Los Glaciares National Park Guide
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Los Glaciares National Park Guide

The Los Glaciares National Park Guide covers a spectacular protected area in Argentine Patagonia, which is 724,000 hectares of glaciers, lakes, and mountain terrain in Santa Cruz Province. The Los Glaciares National Park Guide provides practical insights into navigating the park, from glacier viewing to guided trekking expeditions. The Los Glaciares is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site designation in 1981 for its natural value. The Los Glaciares National Park is recognized as an extraordinary natural site of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that is a large continental ice mass outside Antarctica and Greenland.

Los Glaciares National Park draws travelers from across the globe for its dramatic concentration of natural landmarks, including 47 glaciers, towering peaks (Mount Fitz Roy), and massive formations (Perito Moreno Glacier). The park is divided into two zones. The southern sector centered around El Calafate is known for glacier viewing and boat excursions. The northern sector near El Chaltén is recognized as Argentina's trekking capital. Visitors access hiking trails, glacier trekking expeditions, wildlife encounters with condors and guanacos, and breathtaking lake panoramas across Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma, making the park Argentina's premier destination for nature exploration, and one of the defining experiences of Los Glaciares National Park travel in South America.
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Los Glaciares National Park Reviews

These Los Glaciares National Park Patagonia Review share firsthand experiences from travelers who completed the legendary hike to Patagonia, highlighting trail conditions, cultural insights, scenery, organization, and the unforgettable arrival at the Lost City of the Incas.
👤
Marco Delgado
Client
★★★★★

Standing in front of Perito Moreno Glacier as it calved into the lake was something no photograph could ever prepare me for. Our guide explained the glacier's movement and history in a way that made every crack and rumble feel personal. The entire experience left me speechless from the first day to the last.

📍 Los Glaciares National Park
January 2026
👤
Anna Bergström
Client
★★★★★

The logistics were handled perfectly, and every detail from transport to meals was well thought out. The glacier ice trek was the highlight, walking across Perito Moreno with crampons under a clear Patagonian sky. Camping near the Fitz Roy massif on the final night felt like sleeping inside a postcard.

📍 Glacier Ice Trekking Tour
October 2025
👤
James Whitfield
Client
★★★★★

The Fitz Roy trail pushed me harder than any hike I have done before, but the views at Laguna de los Tres made every steep step worth it. The guides were calm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the park's conservation. Los Glaciares exceeded every expectation I carried into Argentina.

📍 Multi-Day Trek
November 2025
4.9
Average Rating
Out of 5 stars
Average customer rating across all tours.
12,847
Happy Travelers
Since 2015
Travelers who completed tours with us.
4,391
Tours Completed
In the past 12 months
Successfully completed Hikking tours.
97
Recommend Rate
Would book again or refer others
Guests who recommend us to others.

What Our Travelers Say Statistic

Consistently excellent across all categories
Guide Expertise 98%

Certified guides demonstrate deep route knowledge, strong leadership, and clear communication across all trail sections.

Safety and Organization 97%

Structured itineraries, risk monitoring, and coordinated logistics support consistent safety standards throughout the trek.

Value for Money 94%

Pricing reflects guide quality, portering support, meals, permits, and logistical planning across multi day routes.

Accommodation Quality 92%

Campsites and equipment meet comfort expectations within protected trail regulations.

Overall Experience 97%

Trekkers report high satisfaction driven by scenery, cultural sites, guide support, and route execution.

Los Glaciares National Park Tour Itinerary

The Los Glaciares National Park Tour itinerary is 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day, which offer different glacier access, trekking distance, and pacing. The routes highlight the park's two distinct sectors, offering options for various schedules and activity levels. Travelers choosing the 1-day format focus entirely on Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate, walking the elevated boardwalk above the ice face and witnessing active calving events at close range. The 3-day format bridges both sectors, opening with glacier viewing in the south before transitioning to the introductory trails of El Chaltén in the north. The 5-day circuit commits fully to the Fitz Roy massif, moving through Laguna Torre, Piedras Blancas Glacier, and the steep final ascent to Laguna de los Tres across consecutive trail days. Travelers extended stays attach boat excursions on Lago Argentino or additional rest days in El Calafate.

1-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Experience

1 Day / No Overnight

A focused glacier visit built around the southern sector, covering the boardwalk network and calving viewpoints above Lago Argentino.

$ 149 USD
per person Difficulty: Easy

Trek Highlights

  • Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalk
  • Active calving viewpoints above Lago Argentino
  • Optional Mini Ice Trek on the glacier surface

Package Includes

  • Park entrance fees
  • Round-trip shuttle transfers from El Calafate
  • 1 meal (lunch near the glacier)
  • Professional guide
  • Glacier orientation briefing

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: El Calafate departure - Perito Moreno boardwalk - Optional ice trek on glacier surface - Return to El Calafate
MOST POPULAR

4-Day Southern Glacier and Fitz Roy Introduction

4 Days / 3 Nights

A well-rounded circuit opening with glacier exploration in El Calafate before moving north to the introductory trails surrounding the Fitz Roy massif.

$ 749 USD
per person Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Trek Highlights

  • Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalk and ice trek
  • Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre viewpoint
  • Mirador de los Cóndores above El Chaltén

Package Includes

  • Park entrance fees for both sectors
  • 3 nights in guesthouses across El Calafate and El Chaltén
  • Bus transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén via Route 40
  • All meals
  • Professional guide
  • Trekking map and trail support

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: El Calafate arrival - Perito Moreno boardwalk - Optional Mini Ice Trek - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 2: Bus transfer to El Chaltén - Mirador de los Cóndores trail - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 3: Laguna Torre full day hike - Cerro Torre viewpoint - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 4: Morning trail walk - Return transfer to El Calafate

7-Day Complete Los Glaciares Explorer

7 Days / 6 Nights

A thorough two-sector exploration covering Perito Moreno Glacier, Lago Argentino boat excursions, and the full Fitz Roy trail network from El Chaltén.

$ 1,490 USD
per person Difficulty: Challenging

Trek Highlights

  • Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalk and Big Ice Trek
  • Lago Argentino boat tour to Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers
  • Laguna de los Tres ascent beneath Mount Fitz Roy
  • Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre viewpoint

Package Includes

  • Park entrance fees for both sectors
  • 6 nights across El Calafate and El Chaltén accommodation
  • Round-trip transfers and bus connection via Route 40
  • Boat excursion on Lago Argentino included
  • All meals
  • Professional guide throughout
  • Trekking map, trail support, and optional gear rental

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

  • Day 1: El Calafate arrival - Perito Moreno boardwalk - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 2: Big Ice Trek on Perito Moreno Glacier - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 3: Full-day Lago Argentino boat tour to Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 4: Bus transfer to El Chaltén - Laguna Capri trail - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 5: Laguna Torre full day hike - Cerro Torre viewpoint - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 6: Laguna de los Tres ascent - Fitz Roy massif viewpoint - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 7: Piedras Blancas Glacier trail - Return transfer to El Calafate

10-Day Full Patagonia Expedition

10 Days / 9 Nights

A comprehensive expedition covering every major sector of Los Glaciares National Park, from glacier boat circuits on Lago Argentino to remote backcountry trails deep within the Fitz Roy massif.

$ 2,490 USD
per person Difficulty: Strenuous

Trek Highlights

  • Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalk and Big Ice Trek
  • Lago Argentino boat circuit to Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers
  • Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre full circuits
  • Piedras Blancas Glacier and Río Blanco base camp
  • Loma del Pliegue Tumbado panoramic viewpoint

Package Includes

  • Park entrance fees for all visited sectors
  • 9 nights across El Calafate hotels and El Chaltén lodges or campsites
  • All round-trip transfers and Route 40 bus connection
  • Full-day Lago Argentino boat excursion included
  • All meals throughout the expedition
  • Certified expedition guide with wilderness safety training
  • Trekking map, campsite permits, and full gear rental available

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

  • Day 1: El Calafate arrival - Park orientation - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 2: Perito Moreno boardwalk - Glacier calving viewpoints - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 3: Big Ice Trek on Perito Moreno Glacier surface - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 4: Full-day Lago Argentino boat tour to Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers - Overnight in El Calafate
  • Day 5: Bus transfer to El Chaltén via Route 40 - Town orientation and ranger briefing - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 6: Laguna Capri and Mirador de los Cóndores trail - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 7: Laguna Torre full day hike - Cerro Torre viewpoint - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 8: Piedras Blancas Glacier trail - Río Blanco base camp approach - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 9: Laguna de los Tres ascent - Fitz Roy massif viewpoint - Overnight in El Chaltén
  • Day 10: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado panoramic hike - Return transfer to El Calafate

Where is Los Glaciares National Park?

Los Glaciares National Park is located in the Santa Cruz Province of southern Argentina, within the Patagonia region. Los Glaciares National Park is positioned along the border with Chile at coordinates 50°S latitude. The park sits within the Andes mountain range, stretching roughly 170 kilometers from north to south across a terrain defined by glacial lakes, ice fields, and granite peaks. El Calafate is the gateway city, located 80 kilometers east of the park's southern entrance, with a regional airport receiving direct flights from Buenos Aires (3.5 hours) and Ushuaia (1 hour). El Chaltén, the northern access point, sits 220 kilometers from El Calafate via Route 40, functioning as the base for trekking operations near Mount Fitz Roy. The park shares its western boundary with Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, forming part of a transboundary conservation zone in Los Glaciares National Park's broader geographic position in Patagonia.

When is the Best Time to Visit Los Glaciares National Park?

The best time to visit Los Glaciares National Park falls from October to April, during the Southern Hemisphere spring and summer. Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C during peak months of December and January, providing favorable conditions for trekking and glacier viewing. Daylight extends up to 18 hours during midsummer, allowing longer hiking windows and better photography. October and November offer fewer visitors with stable weather, making trail and refugio access less competitive. The period aligns with the best time for visiting Patagonia, as glacial lakes reach the highest levels and open pampas fill with wildflowers.
Best Time: October to April (Spring and Summer)

The spring and summer months deliver reliable conditions for glacier viewing, trail access, and boat expeditions. Trails dry out from winter snowmelt, visibility across the ice fields improves, and daylight hours extend well into the evening.

Peak Season

(December – February)

Clear skies and long daylight hours make for a scenic and active period for park activities.

Pros

  • Maximum daylight up to 18 hours
  • Stable trail conditions across both sectors
  • Full boat tour and glacier trekking schedules operate
  • Wildflowers cover the open steppe in lower elevations

Cons

  • Highest visitor volumes at Perito Moreno and El Chaltén trailheads
  • Refugio and campsite bookings fill 60 to 90 days in advance
  • Afternoon wind gusts peak during midsummer
  • Accommodation prices rise by 20 to 40% above shoulder rates

Quick Planning Tips

  • Book glacier trekking tours at least 30 days before arrival
  • Reserve campsites at Poincenot and De Agostini 60 days in advance
  • Start trail days before 7:00 AM to avoid peak afternoon winds
  • Pack full rain gear regardless of forecast conditions

Shoulder Season

(October – November) and (March - April)

Fewer visitors, moderate temperatures, and stable weather across both sectors.

Pros

  • Reduced visitor volumes on main trails
  • Accommodation availability improves significantly
  • Temperatures remain comfortable for full-day hiking
  • Spring wildflowers are visible in October and November

Cons

  • Shorter daylight hours compared to midsummer
  • Some boat tour schedules operate on reduced frequency
  • Snow lingers on upper trails in early October
  • Weather shifts more unpredictably during transition months

Quick Planning Tips

  • Confirm boat tour schedules before booking in March and April
  • Carry microspikes for early October snow on the upper Fitz Roy trails
  • Book accommodation in advance as the shoulder season fills quickly
  • Prepare for rapid weather changes with layered clothing

Winter Season

(May – September)

Cold temperatures and limited services define the off-season, with dramatic snow-covered scenery for experienced visitors.

