful contrast to the glaciers and lakes.
• Spring (October – November): Spring is also an excellent time to visit, as the weather begins to warm up, and the region starts to come alive with blooming flora.
• Winter (June – September): Winter brings cold temperatures, and some boat tours may be limited during this time. However, winter offers fewer tourists and a chance to experience Patagonia’s glaciers in a more serene, snowy environment.

Conclusion

The Ríos de Hielo route offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers seeking to explore the stunning glaciers and rivers of Patagonia. From scenic boat rides and hiking excursions to glacier treks and environmental education, this route provides an unforgettable journey through one of the most spectacular regions of the world. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone wanting to enjoy nature’s wonders, Ríos de Hielo is a must-see destination in Argentina’s Patagonia.