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This National Park was created to preserve an extensive area of ​​continental and glacial ice, the southern Andean-Patagonian forest, and samples of the Patagonian steppe.

The protected area was created as such in 1937. In 1971, through Law No. 19,292, the current limits and the zoning of the national park and national reserve were established.



It extends over an area of ​​724,000 hectares located in the southwest of the Province of Santa Cruz.



The Park belongs to the eco-regions of the Patagonian forest and steppe and the High Andes.

The climate in the area is temperate humid. The average annual temperature is 7.5 ° C, registering an average of 0.6 ° C in winter, while in summer it is 13.4 ° C. The decrease in rainfall as we move away from the mountain range is notable. Climatic variations and relief are the fundamental factors that allow the existence of well differentiated environments.

Remember that you are visiting a protected area, therefore it is recommended to respect the rules established for better conservation of the region.



If you visit the national park by vehicle, remember that the access roads are not paved.



Travel on the gravel road with caution, at low speed and with the lights on. Use seat belt.



It is recommended to bring an extra spare wheel, as well as extra fuel.



In winter season it is advisable to gather information on the state of passability of the routes, use covers with nails or chains, extra shelter, hot water, food and a heater.





Departing from the city of Río Gallegos, you go through Provincial Routes No. 5 and National No. 40. Continuing along Provincial Route No. 11 you reach the city of El Calafate; distant 50 km from the National Park. There is a distance of 316 km between the cities of Río Gallegos and El Calafate. From the city of El Calafate you arrive at the town of El Chaltén, in the northern part of the protected area, traveling along Provincial Route No. 11, National Route No. 40 and finally Provincial Route No. 23. There are land transportation from different places from the country. By air you can access the international airport of El Calafate.



Due to its spectacular beauty, its glaciological and geomorphological interest, and the species of its fauna in danger of extinction, UNESCO in 1981 declared this place as a World Heritage Site of Humanity.

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