Pros

  • Near-empty trails and full park solitude
  • Snow-covered Fitz Roy provides dramatic photography
  • Accommodation rates drop by 30 to 50%
  • Perito Moreno Glacier remains accessible year-round

Cons

  • Most refugios and campsites close from May to September
  • Heavy snowfall blocks upper trails in the northern sector
  • Boat tours on Lago Argentino suspend operations
  • Temperatures drop below 0°C overnight across both sectors

Quick Planning Tip

  • Confirm Perito Moreno boardwalk access before travel in winter
  • Pack insulated sleeping gear rated to minus 10°C for any overnight stays
  • Limit activity to the southern sector during the deep winter months
  • Contact the El Chaltén ranger station to confirm trail status before arrival

Los Glaciares National Park Patagonia FAQ

Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting 4,459 square kilometers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. The park contains 47 named glaciers (Perito Moreno Glacier, Viedma Glacier, Upsala Glacier) fed by the ice field. The park is a glacier-dense protected area outside the polar regions. Lago Argentino is the largest lake in Argentina at 1,466 square kilometers. Lago Argentino dominates the southern interior. The northern sector centers on the granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy, rising to 3,405 meters above sea level. Lakes, moraines, lenga beech forests, and windswept steppe define the terrain across the park's varying elevations.
Los Glaciares National Park is famous for housing Perito Moreno Glacier. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Perito Moreno Glacier is moving forward at 2 meters per day toward Lago Argentino. The glacier's periodic rupture events draw international media attention and 300,000 to 400,000 visitors annually to the viewing platforms. Mount Fitz Roy's silhouette is a recognized mountain image in global outdoor photography. The park's combination of accessible glacier viewing and demanding trekking terrain places it among the top-ranked nature destinations in South America. UNESCO recognition and National Geographic coverage reinforce the park's global conservation.
No, Los Glaciares National Park is not the largest national park in Argentina. San Guillermo is the largest national park in Argentina. San Guillermo covers 980,000 hectares. The largest park is located in San Juan Province. Los Glaciares spans 724,000 hectares and is a visited park in Argentina. Los Glaciares attracts over 1 million visitors annually. The park is known for its stunning glaciers, mountains, and lakes. The park’s combination of features makes it a famous nature destination in the country.
Guided tours to Los Glaciares National Park typically cost between [$149 and $1,300] per person. Park entrance fees for foreign nationals run [$19 to $22] per person per day, covering access to both the southern glacier sector and the northern El Chaltén trekking zone. Round-trip shuttle transfers from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier cost [$25 to $50] per person, with private vehicle transfers reaching [$80 to $120] for groups of up to 4 travelers. Guided ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier ranges from [$130 to $180] per person for the 2-hour Mini Trek, while the 5-hour Big Ice experience costs [$220 to $300] per person, with crampons, helmets, and harnesses included in packages. Boat excursions across Lago Argentino covering Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers run [$70 to $120] per person for a full-day circuit departing from Puerto Bandera. Multi-day guided trekking packages departing from El Chaltén, covering routes to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre with accommodation and meals, range from [$450 to $900] per person for 4-day itineraries. Extended 7 to 10-day guided expeditions with remote backcountry access reach [$1,000 to $1,300] per person, reflecting the logistical demands of operating deep within the park's isolated northern terrain.
Yes, there are budget-friendly ways to explore Los Glaciares National Park. Budget-friendly access to Los Glaciares National Park exists through independent hiking, public transport, and free viewpoints available without additional cost beyond the park entrance fee. El Chaltén operates as a zero-cost trekking base, with trails departing directly from town requiring no additional permits or tour fees beyond the standard park entrance. Public buses from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier run [$15 to $25] round trip and drop visitors directly at the boardwalk network. Campsites within the park, including Poincenot Campground near El Chaltén, charge [$5 to $15] per night for designated sites. Free ranger-led orientation talks at the El Chaltén visitor center operate daily at 9:00 AM during peak season (November to March), providing trail briefings, safety updates, and route maps at no cost.
Yes, Fitz Roy Trek is considered one of the hardest hikes in Los Glaciares National Park.

