© istock/ailtonsza
© istock/ailtonsza

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Explore Los Glaciares National Park

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One of the biggest attractions of the southern part of Latin America is the glaciers, big wonderful masses of pure frozen water. Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina is a very popular place among locals and tourists alike, which is honestly not surprising. It has it all - lakes, forests, mountains and, of course, ice. Argentina's most visited glacier is Perito Moreno. This ancient glacier is situated within the park, located in the Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia. As usual, the views of the place are stunning, but the highlight is probably how untouched nature there is. So, let's explore Los Glaciares National Park!

A bit about El Calafate, your starting point

Santa Cruz Province is located in Argentinian Patagonia, and it is a place of tourist interest because of its closeness to glaciers. A very important town in the province is El Calafate. This is the place that will lead you to Los Glaciares National Park and every other glacier-related attraction in the province. Locals call the city - "the glacier town" - which is quite self-explanatory and also say that the place's charm is unmatched. Small houses will greet you when you visit, as well as the warm and welcoming smiles of the locals. 

© istock/Leonardospencer
© istock/Leonardospencer

The National Park

Mountains, lakes and parks - the place has it all, but the park is named after its exceptionally beautiful glaciers, the highlight of this story and most likely, of your trip. The place is unique because the big icy formations are usually found around 2500 m above sea level, while the park is located at 1500 m, making the view even more stunning. Two rivers roam thanks to the thaw of these glaciers: the Argentino and the Viedma Lakes. Both of them go through the whole province by the Santa Cruz River and end up their clear-water journey at the Atlantic Ocean.

© istock/lovelypeace
© istock/lovelypeace

Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno is the place most people are searching for when they visit the national park. It is probably the most iconic glacier of the park, and it is easy to see why - a big block of majestic ice that seems to be one with the sky. A very interesting thing about this glacier is that it moves continuously, so it accumulates ice which later breaks and falls into the water. Make no mistake, the pieces that fall are huge! Can you imagine the sound of ice roaring in the middle of unspoilt nature? It is breathtaking, to say the least. What I just described to you is a marvelous touristic experience you get to live every four years approximately, so be aware of the next event!

© istock/Neurobite
© istock/Neurobite
Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz Province
Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz Province
Perito Moreno Glacier, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Fitz Roy Mount

Let me tell you that Fitz Roy Mount is half Argentinian and half Chilean, which feels very special. So half of it is in the Los Glaciares National Park, and the other half is in the O'Higgins National Park in my beautiful Chile. Some locals also call the Fitz Roy - " El Chaltén" - because you can access the mount by the Chaltén town on its Argentinian side. Only the most daring and experienced trekkers face the Fitz Roy as its difficulty is exceptionally high. If this is something you plan on doing, be very careful and plan it professionally, this is not fit for everyone!

© istock/javarman3
© istock/javarman3
Fitz Roy Mount, Santa Cruz Province
Fitz Roy Mount, Santa Cruz Province
Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Huella de Glaciares

Visit Argentina and Chile in just one trail! The glaciers track and trace is the first bilateral long-distance trekking trail you can do on your own. This is a very unique activity and quite a long one as you would be crossing from Argentina to Chile. The circuit lasts seven nights and eeight days and has different stages, each named after a glacier. All of these stages are of medium difficulty, but they are varied regarding length. The track and trace starts in Argentina in El Chaltén and finishes in Chile in Villa O'Higgins. This trip is a very beautiful experience you will keep in your soul for life.

© istock/elnavegante
© istock/elnavegante

The south of Argentina is majestic and beautiful, their people are warm and kind.  Come, visit and explore Los Glaciares National Park. Pay a visit, and you will fall in love with the country. The biggest risk is never to want to go back home!

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The author

Francisca Pizarro

Francisca Pizarro

Hi, I am Francisca. From the north of Chile and south of the world, obsessed with natural landscapes and museums, I will take you through Chile as if you were a local, hoping you fall in love with this country as much as I am.

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