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Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Patagonia)

Argentina’s most enchanting national park from El Chaltén to El Calafate

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Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Los Glaciares National Park)

Perito Moreno

This is one of Argentina’s biggest attractions in Patagonia, and with good reason. This 5-km wide glacier calves into Lago Argentino in the middle of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. It is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, planet Earth’s third largest reserve of fresh water. It averages 74 meters in height, and is one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. The glacier forms an ice bridge, which breaks every 1-4 years. It last broke in March, 2016 when a piece 250 meters wide by 70 meters long broke off, causing huge waves in the lake below.

Upscape Picks: Take a boat ride down in the lagoon below the glacier to get up close and personal with the groans and cracking sounds the glacier makes. Or go to a different face entirely, to spend about five hours hiking on what is properly called “big ice.”

When to Go

We recommend visiting October through December and late February through April.

Good to know

Language: Spanish Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS) Visas/fees: Travel to Argentina does not require a visa for US/US/EU/CAN/AUS travelers.

What to do in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

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TRIP INSPIRATION

Latin Cities and Vast Wilderness >>

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HIGHLIGHT MOMENTS

Watch Perito Moreno calve into the lake below

Bikes in Santiago
HIGHLIGHT MOMENTS

Drink a glass of Malbec while enjoying the traditional Patagonian dish of spit-roasted lamb

Tips from our Team

For a taste of Estancia living, we recommend Estancia Cristina near El Calafate (Argentina). It dates back to 1918 and is accessed by a 2-hour boat ride from Puerto Bandera, along the azure waters of Lago Argentino, also known as Lago General Carrera in Chile.

Take a boat ride down in the lagoon below the glacier to get up close and personal with the groans and cracking sounds the glacier makes. Or go to a different face entirely, to spend about five hours hiking on what is properly called “big ice.”

Ready to go? Here’s what to pack

Patagonia’s weather is as extreme as its landscapes and often unpredictable. Packing right makes all the difference for an enjoyable trip.

  • Wind and waterproof outer layers (jacket and pants)
  • Hiking boots
  • Sun protection (hat, glasses and sunscreen)
  • Gloves
  • Thermal under layers

Where to stay: Overnight Recommendations

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Eolo

Estancia Cristina Patagonia

Estancia Cristina

Aguas Arribas Patagonia

Aguas Arriba