Los Glaciares National Park Patagonia Argentina
Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia rivals Torres del Paine just across the border in Chilean Patagonia for sculptural peaks, crumbling glaciers and shimmering lakes.
Head south to El Calafate for trips to Argentina's most famous Glacier, Perito Moreno, and north to El Chalten and the Fitzroy Sector for some of the country's best treks.
El Calafate
El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentina has grown into a large tourist town, thanks mostly to its proximity to the Perito Moreno Glacier. It's easy to get to too. As well as well-connected bus terminal, it has its own airport.
Bus trips ($20) to Perito Moreno leave from the bus terminal at 9am returning in the afternoon. The 80km journey takes about an hour. If you want to get closer than the boardwalks allow, there's an optional boat trip towards the glacier face. If that's not close enough, try ice trekking on the glacier with Hielo y Aventura.
Organized tours may include El Calafate in Los Glaciares National Park as well as neighboring Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia Chile as these two Parks have the bulk of Patagonia's trekking highlights, including the famous Torres del Paine W and Circuit Treks.
Perito Mereno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a mind-boggling 22 miles long, 3 miles wide and 60 metres high. This advancing wall of ice periodically dams Lago Argentina's Brazo Rico (Rico Arm). Eventually the backed up water breaks through the glacier in a spectacle that draws sightseers from around the world - the last time in 2008.
If you like your glaciers with more peace and solitude, try Glaciers Onelli and Agassiz, which are much less popular and developed.
Perito Mereno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a mind-boggling 22 miles long, 3 miles wide and 60 metres high. This advancing wall of ice periodically dams Lago Argentina's Brazo Rico (Rico Arm). Eventually the backed up water breaks through the glacier in a spectacle that draws sightseers from around the world - the last time in 2012.
If you like your glaciers with more peace and solitude, try Glaciers Onelli and Agassiz, which are much less popular and developed.
Perito Moreno Glacier Collapse
El Chalten
El Chalten village is a lively trekking and climbing hub within the borders of Los Glaciares National Park. The nearbly Fitzroy Massif, a cathedral of rock and ice, has made it the trekking capital of Argentina.
Here are some of the most popular treks.
Laguna Torre Trek De Agostini base camp and beyond
Distance 11km
Trekking hours 3.5
Elevation 200m
Starting Point Camping Madsen
Cerro Torre is a 3102 metre high rime-tipped splinter of granite, and one of the world's most technically difficult climbs. This trek takes you to the climbers' base camp and on to Laguna Torre, which comes with icebergs, glacier and a view to die for.
Laguna de Los Tres Trek
Distance 25km (15 miles)
Trekking hours 5
Altitude gain 975m (3200 ft)
Round trip trek El Chalten north east to Laguna de Los Tres. Save some energy for a steep last 1.5km, which leads to fantastic views of Mount Fitzroy behind the emerald waters of Laguna de Los Tres.
Trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Distance 22km (15 miles)
Trekking hours 6
Trek from the Los Glaciares Visitor Center to the top of Loma del Pliegue Tumbada. On the way are spectacular views of the Park's two iconic peaks, Cerros Torres and Fitz Roy.
Campsites
Camp Madsen
Free wild campsite set in woodland with running water and portable loos. No fires.
Camp Laguna Capri
Good free wild campsite
Camp Poincenot
Climbers-only campsite
Camp De Agostini
Free wild campsite