The Fitz Roy Trek is physically demanding due to the final 1.5-kilometer ascent, which gains 400 meters of elevation over loose scree and steep rocky terrain. The full round trip covers 21 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 1,200 meters, requiring 8 to 10 hours for average fitness hikers. Weather conditions amplify the difficulty rating, with wind speeds regularly exceeding 80 kilometers per hour on the exposed ridge sections near the summit viewpoint. The trail does not require technical climbing equipment, keeping it classified as a strenuous hike rather than a mountaineering route. Multi-day technical routes on Mount Fitz Roy itself, reserved for experienced climbers with specialized gear, present a higher difficulty level than the Fitz Roy Trek day hike.
When visiting Los Glaciares National Park, you can stay at the places listed below.

  • El Chaltén: The small town offers hostels to hotels, providing easy access to the park's northern trails(Fitz Roy Trek). The town is equipped with restaurants, shops, and guided tour services.
  • Poincenot Campground: The free campsite is ideal for trekkers looking to stay close to the trailheads, located near the base of Mount Fitz Roy. It provides basic amenities (water and toilets).
  • Refugio Laguna Capri: The refugio is a popular stop along the Fitz Roy Trek. Refugio Laguna Capri offers warm meals, dormitory-style accommodations, and beautiful views of Mount Fitz Roy.
  • El Calafate: El Calafate is the main gateway city to the southern sector of the park has budget hostels to luxurious hotels. It is located about 80 kilometers from the park's southern entrance and is the base for excursions to Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Refugio Perito Moreno: The refugio is located near the glacier. Refugio Perito Moreno offers shelter and meals, making it an ideal spot for looking to explore the southern section of the park.
The food options that are available in the Park Regions are listed below.

  • Patagonian Lamb Restaurants: Lamb asado (slow-roasted lamb) is the signature dish of the Santa Cruz Province, served at dedicated parrilla restaurants throughout El Calafate and El Chaltén. La Tablita in El Calafate operates as a recognized asado establishment, with full lamb platters priced at [$25 to $45] per person.
  • Café and Bakery Options: El Chaltén supports a strong café culture given its trekking population, with establishments in Panadería Patagonicus offering fresh bread, empanadas, and hot drinks at [$5 to $12] per meal. Breakfast options at guesthouses and hostels run [$6 to $10] per person.
  • Grocery and Self-Catering Supplies: Supermarkets in El Calafate and a smaller provisioning store in El Chaltén stock trail food, dried goods, and camping supplies. Prices run 20 to 30% higher than Buenos Aires averages due to the remote location, making pre-trip provisioning from larger cities a cost-reducing option for extended trekking stays.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants: Restaurants focus on vegetarian and vegan options, offering dishes (veggie burgers, salads, and plant-based versions) of traditional Argentine meals.
Yes, you need permits to visit Los Glaciares National Park. Each visitor purchases a digital park entrance ticket through Argentina's National Parks Administration (APN) portal before arrival, priced at [$19 to $22] per person for foreign nationals. Trekkers planning overnight stays at designated campsites (Poincenot and De Agostini) must secure advance reservations through the national parks booking portal, with permits releasing 30 to 60 days before peak season (November to March). Glacier ice trekking on Perito Moreno requires booking through APN-licensed operators, as independent access onto the glacier surface is prohibited. Hikers entering the northern backcountry zone register the route at the El Chaltén ranger station before departure and sign out upon return.
The safety precautions visitors should follow in Los Glaciares National Park are listed below.

