Los Glaciares National Park

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

A UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing 47 named glaciers flowing from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Andes. The park is essential for experiencing the raw power of glacial landscapes and hiking among some of the world's most dramatic mountainous terrain.

Things to do

• Perito Moreno Glacier Trek — Walk across the famous advancing glacier on a guided ice-trekking expedition, experiencing crevasses and blue ice formations up close.
• Laguna de los Tres Picos Hike — A moderate full-day trek offering panoramic views of turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by granite peaks near El Chaltén.
• Laguna Torre Trek — A challenging day hike from El Chaltén ascending to a turquoise alpine lake with views of the towering Cerro Torre granite spire.
• Fitz Roy Summit Climb — A multi-day technical climbing expedition to the iconic 3,405-meter peak, one of Patagonia's most sought-after summits.
• Upsala Glacier Boat Tour — Navigate by boat through Lago Argentino to witness the massive calving face of Upsala Glacier, one of the park's largest.
• Mirador del Fitz Roy Viewpoint — Hike 2.5 hours from El Chaltén to this accessible overlook for stunning vistas of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the surrounding peaks.
• Laguna Sucia Day Walk — An easy, scenic walk from El Chaltén to a small glacial lake surrounded by lenga forest and mountain panoramas.

Food to try

• Asado Patagónico — Grilled lamb or beef cooked over open flame, a traditional Patagonian staple found in nearly every restaurant, prepared with regional herbs and local techniques.
• Trucha Austral — Fresh southern trout caught from Patagonian lakes, typically pan-seared or grilled and served with local vegetables and chimichurri sauce.
• Empanadas de Carne — Half-moon pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices, a ubiquitous street food and quick meal for hikers and travelers.
• Cordero Lechero — Tender slow-roasted young lamb, a regional specialty that represents Patagonian pastoralist heritage and is served at family-run estancias and restaurants.
• Chocolate Suizo — Swiss-style hot chocolate served thick and rich, a warming indulgence found in El Chaltén's cafés after long mountain hikes.
• Mate Ritual — The communal South American tea tradition of sharing a gourd of hot mate with family or fellow travelers, a deeply embedded social custom in Patagonia.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mountain Weather — Patagonian weather changes dramatically and rapidly; always carry rain gear and be prepared to turn back from hikes regardless of forecasts, as locals do.
• Learn Basic Spanish — While tourist areas speak English, learning simple Spanish phrases shows respect for Argentine culture and enhances interactions with local guides, shopkeepers, and families.
• Embrace the Walking Culture — El Chaltén is a hiker's village where walking is the primary mode of transport; expect no cars in town centers and plan daily activities around trekking rhythms.
• Support Local Outfitters — Hire certified local mountain guides and stay in family-run hostels and lodges rather than international chains to ensure tourism benefits the community directly.