Los Glaciares National Park Travel Guide: Explore Patagonia’s Ice Kingdom

Located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural masterpiece sculpted by ice, wind, and time. Spanning over 7,200 square kilometers, it’s Argentina’s largest national park and home to some of the most spectacular glaciers and peaks in the world.
 

From the thunderous collapses of the Perito Moreno Glacier to the jagged granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy, Los Glaciares offers an unmatched landscape for adventure seekers, hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

If you’re looking for jaw-dropping scenery, thrilling hikes, and the raw, wild spirit of Patagonia, this park should be at the very top of your South America itinerary.

📌 Quick Facts About Los Glaciares National Park

Location: Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia, Argentina

UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (since 1981)

Size: 7,269 km²

Divided into Two Main Zones:

Southern Sector: Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate base)

Northern Sector: Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre (El Chaltén base)

Best Time to Visit: October to April (Patagonian summer)

Entry Fee: ARS 10,000–15,000 (~$10–15 USD, varies by zone and season)

🧭 Where Is Los Glaciares National Park?

The park is located in southern Argentina, near the border with Chile. It has two primary gateways:

El Calafate (Southern Zone): For visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier.

El Chaltén (Northern Zone): For hiking around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Both towns are part of the Santa Cruz Province and well-connected by road and regional flights.

🌟 Why Visit Los Glaciares National Park?

Watch Ice Calving at the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier.

Hike legendary trails to Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Kayak past icebergs on Lago Argentino.

Trek on a glacier with crampons and expert guides.

See Patagonia’s wild beauty: condors, guanacos, and ancient ice.

🧊 Top Attractions in Los Glaciares National Park

1. 🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier (Southern Sector)

The star attraction of Los Glaciares and one of the only advancing glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno Glacier is 30 km long, 5 km wide, and up to 70 meters high.

🧭 Things to Do:

Panoramic Walkways: See the glacier from multiple viewing platforms.

Glacier Boat Tours: Sail up close to the towering ice walls.

Mini-Trekking on the Ice: Walk across the glacier with crampons and guides.

Big Ice Trek: A longer and more intense full-day hike on the glacier.

🎟️ Entrance Fee: ~ARS 10,000 (payable at the entrance or online)
📍 Base Town: El Calafate
🕒 Visit Duration: Half-day to full-day trips from El Calafate

2. 🏔️ Mount Fitz Roy (Northern Sector)

Also known as Cerro Fitz Roy, this iconic peak rises 3,405 meters above sea level and is one of the most recognized symbols of Patagonia, even appearing on the Patagonia clothing logo.

🥾 Popular Hikes:

Laguna de los Tres (10–12 hours): The most famous trek, leading to the best viewpoint of Fitz Roy.

Laguna Capri (2–3 hours): Easier hike with stunning photo spots.

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado (6–8 hours): Offers panoramic views of both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

📍 Base Town: El Chaltén
🕒 Park Fee: Free for hiking (no entrance gate in El Chaltén zone)

3. 🧗 Cerro Torre

Often described as one of the most beautiful and difficult peaks to climb, Cerro Torre stands at 3,128 meters and is surrounded by glacial lakes and dramatic spires.

🥾 Laguna Torre Hike:

18 km round-trip (6–8 hours)

Easy-to-moderate hike with postcard views of Cerro Torre and Glaciar Grande

🛶 Other Things to Do in Los Glaciares National Park

4. 🚣‍♀️ Kayaking on Lago Argentino

Paddle near floating icebergs and remote arms of Argentina’s largest lake.

Best from Puerto Bandera, with kayak tours departing daily.

5. 🐴 Horseback Riding & Estancia Visits

Experience Patagonian ranch life at historic estancias like:

Estancia Cristina: Accessible only by boat, offers cultural tours, hikes, and glacier views.

Estancia Nibepo Aike: Traditional sheep ranch near El Calafate.

6. 📷 Wildlife Watching

Keep your eyes peeled for:

Andean condors

Guanacos

Foxes

Caracaras

Southern deer (huemul) – endangered and extremely elusive

🏨 Where to Stay in Los Glaciares Area

In El Calafate:

Luxury: Eolo Patagonia, Los Sauces Casa Patagónica

Mid-Range: Kau Yatún Hotel, Hotel Mirador del Lago

Budget: America del Sur Hostel, Bla Guesthouse

In El Chaltén:

Luxury: Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel

Mid-Range: Hostería El Pilar, Hotel Poincenot

Budget: Rancho Grande Hostel, Lo de Trivi

🍽️ Where & What to Eat

Patagonian cuisine is warm, hearty, and perfect after a long day of hiking.

Traditional Dishes:

Cordero Patagónico – Patagonian lamb, slow-roasted over fire

Trucha (trout) – Freshwater and often locally caught

Locro – Stew with corn, beans, meat (winter dish)

Empanadas – Great for trail lunches

Best Restaurants:

La Tablita (El Calafate) – Famous for Patagonian lamb

Cervecería La Zorra (El Chaltén) – Craft beer and comfort food

Mi Rancho (El Calafate) – Cozy, local dining experience

🧳 What to Pack for Los Glaciares

Waterproof and windproof jacket

Warm layers (fleece, base layers)

Hiking boots (broken-in)

Gloves, beanie, and scarf

Daypack with hydration

Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV can be intense)

🧊 Weather Warning: It can change in minutes — sunshine to snow in an hour is not uncommon!

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

🌡️ Typical Temps:

Summer: 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)

Winter: -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F)

✈️ How to Get There

✈️ From Buenos Aires:

Fly to El Calafate (FTE): ~3-hour flight

To El Chaltén: 3-hour bus ride from El Calafate

🚌 Buses:

Daily buses connect El Calafate ↔ El Chaltén (3–4 hours)

Roads are paved and scenic

🧭 Sample Itinerary: 6 Days in Los Glaciares National Park

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate
Day 2: Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 3: Estancia Cristina day trip or boat tour
Day 4: Transfer to El Chaltén
Day 5: Hike to Laguna de los Tres
Day 6: Hike to Laguna Torre + Return

🌍 Sustainable Travel in the Park

Stay on marked trails

Carry out your waste

Avoid feeding wildlife

Support local businesses and eco-lodges

Use refillable water bottles

✅ Why Los Glaciares Should Be on Your Bucket List

There are few places on Earth that combine raw natural power and delicate beauty as seamlessly as Los Glaciares National Park. Whether you're watching blue towers of ice crash into Lago Argentino, trekking beneath the mighty Fitz Roy, or just soaking in the serenity of Patagonia, this park will leave a mark on your soul.

It’s not just a destination — it’s an experience that reconnects you with the grandeur of nature.