  • Weather Monitoring: Wind speeds across exposed trails near Mount Fitz Roy reach 100 kilometers per hour without warning, requiring daily weather checks through the El Chaltén Visitor Center before departing on a hike. Park rangers post daily trail condition updates at the visitor center entrance each morning by 8:00 AM.
  • Glacier Safety Distance: Perito Moreno Glacier's calving face prohibits approach by watercraft within 300 meters and prohibits access below the lower boardwalk level due to wave risk from calving events, which generate water displacement waves reaching 3 to 5 meters in height.
  • Hiking Preparation: Trails in the northern sector require hikers to register the route at the El Chaltén ranger station before departure and sign out upon return. Carrying a minimum of 2 liters of water, emergency snacks, a first aid kit, and a fully charged communication device addresses the baseline safety requirements for day hikes within the park.
Yes, Los Glaciares National Park is safe for travelers. Los Glaciares National Park maintains a strong safety record for general visitors, with the risks classified as environmental rather than security-related. Environmental hazards present are sudden weather deterioration on exposed trails, glacier calving wave risk at close observation distances, and hypothermia exposure on multi-day backcountry routes where temperatures drop below 0°C overnight, even during the summer season (December to February). Visitors following park registration protocols, carrying appropriate gear, and adhering to marked trail boundaries encounter a well-managed environment. Solo trekking on advanced routes near Mount Fitz Roy carries an elevated risk during poor visibility, making group hiking or guided expedition booking the standard recommendation for less experienced trekkers.
Los Glaciares National Park is located at the southwestern corner of Santa Cruz Province in Argentine Patagonia. Los Glaciares National Park is positioned between 49°S and 51°S latitude along the Andes mountain range bordering Chile. The park's geographic center sits roughly 80 kilometers west of El Calafate, the nearest major urban center, accessible via National Route 11. The total protected area spans 724,000 hectares from the shores of Lago Argentino in the south to the Viedma Lake basin in the north, covering a distance of 170 kilometers from north to south. The western boundary aligns with the Chilean border, where the terrain transitions into Torres del Paine National Park, creating a continuous binational conservation zone across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Elevations across the park range from 200 meters above sea level at lake level to 3,405 meters at the summit of Mount Fitz Roy.
The towns that serve as gateways to Los Glaciares National Park are El Calafate and El Chaltén. El Calafate is the gateway to the southern sector of Los Glaciares National Park, located 80 kilometers east of the Perito Moreno Glacier access point and home to the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport. EL Calafate receives direct flights from Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and Ushuaia. The town supports a full tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and gear rental shops) with a permanent population of nearly 25,000 residents. El Chaltén is located 220 kilometers north of El Calafate via National Route 40. El Chaltén is the gateway to the northern trekking sector and Mount Fitz Roy. El Chaltén is a trekking base that was founded in 1985. The town operates a visitor center at the town entrance where rangers conduct mandatory trail briefings for hikers entering the northern zone.
The top attractions in Los Glaciares National Park are listed below.

  1. Perito Moreno Glacier: Perito Moreno Glacier measures 30 kilometers in length, 5 kilometers in width, and rises up to 74 meters above the waterline of Lago Argentino. The glacier advances at 2 meters per day and is a non-retreating glacier drawing over 700,000 visitors annually to its boardwalk viewing network.
  2. Mount Fitz Roy: Mount Fitz Roy reaches 3,405 meters, and presents a recognized skyline in South America, with its cluster of granite needles visible from El Chaltén on clear days at a distance of 30 kilometers. The mountain hosts technical climbing routes attracting elite mountaineers from over 40 countries (Argentina, Chile, United States) annually.
  3. Laguna de los Tres: Laguna de los Tres sits at 1,170 meters of elevation directly beneath the Fitz Roy massif. Laguna de los Tres offers unobstructed views of the granite spires reflected in glacially fed turquoise water. The lake is a destination of the park's iconic day hike, drawing 200 to 400 hikers per day during peak season (December to February), depending on weather conditions and trail accessibility.
The glaciers you can see in Los Glaciares National Park are Perito Moreno Glacier, Viedma Glacier, Upsala Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, Grey Glacier, Tyndall Glacier, Cagliero Glacier, Piedras Blancas Glacier, Amalia Glacier, Zongo Glacier, Soler Glacier, and Torre Glacier. Perito Moreno Glacier, Upsala Glacier, and Spegazzini Glacier are the top three visited glacier formations within Los Glaciares National Park. Each glaciers are accessible through distinct routes and offers contrasting scale and character. Perito Moreno Glacier covers an area of 250 square kilometers and reaches the Lago Argentino shoreline. Perito Moreno is a major glacier in the park accessible by land-based walkways. Upsala Glacier spans 870 square kilometers and is a large glacier in South America. Upsala Glacier is accessible exclusively by boat tour from Puerto Bandera across Lago Argentino, covering a one-way distance of 60 kilometers. Spegazzini Glacier is visited on a boat, and it stands out for its ice face height of up to 135 meters above the waterline. Spegazzini Glacier is the tallest glacier face in the park. The full boat excursion covering Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers runs 10 to 12 hours and costs [$70 to $120] per person.
The mountains that are located in Los Glaciares National Park are Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres are located in the northern sector and are accessible from El Chaltén. Mount Fitz Roy is known locally as Cerro Chaltén (meaning "smoking mountain" in Tehuelche language), rises 3,405 meters, and was first summited by Lionel Terray and Louis Lachenal in January 1952. The mountain's near-vertical granite faces accumulate weather caps of cloud and ice that give the appearance of smoke, a feature historically significant to the indigenous Tehuelche people of Patagonia. Cerro Torre rises 3,128 meters and is a technically extreme climbing challenge in the world, with its summit mushroom of rime ice requiring mixed climbing techniques at extreme altitude. The Torre Group (Cerro Torre, Torre Egger, Cerro Standhardt, and Punta Herron) forms a cluster of granite spires that collectively attract an international climbing community to El Chaltén's northern trailheads each season
Yes, Perito Moreno Glacier is a part of Los Glaciares National Park. Perito Moreno Glacier is a visited attraction and a central component of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field it protects. The glacier originates from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field at an elevation of 1,500 meters and flows downward over 30 kilometers before reaching its terminal face at the shores of Lago Argentino's Canal de los Témpanos. Park administration manages visitor access to the glacier through the licensed boardwalk network and through authorized ice trekking operators, maintaining a controlled visitation system accommodating up to 4,000 visitors per day during peak periods (December to February). The inclusion of Perito Moreno Glaciers within the UNESCO World Heritage Site boundary ensures its protection under Argentina's national parks legislation, administered by the National Parks Administration (APN).
Things you should pack for a trip to Los Glaciares National Park are listed below.

