National park · Argentina
Los Glaciares National ParkParque Nacional Los Glaciares
Visit Los Glaciares: spend a morning at Perito Moreno Glacier (entry AR$100, walk 2 km (1.2 mi), best early summer) or a full‑day trek from El Chaltén to Fitz Roy (guide required, 8 h, spring‑autumn).Visit Los Glaciares: spend a morning at Perito Moreno Glacier (entry AR$100, walk 1.2 mi (2 km), best early summer) or a full‑day trek from El Chaltén to Fitz Roy (guide required, 8 h, spring‑autumn).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1937
Best months
Mar–May
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 9Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Wind is the main planning constraint: spring (Sep–Nov) is the windiest, and exposed trails, boats and flights can be delayed.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Book long-distance buses several days ahead in summer; seats sell out around Christmas, New Year and mid-January.
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Area
- 4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
- Area varies by source; official park data give about 4,000 km² (≈1,545 sq mi). Some maps show slightly less; use 4,000 km² as 2026 estimate.
- Established
- 1937
- Best months
- Mar–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- El Calafate
Los Glaciares National Park spans glaciers, mountains and lakes in Argentine Patagonia, featuring the iconic Perito Moreno ice wall and the Fitz Roy massif, attracting hikers, boat tourists and wildlife watchers.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1981World Heritage site for its glaciers and mountains.
Size and age
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²) · national park since 1937
Area varies by source; official park data give about 4,000 km² (≈1,545 sq mi). Some maps show slightly less; use 4,000 km² as 2026 estimate.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: El Calafate.
Why go
- See Perito Moreno Glacier’s ice‑fall up close.
- Trek to Fitz Roy for iconic mountain scenery.
- Explore remote glaciers by boat on Lake Argentino.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanSummer, warm, good for glacier boat tours.
- FebWarm, still high visitor numbers.
- MarSpring, fewer crowds, good trekking.
- AprSpring, stable weather.
- MayLate spring, cooler, ideal for long hikes.
- JunEarly winter, colder nights.
- JulWinter, possible snow, limited daylight.
- AugWinter, cold, some trail closures.
- SepSpring thaw, longer days.
- OctSpring, good for trekking.
- NovLate spring, warm.
- DecSummer start, busy at Perito Moreno.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andean condorNov–Mar · Often seen soaring over the lakes. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Huemul (South Andean deer)Oct–Feb · Rare, keep distance. | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| PumaAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From El Calafate (airport)
Bus or taxi 20 km (12 mi) to the park gate; 30 min drive.Bus or taxi 12 mi (20 km) to the park gate; 30 min drive.
0.5 h
Open the page →
From El Chaltén
Road 220 km (137 mi) north of the park; shuttle or car.Road 137 mi (220 km) north of the park; shuttle or car.
3 h
Open the page →
From Buenos Aires
Fly to El Calafate (≈3 h), then ground transport.
≈4 h total
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Perito Moreno sector | Glacier viewpoint, boat tours, visitor centre. | Open with entry ticket. |
| El Chaltén sector | Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, trail network. | Guide required for backcountry routes. |
| Lago Roca area | Campsite, horseback rides, lesser‑visited glaciers. | Limited facilities; permit for camping. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates based on official park centre and major landmarks; approximate for planning.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (Perito Moreno zone) | ARS 100 | person | Mandatory at the visitor centre near El Calafate. |
| Guide for Fitz Roy trek | ARS 12,000–18,000 | group | — |
| Boat to Upsala Glacier | ARS 5,000–8,000 | person | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Fitz Roy trek permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- ARS 100
- ARS 12,000–18,000
- ARS 5,000–8,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Los Glaciares National Park – official site before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without park authority permission.check
- Guides
- Mandatory for Fitz Roy and any backcountry trek.
- Camping
- Only in designated sites; free camping prohibited.
- Fire
- Open fires forbidden; use camp stoves only.
- Pets
- Dogs allowed only on leashes in visitor areas.
Where to stay
Near the park
El Calafate hotels
Range from budget hostels to upscale lodges.
Near the park
El Chaltén hostels
Backpacker‑friendly, close to trailheads.
In the park
Lago Roca campsite
Basic facilities, reservation required.
Safety
Falling ice high
Rapid weather change medium
Remote location medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre and Perito Moreno boardwalk are wheelchair‑accessible.
- Trailheads for Fitz Roy involve steep, uneven terrain; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally‑run accommodations.
- Use authorized guides and boat operators.
- Carry out all waste; no littering in the park.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Los Glaciares National Park?
Entry is AR$100 per adult at the Perito Moreno gate; children under 12 enter free.
What are the best hikes in Los Glaciares National Park?
Perito Moreno short walk (easy) and the Fitz Roy full‑day trek from El Chaltén (hard, guide required) are the top options.
When is the best time to visit Los Glaciares National Park?
Late spring to early autumn (Nov–Mar) offers the most stable weather and open trails.
Can I camp near Perito Moreno Glacier?
No; camping is only allowed in designated sites such as Lago Roca, not near the glacier.
Do I need a guide for boat tours to Upsala Glacier?
Guides are not mandatory for boat tours, but operators must be licensed by the park.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go