From El Calafate to El Chaltén

Located on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, it is the closest tourist city to the southern entrance of Los Glaciares National Park, where the imposing Perito Moreno glacier is located. 1 km from the center you can visit the Laguna Nimez Reserve, an area of 35 hectares declared an AICA site (Important Area for the Conservation of Birds) with more than 80 species.

Close to the city, 10 km away, are the Cuevas del Walichu, an archaeological site on the shores of the lake, ideal for learning about the history of the region and seeing rock paintings and natural caves that are 4,000 years old. Another attraction 8 km away, on the way to Los Glaciares National Park, is the Patagonian Ice Museum “Glaciarium”, one of the few glacier interpretation centers in the world (from the center there are transfers that leave every hour).

You can also visit the Historical Interpretation Center Museum that covers 100 million years of natural and human history, the Regional Museum and the Theme Park of the National Parks Administration. What you cannot miss: taste its Patagonian delicacies, such as lamb and chocolates, among many other local products.

More information at www.elcalafate.tur.ar

Located on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, it is the closest tourist city to the southern entrance of Los Glaciares National Park, where the imposing Perito Moreno glacier is located. 1 km from the center you can visit the Laguna Nimez Reserve, an area of 35 hectares declared an AICA site (Important Area for the Conservation of Birds) with more than 80 species.

Close to the city, 10 km away, are the Cuevas del Walichu, an archaeological site on the shores of the lake, ideal for learning about the history of the region and seeing rock paintings and natural caves that are 4,000 years old. Another attraction 8 km away, on the way to Los Glaciares National Park, is the Patagonian Ice Museum “Glaciarium”, one of the few glacier interpretation centers in the world (from the center there are transfers that leave every hour).

You can also visit the Historical Interpretation Center Museum that covers 100 million years of natural and human history, the Regional Museum and the Theme Park of the National Parks Administration. What you cannot miss: taste its Patagonian delicacies, such as lamb and chocolates, among many other local products.

More information at www.elcalafate.tur.ar

Punta Bandera, 47 km away from El Calafate, is a port where boats depart to navigate along the north branch of Lake Argentino to discover the Upsala Glacier (the largest glacier in South America), Onelly Bay (where you can spot Agassiz, Onelly, and Bolados glaciers) and Spegazzini Glacier (featuring 135-meters-high ice walls.) Excursions must be booked in advance with local agencies in El Calafate.

Provincial routes 60 and 15 (gravel roads) lead to Roca Lake, which combines the typical steppe landscapes with ñires and lenga forests. You can trek through the mounts, discover cave paintings, go fishing, and camp. At the end of Route 15, you’ll find Estancia Nibepo Aike, where you can experience the lifestyle at a typical Patagonian ranch. Tours there include horse riding, a ranch day, trekkings, and sailing to the glaciers in the south branch of Lake Argentino. This ranch features a 100-years-old country guest house.

Extending over 726 thousand ha, Los Glaciares is the largest national park in Argentina, as well as one of the most visited ones. It preserves part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world’s second-largest ice field after Antarctica.

After taking a turn, you’ll be embezzled by the panoramic view of Perito Moreno Glacier for the very first time.

One of the most beautiful natural spectacles in Argentina. There's a circuit that runs through over 4 kilometres with walkways and viewpoints, where you can hear the resounding collapse of ice blocks and stare at the 5 thousand meters wide and 60 meters high ice walls from multiple angles. This glacier was declared one of the Wonders of the World and a UNESCO world heritage site. Departing from the ports near the peninsula, boats navigate the north and south sides of the glacier. There are also trekking tours to walk on this big mass of ice.

One of the most beautiful natural spectacles in Argentina. There's a circuit that runs through over 4 kilometres with walkways and viewpoints, where you can hear the resounding collapse of ice blocks and stare at the 5 thousand meters wide and 60 meters high ice walls from multiple angles. This glacier was declared one of the Wonders of the World and a UNESCO world heritage site. Departing from the ports near the peninsula, boats navigate the north and south sides of the glacier. There are also trekking tours to walk on this big mass of ice.

From Perito Moreno Glacier, return to El Calafate and follow National Route 40 to El Chaltén. At kilometre 190, you’ll cross this glacier-originated river which comes from Lake Argentino and goes through Santa Cruz province, from the Andes to the sea.

The place that witnessed and starred the history of Southern Patagonia. Halfway through this circuit, by river La Leona, you’ll find this place which is the perfect spot to have a cup of coffee, have lunch or take a rest and enjoy the steppe landscape. It was declared a historical and cultural heritage of Santa Cruz province. It features a countryside hotel and a camping area with services.

As we leave the steppe behind, the range landscape comes into view for the very first time in this outlook point. Viedma Lake, with its turquoise colour and immensity, is one of the largest lakes in Patagonia.

Taking this paved road, you will go through the steppe that borders Viedma Lake. Gradually, the stunning peaks of Mount Chaltén emerge and mesmerize every traveller’s soul.

Departing from this port, boats navigate to Viedma Glacier. From there, you can also start treks through the peninsula. It’s a perfect fishing spot. Excursions must be booked in advance with local providers in El Calafate or El Chaltén.

This is one of the most sought-after destinations for those who love nature, trekking, and climbing. It's a picturesque mountain village surrounded by glaciers and ancient forests. Known as the National Capital of Trekking, El Chaltén features trails with different intensity levels for everyone. Two of the most iconic peaks of the Andes range, Mount Fitz Roy or Chaltén and Mount Torre, will accompany visitors through their journeys. It is ideal to stay at least 3 days. The most famous trail is Tres Lagoon, a moderate-difficulty trekking among ñires, lengas, and creeks that leads to the foot of Mount Chaltén.

Provincial Route 41 is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Patagonia. It follows the Vueltas River among valleys, rivers, and mountains. From El Chaltén, you drive 36 km on a gravel road.

This trek through a ñire forest leads to a 20-meters-high wall from which a cascade coming from El Salto Creek pours. It's 5 km from El Chaltén and just 500 meters from Provincial Route 41.

As the trail comes to an end, Desierto Lake appears surrounded by a forest, astonishing with splendid views of mounts and glaciers. From the south, boats depart to sail across this lake. Visitors can also practice snorkelling and kayaking (these activities must be booked in advance with local agencies in El Chaltén.) This place has a camping site with services. From there, you can go on two walkways: to the viewpoints of Vespignani Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy, bordering the lake (10 km round trip, moderate difficulty), or to Huemul Glacier with little-known views of the north face of Mount Chaltén and Vueltas River Valley (4 km round trip, easy trail.)