Top 10 Glaciers in Argentine Patagonia
The Argentine side of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is the most visited glacier region in South America. El Calafate is the base for the calving-front cruises and Perito Moreno; El Chalten serves the mountaineering side around Fitz Roy. The Northern Ice Field section in Aysen is far quieter and Chilean-administered, so this list focuses on the south.
1. Perito Moreno
The world's most famous calving glacier, periodically dam-breaks against the Magallanes Peninsula. Boardwalks from the park entrance bring you within fifty metres of the face.
2. Upsala
The largest glacier on the Argentine side of the Southern Ice Field, in Lago Argentino's north arm. Visited by boat from Puerto Bandera.
3. Spegazzini
Highest calving face in Patagonia at up to 135 m. Boat day-tour out of Puerto Bandera.
4. Viedma
Drains from the ice field to Lago Viedma. Guided ice-trekking from El Chalten.
5. Onelli
A quiet glacier visited on the Puerto Bandera "all glaciers" cruise — three smaller glaciers calve into the same lake.
6. Mayo
The least-visited of the El Calafate cluster, in the southern part of Lago Argentino. Boat day-tours include it as part of the southern arm.
7. Frias
Drops from Monte Tronador near Bariloche. The classic Patagonia-light glacier, reached on a day trip from a Lake District base.
8. Castano Overa
Tronador's other tongue — the Black Glacier — covered in volcanic ash that gives it its name and a striking colour.
9. Marconi
The standard approach to the Southern Ice Field from El Chalten, used by expeditions setting out across the ice field.
10. Glaciar Torre
Fed by Cerro Torre, calves into Laguna Torre at the head of the famous El Chalten day-walk. The most painted glacier in Patagonia.
When to go
November to early April. December and January are crowded; March is the quiet sweet spot. Perito Moreno is good year-round including winter, when blue-ice photography is at its best.
See them all in one view
Filter to Argentina on the interactive map for every named ice body in Los Glaciares plus the Tronador trio in Rio Negro.