El Chalten's Glaciers - More Than Just Ice

El Chalten's Glaciers - More Than Just Ice

Los Glacieres National Park in southern Patagonia is a destination for glacier trekkers, but the surrounding area offers so much more than just the chance to observe miles upon miles of ice. The opal glacial lakes, the patchwork colored soils, the distinctive wildlife, its isolated estancias all these make the dominant white ice fields come alive with color.

The small town of El Chalten has recently become the hiker's hub for those eager to explore Los Glacieres. You can find lodging, restaurants, bars, and plenty of tour agencies and equipment stores where you can prepare for your excursion. Although many of the hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty, and do not require guides or technical equipment, for many of these hikes its best to climb with experienced and certified mountain guides, and to have the proper trekking equipment. But for those who are not serious hikers, or who want a change of pace, there are many other options for activities near El Chalten.

Alternatives to glacier treks include boat cruises along the Lago Argentino or the numerous lagoons, visits to nearby estancias where you can go horseback riding, watch a sheep shearing demonstration, and indulge in delicious homecooked meals and traditional Patagonia barbeque, and at night, go stargazing, as southern Patagonia has some of the crispest, clearest night skies.

The Lago Viedma boat cruise is one of the most popular of the cruises. After an hour long cruise along the crystal clear waters of the lake, the boat will dock on the far side and allow adventurous trekkers to disembark. Thrill seekers like this route because they can reach Viedma Glacier, the largest in Los Glacieres National Park, from here. But several boat cruises take passengers to the lip of the glacier, where the glacier flows into the lake. From the boat the glacier's immensity and powerful forces are clearly visible.

It's also a good idea to check out El Calafate, a much larger town including an airport. There is more to see and do in town, as well as plenty of bird watching and wildlife sighting on the huge Lago Argentino.

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