  • Weatherproof Clothing: Wind and rain protection rank is a priority for packing, with a waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket rated for sustained winds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour recommended for visitors. Layering with a moisture-wicking base layer, a mid-layer fleece rated for temperatures down to 0°C, and a packable down jacket addresses the rapid temperature shifts common across the park.
  • Hiking Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and a grip-rated sole handle the rocky, wet, and uneven terrain of trails toward Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Trail runners rated for wet conditions are a lighter alternative for shorter routes near El Chaltén.
  • Sun Protection: UV radiation at Patagonian latitudes reaches high levels on clear days despite cool air temperatures. Sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat address the exposure risk on open trails with minimal tree cover.
  • Glacier Trekking Equipment: Ice trekking tours supply crampons, helmets, and harnesses through licensed operators. Visitors joining glacier excursions pack gaiters, waterproof gloves, and thermal socks rated for wet-cold conditions to complement the provided equipment.
Essential gear for glacier trekking in Los Glaciares National Park is listed below.

  • Crampons: Steel crampons with 12-point configurations attach to hiking boots and prevent slipping on blue ice and compacted glacier surfaces. Tour operators providing Perito Moreno ice treks include crampons in their equipment packages.
  • Helmet: A climbing helmet meeting UIAA or EN 12492 standards protects against falling ice debris near glacier faces and rocky sections. Tour operators supply certified helmets as part of glacier trekking packages.
  • Harness: A sit harness rated for glacier rescue loads is a standard requirement for guided ice trekking itineraries crossing crevassed terrain. Operators supply fitted harnesses as part of glacier trekking packages.
  • Ice Axe: An ice axe provides self-arrest capability on steep icy sections during technical glacier approaches. Guided glacier tours include ice axe instruction as part of the pre-trek safety briefing.
  • Trekking Poles: Collapsible poles with carbide tips distribute body weight on loose scree and reduce knee load on steep descents. A wrist strap prevents pole loss during high-wind gusts on exposed ridgelines.
  • Insulated Gloves: Waterproof insulated gloves protect hands from frostbite during glacier surface contact and wind-exposed traverses above 1,000 meters. A liner glove worn beneath a shell glove allows temperature regulation without removing full protection.

CONTACT US

Peru Address: Evolution Treks Peru SAC, Urbanizacion Ucchullo Calle Chile Q-17, Cusco-PE.

evolutiontreksperu@evolutiontreksperu.com

Office phone: +51 953732054

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