Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Los Glaciares National Park, situated in the southernmost part of Argentina, is a stunning destination renowned for its extraordinary natural landscapes. The park features the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, the iconic Mount Fitz Roy, and a variety of other glaciers, lakes, and mountains. This guide will assist you in exploring the park’s history, transportation options, attractions, ticket details, and essential visiting tips.

History

Los Glaciares National Park derives its name from the extensive ice cap found in the Andes, which is the second-largest glacier field globally, following Greenland and Antarctica. Covering an area of 2,806.9 square miles (7,269 sq km), the park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It showcases a remarkable example of Magellanic subpolar forest and the biodiversity of the Patagonian steppe. The park is particularly famous for the Perito Moreno Glacier, a key tourist highlight in Argentina.

How to Get There

The primary access point to Los Glaciares National Park is El Calafate, which has flight connections to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Bariloche in the Argentinian Lake District, Trelew at Peninsula Valdes, and Cordoba. From El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is located approximately 59 miles (80 km) away. El Chaltén, known as the hiking capital of the park, is about 135 miles (215 km) from El Calafate by road.

Things to See

• Perito Moreno Glacier: Famous for its immense size and frequent calving, visitors can explore the glacier through boat tours or by hiking the Big Ice Trail, which requires crampons.
• Mount Fitz Roy: Known locally as Cerro Chaltén, this iconic peak rises to 11,171 feet (3,405 m) and offers breathtaking views from various hiking trails, including the Laguna de Los Tres hike.
• Cerro Torre: This mountain is recognized for its distinctive shape and provides stunning views from the Laguna Torre hike.
• Lake Argentino: The largest lake in Argentina, spanning 566 square miles (1,468 sq km), is located in the southern section of the park and feeds the Santa Cruz River along with Lake Viedma.
• Spegazzini Glacier and Upsala Glacier: These glaciers can be accessed via boat tours, offering additional breathtaking glacial scenery.
• Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre: These picturesque lakes can be reached through hiking trails that provide spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Ticket Information

Perito Moreno Glacier: A park entrance fee of 500 Argentine Pesos per person is required for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. This fee must be paid in cash.

El Chaltén: There are no entrance fees for hiking in Los Glaciares National Park from El Chaltén.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan Ahead: Make sure to book your accommodations and tours in advance, particularly during the peak season.
• Weather: Be ready for unpredictable weather, especially in high-altitude areas. Bring layers and waterproof clothing.
• Crowds: Popular trails like the Laguna de Los Tres hike can become crowded in the afternoon. Start your hike early to avoid the crowds.
• Guides: While many trails are well-marked, consider hiring a guide for more challenging hikes or if you lack experience.
• Responsible Tourism: Adhere to park rules and regulations to help preserve the natural beauty of Los Glaciares National Park.
• Physical Condition: Evaluate your physical fitness before undertaking multi-day treks or strenuous hikes.
• Boat Tours: For glaciers like Spegazzini and Upsala, reserve a boat tour in advance to ensure availability.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the stunning landscapes and unique attractions of Los Glaciares National Park. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking to explore one of Argentina’s most remarkable natural wonders, this park has something to offer everyone.