Lago Argentino Department: Glaciers, Trails and Culture
Accommodation in Lago Argentino Department
At Moreno Glacier, a circuit of boardwalks and viewpoints stretches for more than 4.5 kilometers to the glacier front. In Lago Argentino Department, long mountain hikes, lakes and rock art add to the glacier experience. Those planning a stay here can choose from a range of nature and cultural themes.
Glaciers and Trails
Los Glaciares National Park covers 726,927 hectares and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Trekking with crampons and specialized guides is offered on the ice of Perito Moreno Glacier. The circuit at Moreno Glacier and the trek on the ice offer different perspectives on the glacier area: one follows boardwalks and viewpoints to the glacier front, while the other takes place on the ice.
The hikes around El Chaltén also offer different experiences. The trail over Cerro Torre leads to Laguna Torre; the round trip is 18 kilometers. The Fitz Roy, or Chaltén, hike to Laguna de los Tres covers 25 kilometers and takes eight to nine hours. Another excursion goes to Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, six kilometers from El Chaltén. This half-day excursion can also be done on foot.
Lakes, Mountains and Excursions
Provincial Reserve Lago del Desierto offers a different kind of landscape: the long, narrow lake is surrounded by lenga and ñire forests and enclosed by mountains. A boat trip on Lago Argentino reaches Spegazzini Glacier. There is a trail, a shelter and viewpoints there. Puerto Punta Bandera is 47 kilometers from El Calafate and can be reached via the paved provincial roads RP 11 and RP 8.
Another way to experience the landscape is the Cabalgata Cristales. The horseback ride follows the CordĂłn de los Cristales along the southern arm of Lago Argentino and takes three hours. In terms of duration, it is quite different from the eight to nine hours required for the hike to Laguna de los Tres. The different distances and time estimates can help you choose excursions to suit your plans.
Rock Art and Special Places
Near Tres Lagos, Piedra Clavada rises as a geological formation more than 20 meters high, offering views of the RĂo Shehuen. The town also has sites with petroglyphs and rock art. Twenty kilometers southeast of Tres Lagos is a petrified forest: it is 90 million years old and contains preserved standing trees up to 90 meters tall. Together, these places show that, in addition to glaciers and mountain trails, the region offers geological and cultural attractions.
Estancia Nibepo Aike in Los Glaciares National Park welcomes guests who can experience life at an authentic Patagonian estancia there. Glacio Bar is a very different kind of place: an ice bar in the basement of the Glaciarium. These examples add special destinations to hikes and landscape visits, each offering a distinct experience.
Plan Your Hotel Stay
The starting points, trail lengths and estimated times listed above provide specific information to help you plan. Choose based on the destinations you would like to include in your stay and how much time you want to set aside for each excursion.
Discover more destinations: El Chalten, El Calafate, Lago Viedma, Colonia Francisco Perito Moreno, Charles Fuhr, Lago San MartĂn, Los Antiguos, Lago Buenos Aires Department.
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