National park · Argentina
Perito Moreno National ParkParque Nacional Perito Moreno
Skip the park unless you have a guide, self‑sufficient gear and 2–3 days for a backcountry trek; otherwise visit Los Glaciares for easier access.
- 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
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,268 km² (490 sq mi)490 sq mi (1,268 km²)
approximate
Established
1937
Best months
Dec–Feb
UNESCO
None
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
- 1,268 km² (490 sq mi)490 sq mi (1,268 km²)
- The park covers 126,830 ha (≈1,268 km²); figures are consistent across Argentine park authority sources.
- Established
- 1937
- Best months
- Dec–Feb
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- El Chaltén
Perito Moreno National Park is a remote high‑Andean wilderness with eight glacial lakes, steep peaks and scarce wildlife, accessible only by multi‑day backcountry trekking.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1937.
Size and age
1,268 km² (490 sq mi)490 sq mi (1,268 km²) · national park since 1937
The park covers 126,830 ha (≈1,268 km²); figures are consistent across Argentine park authority sources.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: El Chaltén.
Why go
- Remote high‑Andean wilderness with eight glacial lakes and steep peaks.
- Rare wildlife such as guanacos, Andean condors and endemic felids.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guanaco, puma, South Andean deerAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Andean condor, Andean goose, other birdsAll 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 Chaltén
Bus or private transfer to the park trailhead, then hike 20 km (12 mi) into the park.Bus or private transfer to the park trailhead, then hike 12 mi (20 km) into the park.
4–6 h walk
Open the page →
From El Calafate
Bus to El Chaltén (≈3 h) then follow above route.
≈7 h total
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Backcountry zone | All interior of the park – mountains, lakes, valleys. | Only on foot with guide; no roads or facilities. |
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.
Positions are approximate centre points for orientation.
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 | Free | person | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Backcountry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Camping
- Only backcountry camping permitted; no established sites.
- Guides
- Recommended for all routes; some sections require a registered guide.
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use a portable stove.
- Leave no trace
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
El Chaltén hostels
Dorms and private rooms; base for park treks.
Safety
Sudden weather change high
Navigation errors high
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
- No vehicle access; all routes require walking on uneven terrain.
Visiting lightly
- Follow strict waste‑carry‑out rules.
- Hire local guides to support the regional economy.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Perito Moreno National Park?
There is no formal entrance fee; you must register a backcountry permit, which is free but requires paperwork (check).
What are the best hikes in Perito Moreno National Park?
Cerro Heros summit (hard) and the Lago Burmeister lakeside trek (moderate) are the most popular routes, both needing a guide.
When is the best time to visit Perito Moreno National Park?
Summer months (December to February) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight for trekking.
Can I camp inside the park without a guide?
Backcountry camping is allowed, but a registered guide is strongly recommended for safety and navigation.
How do I get to the park from El Chaltén?
Take a bus or private transfer to the trailhead 20 km north of town, then hike 4–6 hours into the park.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Perito Moreno National Park
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