Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

A breathtaking Patagonian wilderness, this park is famous for its massive glaciers, including the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, which offers spectacular...

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares at a Glance

Location
Southern Patagonia & Fuegian Coast, Argentina, Central & South America
Coordinates
-49.978996, -73.137825
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Nearest airport: Aeroclub El Chaltén, 66 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares occur in February, averaging 12.3°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 254.0mm. Average humidity: 72.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 11.9°C (rainfall: 375.2mm)
  • February: 12.3°C (rainfall: 344.8mm)
  • March: 10.4°C (rainfall: 459.6mm)
  • April: 8.3°C (rainfall: 397.8mm)
  • May: 5.8°C (rainfall: 317.2mm)
  • June: 4.0°C (rainfall: 254.0mm)
  • July: 3.0°C (rainfall: 310.0mm)
  • August: 4.2°C (rainfall: 316.7mm)
  • September: 5.1°C (rainfall: 316.2mm)
  • October: 7.3°C (rainfall: 436.0mm)
  • November: 8.9°C (rainfall: 274.6mm)
  • December: 10.3°C (rainfall: 277.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 11.95°C, rainfall 375.2mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 61.9%
  • February: Poor, temperature 12.29°C, rainfall 344.8mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 62.7%
  • March: Poor, temperature 10.37°C, rainfall 459.6mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 66.1%
  • April: Poor, temperature 8.33°C, rainfall 397.8mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 68.8%
  • May: Poor, temperature 5.85°C, rainfall 317.2mm, sunshine 4.1 hrs, humidity 71.8%
  • June: Poor, temperature 4.03°C, rainfall 254mm, sunshine 3.2 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • July: Poor, temperature 2.95°C, rainfall 310mm, sunshine 3.2 hrs, humidity 68.8%
  • August: Poor, temperature 4.24°C, rainfall 316.7mm, sunshine 3.8 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • September: Poor, temperature 5.07°C, rainfall 316.2mm, sunshine 5.4 hrs, humidity 65%
  • October: Poor, temperature 7.34°C, rainfall 436mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 62.6%
  • November: Poor, temperature 8.94°C, rainfall 274.6mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 61.8%
  • December: Poor, temperature 10.35°C, rainfall 277.9mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 60.7%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Home to 10 recorded species including 4 birds of prey, 3 waterbirds, 2 predators, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Based on average temperature of 7.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 66%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 8°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

2 safari lodges available.

luxury

Similar Parks in Southern Patagonia & Fuegian Coast

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Los Glaciares is a place where you truly feel the raw power of nature; the thunderous roar of ice calving from Perito Moreno is an experience that stays with you long after you've left. We love the contrast of the ancient ice fields against the vibrant Patagonian steppe, offering a unique blend of adventure and awe-inspiring beauty that few places on Earth can match. It's a truly timeless landscape.

Gate Times

The park generally opens at 8 AM and closes around 6 PM, though specific trail access times can vary seasonally, especially for longer treks. We always recommend checking the official park website for the latest updates, particularly for the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways, which can have timed entry during peak season (December-February). An entrance fee is required, payable at the gate or online, and we suggest booking online to save time and ensure entry during busy periods.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Argentina. For a full-day trekking guide, we suggest around 10-15 USD per person, or 5-10 USD for a half-day boat tour guide. For drivers on longer excursions, a few dollars is a kind gesture. It's best to tip in Argentine Pesos or US Dollars, and always discreetly at the end of the service. We find it's a nice way to acknowledge excellent service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Argentina

Travel advisory for Argentina

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional Los Glaciares to witness the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier calving events and enjoy optimal conditions?

The austral summer, from November to March, is considered the best time to visit, offering the most favorable weather for exploring and the highest chance of witnessing dramatic calving events at Perito Moreno. During this period, you can also enjoy a full range of activities like boat tours and ice trekking on the glaciers.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, and what safety precautions should I take regarding pumas?

Beyond guanacos and diverse waterfowl, keep an eye out for the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead and, with luck, elusive pumas in more remote areas. While puma encounters are rare, always hike in groups, make noise, and never approach wildlife; park rangers can provide specific guidance on safe practices.

What are the typical entry fees and additional costs for popular activities like glacier trekking or boat tours in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares?

The park entry fee for non-residents is typically around $20-30 USD, payable in Argentine Pesos, and is valid for one day. Popular activities like the 'Big Ice' trekking on Perito Moreno or boat tours to Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers are separate and can range from $100-300+ USD, so budget accordingly.

Given its Patagonian location, what specific malaria precautions should I consider when visiting Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, which is listed with a moderate risk?

While Patagonia is generally considered low-risk for malaria, it's prudent to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent, especially during warmer months. Always protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.

How does the low crowding level (1/5) at Parque Nacional Los Glaciares impact the visitor experience, and what unique opportunities does it present?

The low crowding level means you can often enjoy the breathtaking glacial landscapes and wilderness trails with a greater sense of solitude and tranquility, especially outside the main Perito Moreno viewpoints. This allows for more intimate wildlife viewing opportunities and a deeper connection with Patagonia's pristine environment.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.