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Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina

Los Glaciares National Park is located in the area known as the Austral Andes in Argentina, in the southwest of Santa Cruz on the border with Chile. Due to its magnificent natural beauty, it constitutes being a wonder of the world, and was declared a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1981. The nearby town of El Calafate serves as a landing point for many visitors to the area.

Facts about Los Glaciares National Park:

  • • The national park was formed in 1937.
  • • The ice cap in the park is the largest in the world outside of Antarctica and Greenland.
  • • Two lakes (Lago Argentina and Lake Viedma) provide exceptional scenic beauty from the vantage point of the water.
  • • Hikers enjoy trekking throughout the park but climbers also embark upon the Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks.
  • • Boats take visitors in and around the special waterways of the park, and go to places unreachable by land.
  • • Visitors can navigate much of the park on rough roads in a car, though a knowledgeable driving skill is paramount.
  • • The best time to visit the park is from October to March.

The Los Glaciares National Park weather is generally mild and cool, with a fair amount of rain. It should be noted that more rain typically falls in the months between March and May. Also, it is a fair bit drier during the summer months of October to March. It can be windy, especially during the spring and summer months. Also note that temperature varies greatly between the low lying elevations and the mountaintops.

While much of the park is covered by lifeless glaciers, there are lots of vibrant plant and animal life throughout the other areas at Los Glaciares National Park. Large tracts of woods persist with the species of lenga and guindo, while colorful flowery bushes thrive during the summer season.

Patagonia is widely known for the varying species of birds that flourish in the region, including the Andean Condor. Other mammals also can handle the climate, including several species of fox, guanachos, and pumas.

Best Time to Visit Los Glaciares

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park is an adventure that is well worth the nuances of the region. A variety of paved and gravel routes take visitors from El Calafate and the surrounding region in and about the park, while boat tours offer another fantastic way to see the magnificent glaciers and scenery. A great place to reside during a trip to this paradise is at Estancia Helsingfors in the Santa Cruz Provience of Los Glaciares, which is located along the shores of Lake Viedma and near the town of El Chalten, which provides excellent access to the Fitz Roy Mountain. In this lovely arena between Chile and Argentina, visitors can experience the local gaucho culture in the midst of some of the finest hiking in the entire world, all while enjoying the supreme comfort and luxury required by veteran travellers.

Los Glaciares National Park Map

Other Patagonia Attractions

Los Glaciares, Argentina

El Calafate

Founded in 1927 as a frontier town, El Calafate is the base of excursions to Los Glaciares National Park and Helsingfors Lodge!

El Chalten, Argentina

El Chaltén

Thousands of trekkers flock to this mountain village overlooking the stunning northern section of Los Glaciares National Park.

Tierra del Fuego, Chile & Argentina

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Divided by Chile and Argentina, Tierra del Fuego Province is within a set of islands right at the bottom of South America.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park

According to National Geographic Magazine, Torres del Paine is the 5th most beautiful placd in the world!