Los Glaciares National Park is one of Argentina’s most iconic natural treasures, drawing visitors from around the globe to its breathtaking landscapes of towering peaks, expansive ice fields, and pristine lakes. Located in the southwestern part of Santa Cruz province in Argentine Patagonia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and for offering some of the most spectacular trekking experiences in the world.
An Overview of Los Glaciares National Park
Covering over 7,200 square kilometers, Los Glaciares National Park is the largest national park in Argentina. It is divided into two main sections: the northern area around the Fitz Roy massif (El Chaltén) and the southern area surrounding the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The park is named after the 47 major glaciers that descend from the ice field, including the massive Perito Moreno Glacier, Upsala Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, and Viedma Glacier.
Los Glaciares National Park offers a unique combination of towering Andean mountains, deep blue lakes, and sprawling glaciers, creating a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.
Glacier Perito Moreno and Southern Section
In the southern part of the park, the Perito Moreno Glacier rises as one of the most popular attractions (perhaps the most popular one) in the whole National Park Los Glaciares. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring sight of this advancing glacier, with the option to take guided ice treks or boat tours that get up close to the towering ice walls.
The Southern Part of the Park is near El Calafate city (with flights to and from different places of Argentina), which is also base to do visit other attractions such as Glacier Upsala, Glacier Spegazzini, Lake Argentino, Estancia Nibepo Aike, and Estancia Cristina.
Traditionally, a visit to El Calafate takes 3 nights, one day fully dedicated to the Glacier Perito Moreno, and another day for visiting the Glaciers Upsala & Spegazzini (through a full day navigation on Lake Argentino) and/or a Patagonian Ranch (Estancia). In addition, many people travel also to El Chaltén (Fitz Roy & Torre Mounts – about 3 hours away by land) and Torres del Paine (Chile, about 5 hours away by land).
El Chaltén & Northern Section of Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is a world-class trekking destination, with trails that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking challenging routes or a casual walker looking for shorter, scenic paths, the park offers something for everyone.
In the northern section of the Park, we can find the village of El Chaltén (capital for trekking in Argentina, at the foot of Mounts Fitz Roy and Torre), which is 220 km (3 hours) northern from El Calafate.
The Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre region in the northern section is the most popular trekking area. Here, the trails lead to stunning viewpoints such as Laguna de los Tres, which offers an unforgettable view of Mount Fitz Roy, and Laguna Torre, where you can marvel at the majestic Cerro Torre and its glacier. The trek to Laguna de los 3 (Fitz Roy) is a challenging but rewarding full-day hike, while the Laguna Torre Hike is a slightly easier alternative that still provides breathtaking scenery. Learn more about these topics El Chalten Travel Guide and El Chalten Hiking Guide
The multi-day Vuelta al Hielo circuit around the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is another challenging yet extraordinary experience, offering unrivaled views of the ice field’s remote and wild expanses.
Flora and Fauna at Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thriving in its varied ecosystems that range from high-altitude Andean terrain to Patagonian steppe and lush forests.
The park’s forests are dominated by lenga and ñire trees, with beautiful wildflowers carpeting the ground during the spring and summer months. As you venture higher into the mountains, the vegetation gives way to rugged, rocky landscapes and glaciers.
The wildlife in Los Glaciares National Park is equally impressive. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting the majestic Andean condor, the Magellanic woodpecker, and the black-chested buzzard-eagle. Mammals such as the guanaco, red fox, and the elusive puma also inhabit the park. In the waters of the park’s lakes and rivers, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Patagonian huemul deer, a species that is endangered and protected within the park.
Custom tours in Patagonia
Apart from El Chaltén and El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park has other attractions, such as Seccional Guanaco – which is in between El Calafate & El Chalten -, Estancia Helsingfors, lake Viedma and Glacier Viedma.
We’re a local travel agency based in Argentina, which offers custom tours in Argentina and Chile, and we would love to know which parts of Los Glaciares National Park you’d like to visit during your tour to Patagonia. We would love to help you plan your next trip, therefore, don’t hesistate in contacting us for your next journey!
We invite you to explore our following tours:
Patagonia Itinerary for 3 weeks
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