Glacier National Park is one of the beauties of Argentina which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Must ice fields, which together occupy an area of approximately 2600 km². From these 47 major glaciers descend. The best known is the Perito Moreno glacier, which expands upon the waters of the South Arm of Lake Argentino, with a front of 5 km. and a height, above the lake level of 60 meters.
General aspects
The National Park comprises a scenery of mountains, lakes and forests, including a large portion of the Cordillera de los Andes practically covered with ice and snow to the west and the arid Patagonian steppe east.
It owes its name to the presence of numerous glaciers that originate in the great Patagonian Icefield mantle -the world’s largest ice after Antarctica- which occupies almost half of the park. Also known as Patagonian Ice Cap, feeds 47 large glaciers, of which 13 descend toward the Atlantic basin. In addition there are over 200 glaciers lesser extent, independent of the Patagonian Ice Field.
While large ice masses are usually found on our planet over 2500 meters above sea level (masl) glaciers in the province of Santa Cruz originate only 1500 m altitude and descend to 200 meters, allowing access and display unique in the world.
Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, which empty into the Atlantic Ocean across the province through the Santa Cruz River: As a result of melting of this immense system, two large lakes originate.
Perito Moreno Glacier
In the south of the Park is the most famous of all glaciers: Perito Moreno Glacier. It owes its fame to its continuous movement, which produces a cyclical phenomenon of advance and retreat with spectacular landslides your ice front. The closer to the glacier village is El Calafate, center of all activities and services.
Monte Fitz Roy
At the other end of the park’s highest peaks and most diverse forms of granite ridge, which together with forests, glaciers and lakes are one of the most extraordinary places in our country are located. The highest point is Mount Fitz Roy or Chalten (3405m) and Torre (3102 m) mountain. In that scenario is the small town of El Chalten, which attracts many climbers and trekkers.
Upsala Glacier
The Upsala glacier, located on the north branch of the same lake, is the largest; exhibits a length of 50 km and a width of about 10 km away.The northern sector of the park is the imposing Fitz Roy massif stands out for its height (3405 meters) and its monumental aspect of steep slopes by lowering glaciers with the environment of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Spegazzini Glacier
The Spegazzini glacier is one of the most important glaciers of Glacier National Park, located in the department Lago Argentino, Santa Cruz, Patagonia, Argentina. In the top section borders the province of Ultima Esperanza, Magallanes, Chile. Its main feature is the height of his forehead, which reaches 135 m, making it the highest in the Los Glaciares National Park.
It has an area of 66 km² and an average width of 1.5 km. It is seated on the Spegazzini arm of Lake Argentino. To get there are excursions from Puerto Bandera, sailing the North called arm until it divides north in the arm Upsala, Upsala Glacier where you are, and south Spegazzini arm; Spegazzini arm on the Seco Glacier, which reaches not lead him also currency. The vegetation around it produces a marked color contrast produced by glacial erosion, moisture, wind and sun
There are various options to see and admire, Perito Moreno Glacier, Upsala and Spegazzini; Rock Lake; Laguna Onelli; Zona del Cerro Chalten or Fitz Roy; Ice Field. Lago del Desierto -a 37 km from El Chalten, RP 23-, with mature forests, glaciers and brooks.
Suggestions
Remember to visit a protected area, therefore it is recommended to respect the established norms for better conservation of the region.
• If you visit the national park by car remember that the roads are not paved.
• Transite the gravel with caution at low speed and with the lights. Use your seatbelt.
• You should carry a wheel for extra help, as well as fuel more.
• In winter season it is advisable to gather information on the state of trafficability of routes, using covered with studs or chains, Extra warm, hot water, food and heater.
• The ice fields occupy a total area of approximately 2,600 km2. From these 47 major glaciers descend.
• The best known is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which expands upon the waters of the South Arm of Lake Argentino with a front of 5 km and a height of 60 meters above the lake.
