The glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Argentina, are a dramatic sight to behold. The immense ice fields and the endless horizon of snow-capped mountains are something that many travelers dream of seeing in their lifetime. And with over 12 glaciers and a constantly shifting landscape, a trek through this national park is both physically challenging and visually rewarding.
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What You Need to Know Before Glacier Hiking in Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is located in Santa Cruz Province in southern Argentina. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981, and encompasses some of Patagonia’s most spectacular scenery including Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Cerro Solo and numerous other mountain peaks. The park also contains several large lakes including Lago Argentino which has its own impressive glacial formations.
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The glaciers at Los Glaciares National Park are truly stunning; they stretch across the landscape like massive rivers of ice dotted with deep crevasses and towering ice walls up to 200 feet high. As you trek through the park you’ll be able to see these vast ice fields up close, as well as witness how they move and change over time due to melting and freezing temperatures. There are many trails that you can take, too. Depending on your level of expertise, you can choose from easy hikes that will take you around the base of Mount Fitz Roy or more intense hikes that will bring you up close and personal with some of the park’s glaciers. Every trail has something unique to offer—from breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks to thrilling glacier crossings—so there really is something for every type of traveler.
The entry fee to Los Glaciares National Park is approximately $30 per person. This fee will grant access to all the trails and facilities within the park for up to seven days. If you plan on exploring the park for longer than seven days, you’ll need to pay an additional $20 for each extra week. And if you plan on camping inside of the park, there’s an extra fee of $12 per person per night.
The cost of a glacier hike depends on which route you choose and how long of a hike you want to do. For example, a 3-hour round-trip glacier hike with a professional guide will typically cost anywhere from $100-$200 depending on the number of participants. The price may also go up if you require specialized equipment such as crampons or ice axes, but these items can usually be rented at a discounted rate from local tour companies. 