The most spectacular glaciers in the Los Glaciares National Park
Perito Moreno Glacier, photo by Matito/Flickr
The wonderful national park named Los Glaciares is situated in the Santa Cruz Province, in the region of Patagonia. It is a World Heritage Site since 1981 and occupies a surface of about 4.400 km². The national park is of an outstanding natural beauty, being home to some spectacular glaciers.
Being the second largest national park in the country, it is home to a huge ice cap which feeds a large number of glaciers, more precisely 47. An interesting thing about these glaciers is that unlike other glaciers which are situated at a height of about 2.500 m, the glaciers in the Los Glaciares National Park start at a height of 1.500 m. If you would like to find out more about them, read the following article.
The Perito Moreno Glacier
This glacier is considered one of the most significant tourist attractions in the region of Patagonia. The spectacular ice formation occupies a surface of about 250 km² and has a length of about 30 km. An important thing about the glacier is that it is still growing. The glacier provokes ruptures every 4 to 5 years. It is a very popular tourist destination due to its size and location. It is situated closely to the city of El Calafate from which it takes two hours by bus to get to. There are organized daily visits to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. There is even a visitor centre nearby the glacier which provides walking tours for visitors who will have the occasion to admire both the surface and the face of the glacier. Visitors can also opt for a trekking tour on the ice, as it is possible at the fantastic Perito Moreno.
Perito Moreno Glacier, photo by Matito/Flickr
The Viedma Glacier
The breathtaking valley glacier flows into the lake with the same name. The lake is fed primarily by the glacier’s melting ice. It occupies a surface of more than 20 km² and its terminus has a width of about 2 km. The Viedma Glacier is of an outstanding beauty, but unfortunately not as popular as the Perito Moreno Glacier. In spite of it, there are also organized tours to the glacier. Visitors will also have to take the bus from El Calafate. They will have the occasion to join a group and admire the fantastic landscape on horseback, sail on the spectacular Viedma Lake and trek on the ice. The boat trip takes the visitors right to the front of the glacier. It is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.
Viedma Glacier and Lake, photo by Liam Quinn/Flickr
The Upsala Glacier
Being famous for its rapid retreat, the spectacular valley glacier was named after the university which sponsored for the first time the studies in the region. The Upsala Glacier flows into the Argentino Lake. It is considered one of the longest glaciers in South America. Of course, there are also organized tours to the glacier. Visitors can opt for a sailing tour which takes them to the front of the magnificent glacier. Not only the glacier itself is an attraction of the area, but the breathtaking landscape, too. The floating icebergs are also outstanding, making the tour a memorable experience.
Upsala Glacier, photo by papajuan74/Flickr
