Los Glaciares National Park is one of Argentina’s most impressive and largest parks. It’s situated in the southeast of Santa Cruz province and runs along the border with Chile. The park, as its name suggests, boasts a spectacular group of glaciers. Over 30 per cent of the park is covered by the Southern Ice Cap, from which 47 major glaciers descend. Perito Moreno, a stunning field ice which towers some 60 metres above the lake surface, stretches along the southern arm of Lago Argentino. Glacier Upsala, 50 km long and 10km wide, fills the north arm of the same lake.

El Calafate, 50km away, is the nearest town. From here there are daily trips by bus or boat to the various glaciers. Over 200 km to the northwest is El Chalten from where you can trek to the Fitzroy massif with its fairytale peaks, the highest being 3,400 metres. Los Glaciares was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1981 not just for its massive ice formations but for its diverse flora, which includes native trees such as the nothofagas pumilio, lenga, nire, coihue and guindo, and fauna such as the puma, huemul (small deer), guanaco (a camelid), Patagonian fox, condor, nandu (small ostrich-like bird), black-necked swan and the black Patagonian woodpecker.

The average summer temperature is around 13°C and the average winter temperature drops to around 1°C or below. El Calafate has a small international airport. Buses regularly leave for El Chalten at the park’s northern end. Roads into the park are gravel surfaced so drive with caution. If driving, it’s advisable to take extra fuel. In winter, it’s imperative to check that the roads are passable before setting out. Park Administration, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Avenida Libertador 1302, El Calafate, Santa Cruz. Tel: +54 (0) 290 2491 005  or +54 (0) 290 2491 545 or see Parques Nacionales.