Los Glaciares National Park was created in order to preserve a large area of continental ices and glaciers of the Andean-Patagonian forest, and samples of the Patagonian steppe.
The protected area was designated as such in 1937. In 1971 the government established the law that defined the present boundaries and zoning as a national park and national reserve. UNESCO declared this place as a World Heritage Site of Humanity in 1981, due to its spectacular beauty, its glaciological and geomorphologic interest, and species of fauna in danger of extinction.
Its area is uo to 724,000 hectares located in the southwestern province of Santa Cruz on the border with Chile and the region known as the Southern Andes of Argentina.Los Glaciares National Park comprises a highly particular scenario, full of mountains, lakes and forests, including a large portion of the Cordillera de los Andes fully ice covered.
Its name is due to the presence of numerous glaciers that originate in the Great Ice Field (the largest ice sheet in the world after the Antarctic), which occupies almost half of the park. With a total area of approximately 2,600 km2, the so called "Patagonian Continental Ice", feeds 47 large glaciers, of which 13 fall into the Atlantic Basin. There are also more than 200 glaciers of lesser magnitude, independent of the Patagonian Icefield.
Although large ice masses are found on our planet at over 2500 meters above sea level (m) glaciers in the province of Santa Cruz have their origin at only 1500 meters of altitude and descend to 200 meters, allowing access and display unique in the world.
As a result of the melting of this vast system, two large lakes are originated: Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, which flow into the Atlantic Ocean across the province through the Santa Cruz River. In the south of the park you will find the largest glacier known as the Perito Moreno . This expands on the waters of the South Branch of Lago Argentino with a front of 5 km and a height of 60 meters above the lake. The nearest town to the glacier is El Calafate the epicenter of all activities and services.
At the other end of the Park lie the highest peaks with the most diverse granite forms of the southern Argentinean Mountains, which along with forests, glaciers and lakes are one of the most extraordinary spectacles of the country. The maximum height is Mount Fitz Roy or Chaltén (3405m) and Cerro Torre (3102 m). In such a scenario is the small town of El Chalten, which attracts many mountaineers and trekking enthusiasts.
Without any doubts, this national park is one of the most charming and particular in the world.... Currently, the park hosts a large number of visitors from around the world in all seasons, offering an unforgettable and unique experience.
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