Los Glaciares National Park
Santa Cruz
Los Glaciares National Park, located in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, is the country's largest national park, covering over 7,200 square kilometers. Established in 1937 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the park protects a vast area of Magellanic subpolar forests and Patagonian steppe. It is famous for its massive ice cap—the largest outside Antarctica, Greenland, and Iceland—which feeds 47 major glaciers including the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, Upsala Glacier, and Viedma Glacier. The park is divided into two main sections by two large lakes: Lake Argentino to the south and Lake Viedma to the north. The northern area is popular among climbers and trekkers for peaks like Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The park's diverse climate ranges from cool temperate to subpolar, supporting varied wildlife such as guanacos, condors, and the endangered South American gray fox. Visitors can explore glaciers by boat or land trails, with access points from El Calafate and El Chaltén. The park faces challenges like overgrazing and forest fires but remains a vital conservation area and a spectacular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Los Glaciares National Park is during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months (December to February) when weather conditions are milder. Visitors should consider purchasing park entry tickets in advance through official channels to avoid queues. Guided tours and boat trips to glaciers like Perito Moreno are highly recommended for safety and enhanced experience. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather and dress in layers. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and Argentine residents. Early morning visits to popular glaciers help avoid crowds and increase wildlife sighting chances.
Datos interesantes
- •Los Glaciares National Park contains the third largest continental ice field in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland.
- •The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers worldwide that is still advancing, not retreating.
- •The park encompasses two large lakes: Lake Argentino, the largest in Argentina, and Lake Viedma.
- •Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre within the park are iconic peaks popular among climbers and trekkers.
- •The park hosts over 100 bird species, including condors and eagles.
- •The park's glaciers start at unusually low altitudes of about 1,500 meters, descending to 200 meters above sea level.
Historia
Los Glaciares National Park was established on May 11, 1937, originally as a reserve before becoming a national park by decree in 1945.
It was the first Argentine park declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its glaciological and ecological significance.
The park's boundaries and management zones have evolved over time, including the creation of strict nature reserves and national reserves within its area.
The park's name honors the extensive glaciers formed by the Patagonian Ice Field, which was first explored by Francisco Pascasio Moreno in the late 19th century.
Throughout the 20th century, the park has expanded and developed infrastructure to support conservation and tourism.
Guía del lugar
Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the most famous and accessible glaciers in the park, known for its dynamic ice movements and spectacular ruptures. Visitors can explore it via well-maintained walkways and viewing platforms.
Mount Fitz Roy
A towering granite peak famous among climbers and trekkers, offering challenging routes and stunning panoramic views of the park's northern section.
Upsala Glacier
The largest glacier in the park by area, feeding into Lake Argentino, accessible mainly by boat excursions through iceberg-filled waters.
Viedma Glacier
A large glacier located in the northern part of the park, near Lake Viedma, popular for trekking and ice climbing expeditions.
Contacto
Teléfono: 02902 49-1005
