Destination List > Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park

Photo by Su-May

The history...

The story of Los Glaciares National Park begins eons ago when colossal glaciers slowly carved out the breathtaking valleys, fjords, and towering peaks that define this remote corner of Patagonia. These glaciers, remnants of the last Ice Age, are some of the largest outside of Antarctica and Greenland.

As you traverse the park's pristine terrain, you can't help but marvel at the forces of nature that have shaped it over millennia. The immense ice fields, such as the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, continue to advance, creating massive ice formations that dramatically collapse into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino. It's a timeless spectacle of nature's power and persistence.

The history of human interaction with this rugged wilderness is relatively recent in comparison to the age-old glaciers. Indigenous Tehuelche and Mapuche peoples once inhabited these lands, their nomadic lifestyles attuned to the harsh Patagonian environment. European explorers, including the legendary Francisco Moreno, ventured into this remote region in the 19th century, bringing tales of its pristine beauty back to the world.

In the early 20th century, efforts to preserve this natural wonder led to the establishment of Los Glaciares National Park in 1937. It was a testament to the growing global awareness of the need to protect our planet's most precious landscapes. Over the years, the park has expanded to encompass over 2.7 million acres, safeguarding not only the glaciers but also the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this harsh environment.

As you explore the park's rugged terrain, you encounter diverse wildlife, from elusive pumas to Andean condors soaring high above the jagged peaks. The park's history is intertwined with the ongoing efforts to protect and conserve these delicate ecosystems, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations.