The Perito Moreno Glacier and the paths up Mount Fitzroy with Cerro Torre draw visitors from all over the globe to visit Los Glaciares National Park. Los Glaciares is Argentina's biggest national park, measuring 2,806 square miles worldwide. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to autonomous glaciers, including Southern Patagonian Icefield, northern temperate forests, and the Austral Andes. In the province of Santa Cruz, it is split in half by El Chalten as well as El Calafate, respectively, to the north and south. The park's varied landscapes provide stunning glacier trekking, kayaking, mountain climbing, boat excursions, camping, and estancia farms dot the surrounding region. In a bloody military coup in 1879, the Argentine government took control of the park from the indigenous Aónikenk people. Los Glaciares wasn't officially designated a park until 1937 when Argentina and Chile were engaged in a land grab rivalry.

El Chaltén, a highland village, and Lake Viedma are located to the north, under the craggy summit of Mount Fitz Roy. The ice-covered 30% of Los Glaciares may be roughly split in half, each half matching one of the park's two long, large lakes. South of the Andes, Lake Argentino is the country's biggest lake and a prominent geographical feature of southern Patagonia. The lakeside city of El Calafate serves as the starting point for many visitors.

Where To Go And What To See At The National Park Of Los Glaciares

Los Glaciares is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and the abundance of exciting outdoor activities available there. Visitors come from far and wide to marvel at the natural splendor that seems to be Perito Moreno and try to scale one of the region's most renowned peaks. The thundering complex visual feast surrounding Perito Moreno, when massive boulders sometimes tumble down into Lago Argentino, is beyond words. Here at the southern foot of the Andes, the country is almost frozen in a sheet of ice, while to the east lies the barren steppe of Patagonia. Hiking and climbing glaciers are commonplace at Los Glaciares National Park since over half of the park is covered in ice. Remember that a trek on a glacier does not have to be a grueling ordeal.

Calafate, El

El Calafate, located at the park's southern extremity, is the perfect jumping-off point for excursions to Perito Moreno and, thus, its breathtaking surroundings. The town's assortment of excellent dining establishments and scattering of charming lodges provide a restful night's sleep. After all, we're in Argentina, where even the most out-of-the-way locations guarantee tasty treats. Patagonian lamb, also known as Cordero Patagonico, is a culinary treasure best enjoyed on the grill. Visit estancias, ride horses or bicycles along the lakeside, or marvel at the crown gem that is Perito Moreno. You may take a 44 tour of the region and stop at some of the best lookout sites to soak it all in.

In And Around El Chalten

You can discover El Chalten, the finest town to base yourself in while exploring the northern highlands, near the park's northern edge, only a few hours' drive from El Calafate. The other town is more modern, but this one has more charm. El Chalten is a trekking mecca, with pilgrimages to Cerro Torres and Fitz Roy being the pinnacle experiences for most tourists. Intimidating and breathtaking, the granite cliffs around El Chalten's mountains are known for their extreme difficulty. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the peak. Shorter and gentler hikes exist, though, particularly to the lagoons surrounding Fitz Roy's base and providing stunning vantage points.

‍Conclusion

The expanding Perito Margarita Glacier and perhaps the paths of Mount Fitzroy and Cerro Torre draw visitors from around the globe to Los Glaciares National Park. The most famous national park in Argentina at 2,806 square miles, Los Glaciares is home to sub-Antarctic forests, the Australian Andes, and autonomous glaciers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Santa Cruz province, the town is split in half by the towns of El Chalten and El Calafate. Numerous estancias (farms) dot the terrain. Visitors may enjoy various outdoor activities in and around the park's diverse landscapes, including hiking, glacier trekking, kayaking, rock climbing, boating, and camping. Lands inside the park were taken from the indigenous Aónikenk by the Argentine government in a bloody military coup in 1879.