Download the Los Glaciares National Park Guide

Los Glaciares National Park is the largest national park in Argentina (726.927 hectares) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. It protects most of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—the third largest freshwater reserve on the planet—and its 47 major glaciers, including Perito Moreno, Upsala, Spegazzini, and Viedma. This guide summarizes what to see, how to visit, and when to go.

What to see in Los Glaciares National Park?

Southern Zone — El Calafate and Lake Argentino

This is the most visited area. From El Calafate, you can reach the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways (80 km) and Punta Bandera Port (47 km), the departure point for the All Glaciers Navigation : the only way to see the Upsala Glacier —one of the largest in South America, covering 765 km²—and the Spegazzini Glacier , the tallest, with walls up to 135 meters high. The navigation includes a stop at Spegazzini Base, with accessible trails, the Spegazzini Refuge (2019), and the De Agostini Lookout.

Northern Zone — El Chaltén and Lake Viedma

El Chaltén, the national trekking capital, is the base for climbing Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. The Viedma Adventure departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel (18 km) , sailing across Lake Viedma to the face of the Viedma Glacier , the largest in the National Park. If you're staying in El Calafate, the Full Day option includes transportation, a visit to the historic La Leona Inn, and the trek to Chorrillo del Salto waterfall.

How to visit the park?

There are two ways to experience the glaciers: by land (the Perito Moreno walkways, the El Chaltén trails) and by water (boat trips, the only way to see the Upsala, Spegazzini, and Viedma glaciers). A complete comparison of the excursions will help you choose. Entrance to the National Park is purchased separately (we recommend doing so online at pnlosglaciares.ar ) and is not included in the excursions.

When to go?

The park can be visited year-round. From October to April (peak season), the days are long and the weather is milder; from May to September, the ice is at its most spectacular, there are fewer visitors, and the sunrises over the lake are unforgettable. Solo Patagonia's boat tours operate year-round: Todo Glaciares with daily departures from September to April (every other day from May to August) and Aventura Viedma with daily departures from September to April (every other day plus Saturdays from May to August).

Useful

• The Patagonian climate changes quickly: layered clothing, windbreaker, closed shoes, hat and sunscreen, always.
• The tours are suitable for all ages (no minimum age) and Todo Glaciares is 100% accessible.
• The glaciers in the park originate from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which we share with Chile: 12.363 km² of continental ice.
• Solo Patagonia operates the navigations as the official concessionaire of the National Park since 1980 — almost 50 years of experience in these waters.