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Los Glaciares National Park

Where glaciers meet towering peaks

Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina showcases massive ice formations and rugged mountain scenery. Visitors encounter glaciers that stretch across valleys, creating striking blue hues under sunlight. The park’s trails lead through forests of lenga trees toward lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks. Wildlife includes guanacos grazing on open plains and condors soaring overhead. Guided hikes explore crevassed glacier surfaces while boat tours approach icebergs calving into water. The area remains a key site for scientific study due to its sensitive ecosystem responding to climate shifts.

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National Park in Argentina

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.1

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	3
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	8

Read details

3/5

Tourist-facing staff in hotels, restaurants, and major attractions generally speak basic to intermediate English. Park rangers and guides at popular sites are often fluent. However, in more remote areas or with local service providers, Spanish knowledge i

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Last update: 30 Oct 2026

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Los Glaciares National Park Summary

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World-class for glaciers and Patagonian trekking. Walk scenic trails, watch huge glaciers calving into lakes and enjoy dramatic mountain views.

Place score

8.4

Best at:

Mountains

Lakes

Natural sites

Glaciers

Hiking

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

👩 8

Solo

❤️ 8

Couples

Argentina – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type I Type C: Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Argentine Peso (ARS) £1 ≈ ARS 2,048.06
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in larger cities, especially with credit and debit cards. However, cash is often preferred in smaller towns. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard. Tipping in taxis is not required, but rounding up is common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is legal but should be done responsibly. It is common in parks and beaches.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces, but allowed in outdoor areas.

Argentina Independence Day (July)	Expect public celebrations and some business closures.
Christmas (December)	Expect closures and holiday events.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 911 (Police), 107 (Ambulance), 100 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Cabify, Uber, BA Taxi
Other:	Argentina is known for its vibrant culture, tango, and excellent cuisine, including steaks and wines.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

🌤️

May

❄️

Jun

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Jul

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Dec

High season:	Jan. - March, Nov. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	April, Oct.
Crowdedness:	8 (Very crowded)

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Climate details

Main season is November to March, many hotels, restaurants and trekking services around El Calafate and El Chaltén close April to October

Strong westerly winds peak October to February and can cancel boat trips and make hiking difficult

Perito Moreno glacier boardwalks and boat tours run year-round, but trekking on the glacier is reduced in winter

Don't miss

🚶‍♀️ Walk along the Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalks
🥾 Trek Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trails
🛥️ Take a boat tour on Lago Argentino to glaciers
🛶 Kayak amid icebergs near the Perito Moreno Glacier
🏛️ Visit the Glaciarium Ice Museum near El Calafate

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Why travel to Los Glaciares National Park?

Los Glaciares offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of some of the world's most accessible glaciers. The star attraction, Perito Moreno Glacier, regularly puts on a spectacular show as massive chunks of ice dramatically calve into Lake Argentino with thunderous splashes. This dynamic glacier is one of the few in the world that's actually stable rather than retreating, making it an increasingly rare natural wonder to experience. Beyond the glaciers, the park boasts some of Patagonia's most iconic mountain scenery, including the legendary Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre – granite spires that have become symbols of wild Patagonia and magnets for photographers and climbers alike. The extensive network of hiking trails allows visitors to immerse themselves in diverse ecosystems ranging from Patagonian steppe to subantarctic forests, all while enjoying the company of native wildlife like guanacos, condors and foxes. Whether you're an adventure seeker looking to trek across rugged terrain or simply want to stand in awe before some of nature's most impressive ice sculptures, Los Glaciares delivers an experience that connects you deeply with our planet's natural processes.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Cerro Torre
2 Monte Fitz Roy

🎡Places for activities

1 El Calafate
2 El Chalten
3 Laguna de los tres
4 Laguna Torre
5 Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
6 Glaciar Marconi

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Cerro Torre
2 Argentino Lake
3 Viedma Lake
4 Monte Fitz Roy
5 Onelli Glacier
6 Perito Moreno Glacier
7 Upsala Glacier

🎈Events

Glacier Calving Season
Wildflower Blooming (Spring)
Bird Migration Periods
El Calafate Adventure Week
Patagonian Photography Festival
Trekking Season Opening (October)
El Chaltén Climbing Festival
Conservation Awareness Days
Patagonian Cultural Celebrations
World Heritage Day Events

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Knowledge before you go

Book Perito Moreno boat tour early for closest glacier views.
Pack layers and waterproof gear; Patagonian weather changes rapidly from sun to storms.
Stay in El Calafate or El Chaltén; buses run to park entrances but schedules vary seasonally.
Hike Laguna de los Tres in El Chaltén for epic Mount Fitz Roy views, start early to beat crowds.

How to travel to Los Glaciares National Park

The gateway towns to Los Glaciares National Park are El Calafate (for the southern section) and El Chaltén (for the northern section). El Calafate has an airport with regular flights from Buenos Aires, Bariloche and other Patagonian towns. From El Calafate, it's about 80 km to the Perito Moreno Glacier sector and 220 km to El Chaltén. Regular bus services connect both towns and there are also organized tours that include transportation. If driving, the main approach is via Ruta Nacional 3 to Río Gallegos, then RP5 to El Calafate – this is the only fully paved route in the region.

Access summary

From El Calafate Airport (FTE): 1–1.5 hr by shuttle, tour bus or car.
From El Calafate town: About 80 km, 1–1.5 hr by paved road RP11.
From El Chaltén (north sector): Scenic 3–3.5 hr bus or self-drive.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Los Glaciares National Park

Accommodation options are concentrated in the gateway towns of El Calafate and El Chaltén rather than within the park itself. El Calafate offers a wider range of options from luxury hotels to hostels, while El Chaltén has more basic but cozy accommodations catering primarily to hikers and climbers. During peak season (December-February), accommodations fill up quickly, so advance booking is essential. For those seeking a more immersive experience, there are also camping options available within designated areas of the park.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel

9.3

Destino Sur Hotel & Spa de Montana

8.6

Cumbres Nevadas - Hosteria Boutique

9.3

Hotel Poincenot

9.2

Posada y Cabanas El Barranco

9.0

Chalten Suites Hotel

8.1

Patagonia Hikes Aparts

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How to get around Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park is designed primarily for self-exploration, with the park divided into two main sections: the southern area accessible from El Calafate (home to Perito Moreno Glacier) and the northern section accessible from El Chaltén (base for Mount Fitz Roy treks). Regular bus services connect both towns to the park entrances, with multiple daily departures during peak season. Once inside the park, well-marked hiking trails are the primary means of getting around, especially in the northern section.

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-80 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to ARS) is 80% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Los Glaciares is generally very safe regarding crime. The main safety concerns are related to natural hazards: rapidly changing weather, challenging terrain and glacier-related dangers. Never approach glacier edges without a guide, stay on marked trails and always inform someone of your hiking plans.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities within the park are extremely limited. Basic first aid is available at visitor centers, but the nearest hospitals are in El Calafate and Río Gallegos. Altitude sickness is rare but possible on higher treks. Hypothermia is a risk year-round due to wind and sudden weather changes.

Accessibility

The park has limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges. The Perito Moreno Glacier viewing platforms are partially accessible, with paved walkways and ramps. However, most hiking trails and wilderness areas require good mobility. Some boat tours offer more accessible ways to experience the glaciers.

Tap water

Tap water in El Calafate and El Chaltén is generally safe to drink. Within the park, streams and lakes provide fresh glacial water that's typically safe to drink after filtering. Always carry sufficient water when hiking, as there are limited facilities once on the trails.