The park supports diverse wildlife adapted to its harsh environment. The most iconic species include the Andean condor, with its impressive 3-meter wingspan, and the elusive puma. Other notable mammals include guanacos (wild relatives of llamas), Andean foxes, and the endangered huemul (South Andean deer). The park's waters host various bird species, including black-browed albatrosses, steamer ducks, and flamingos in the lakes. Several species of eagles and hawks patrol the skies, while smaller birds like the Magellanic woodpecker and Austral parakeet inhabit the forests. The glacial lakes contain native fish species, including various trout varieties.
The park's vegetation varies dramatically with altitude and precipitation gradients. The eastern regions feature Patagonian steppe with hardy grasses and small shrubs adapted to wind and drought. Moving westward, the vegetation transitions to Andean-Patagonian forest dominated by Southern Beech trees (Nothofagus), including lenga and ñire species. The understory contains various flowering plants, including striking orchids and calafate berries. Above the treeline, around 1,000-1,500 meters, alpine vegetation includes cushion plants, hardy perennials, and lichens that have adapted to extreme conditions. The park also harbors numerous endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth.
The park's dramatic landscape was shaped by massive glacial activity during the last ice age and continues to be modified by the remaining ice fields. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the largest continental ice mass outside Antarctica and Greenland, feeds 47 major glaciers within the park. The underlying geology consists primarily of granite and metamorphic rocks formed during the Paleozoic era, with subsequent uplift during the Andean orogeny creating the dramatic mountain peaks. The most notable geological features include the towering peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, formed from granite plutons that were pushed up through older sedimentary rocks approximately 100 million years ago.
Los Glaciares National Park was established in 1937 to protect the region's unique glacial landscapes and ecosystems. The area has been home to indigenous peoples, including the Tehuelche, for thousands of years before European exploration began in the late 19th century. Francisco Moreno, an Argentine explorer, conducted significant research in the region in the 1870s, and the Perito Moreno Glacier bears his name. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 in recognition of its exceptional natural beauty and scientific importance. Throughout its history, the park has played a crucial role in border disputes between Argentina and Chile, ultimately contributing to peaceful resolution and international cooperation in glacier research.
The park's most famous attraction is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, known for its spectacular ice calving events. Mount Fitz Roy (also known as Cerro Chaltén) and Cerro Torre stand as iconic peaks, drawing climbers from around the globe. Lake Argentino, the largest ice-originated lake in Argentina, features stunning turquoise waters and serves as a base for boat tours to various glaciers. The Upsala Glacier, the largest in South America, and the Spegazzini Glacier, known for its towering ice walls, are other significant features. The park also contains numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks, offering visitors diverse ways to experience its natural wonders.
Los Glaciares National Park experiences a cold temperate climate with significant variations between seasons. Summers (December to February) are mild with average temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F), while winters (June to August) are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The park receives considerable precipitation, particularly on the western side near the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, where annual rainfall can exceed 6,000mm. Strong westerly winds known locally as 'williwaws' are common throughout the year, with peak intensity during spring and summer months. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for sudden shifts from sunshine to rain or snow, even during summer months.
Argentina
-50.0000°, -73.2500°
1937
7269.27
Los Glaciares National Park is home to some of the world's most famous glaciers, including the Perito Moreno Glacier. The park contains vast ice fields, dramatic mountain peaks including Mount Fitz Roy, and pristine lakes. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance.