Los Glaciares
A vast ice field
The park’s name, ‘Los Glaciares’, which means ‘glaciers’, refers to the vast glacial region, comprising no fewer than 14 large and over 200 smaller glaciers, which form part of the vast continental ice cap.
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Cracking ice and falling ice blocks
You can’t claim to have been to Patagonia without seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier! The glacier is 60 metres thick and 5 kilometres long. Even when you’re standing right in front of it, it’s hard to grasp just how vast this mass of ice is. The sound of cracking ice and falling ice blocks is truly impressive.
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A chilly hike across the Perito Moreno Glacier
Another spectacular way to see more of the Perito Moreno Glacier is to set off on foot across this enormous mass of ice. Accompanied by a guide and wearing crampons, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable walk whilst taking in the surroundings. What a fantastic experience!
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A cruise past the glaciers
Taking a cruise in this region is the ultimate experience. You’ll sail along a breathtaking route through Los Glaciares National Park, including on Lake Argentino and in the immediate vicinity of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy the majestic natural scenery, stunning sunsets and, at night, an impressive starry sky. Over three days, you’ll sail past the most impressive ice fields, of which the Perito Moreno is undoubtedly the highlight. You’ll feel so small as you gaze at the glacier from the ship.
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Past ice floes and glaciers
"The boat glides across Lake Argentina as the sun slowly rises. We are surrounded by mountains and the boat takes us towards the Upsula Glacier. I can’t quite picture its size until we get closer to the glacier and approach a few ice floes. They still look small in the distance, but the closer we get, the bigger they become. Eventually, we sail past some ice floes that are bigger than the boat we’re on – impressive!” says Anke, who went on this boat trip.
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Estancia Cristina
Estrancia Cristina is situated in the heart of the park and can only be reached by the boat trip described opposite. From here, you can go on a walk ending at a viewpoint overlooking the Upsula Glacier. In the afternoon, visit the museum dedicated to the Master family, who came to live on this estate in 1914. A special place for a day trip or an overnight stay.
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Staying overnight at an estancia
During your stay in this region, you can stay at Nibepo Aike. This accommodation forms part of a working Argentine ranch. The estancia is still in operation and has been owned by the same family for more than four generations. At Nibepo Aike, you’ll get a glimpse into life on an authentic estancia, set amidst stunning surroundings.
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El Chaltén, for the keen hiker
Walks, multi-day treks or a lovely day hike. The village of El Chaltén on the northern edge of Los Glaciares National Park is a fantastic base for hiking trips. Highlights include the walks to the foot of the Fitz Roy massif or Cerro Torre.
The largest ice mass in the Southern Hemisphere
The park’s name, ‘Los Glaciares’, which means ‘glaciers’, refers to the vast glacial region, comprising no fewer than 14 major and over 200 smaller glaciers, which form part of the vast continental ice sheet. This is the largest ice mass in the southern hemisphere outside the Antarctic regions and the world’s third-largest freshwater reserve. Only 13 of these glaciers flow into the Atlantic Ocean.
Los Glaciares National Park can broadly be divided into two parts, based on the location of the two large lakes within the park: Lake Argentino in the south and Lake Viedma in the north. As well as Lake Viedma, the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park is home to the Viedma Glacier and a few smaller glaciers. It also features a number of stunning mountain peaks, including Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, which are very popular with mountaineers and hikers. In the southern part of Los Glaciares National Park, Lake Argentino is fed by several large and small glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Upsala Glacier and the Spegazzini Glacier. The latter two glaciers are accessible by boat, whilst the Perito Moreno Glacier can be reached by land.
As well as spectacular landscapes, Los Glaciares National Park boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many unique species. You’ll find unusual tree species such as the Alerce, Calefate and Guindo, and rare animal species such as the grey fox, the guanaco and the puma. There is a legend in this region:“Whoever tastes the fruit of the Calafate, a small shrub native to Patagonia, will always return for more…”
Fancy a trip of Patagonia?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Patagonia, including a visit to Los Glaciares National Park, and are you curious about the options available? Then do take a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.