The National Park system of Argentina was created by national decree in 1934. Today, there are 30 parks that cover 4% of Argentine territory. The Patagonia region in the south, boasts some of the most beautiful among these, including Nahuel Huapí and Los Glaciares, which draw thousands of national and foreign tourists seeking to experience Argentina’s pristine and unique landscapes. Both parks can be visited throughout the year and offer excellent trekking, but Nahuel Huapí offers a greater variety of summer water sports.
Nahuel Haupí National Park is the oldest of Argentina’s park and lies within the boundaries of both the Neuquén and the Rio Negro provinces. The park was founded in 1934 with a donation of 7,000 hectares from Francisco P. Moreno. Notable sites within the park are Lake Nahuel Huapí, the 6th largest lake in Argentina, and Cerro Tronador, an inactive volcano which has seven glaciers and offers opportunities for ice climbing. The entire area abounds with mountains, lakes, forests, valleys, and streams. San Carlos de Bariloche is among the largest cities within the park; it is host to important landmarks, such as the Hotel Llao Llao and the Bariloche Cathedral, and also boasts and highly developed tourist infrastructure. Within Nahuel Huapí, travelers can enjoy numerous summer and winter sports. There are over 500 kilometers of roads and an even more extensive network of trails for hiking or horseback riding. From Nahuel Huapí it is easy to access the neighboring parks of Lanín and Los Arrayanes.
Los Glaciares National Park, created in 1937, is in the San Cruz Province and is among the largest of Argentina’s national parks. It is named after numerous glaciers within its bounds; there are 47 total. These Andean glaciers are notable for their relatively low elevation – some are at 1500 meters above sea level, whereas most glaciers in the world are at a minimum of 2500 meters – a characteristic that results from their enormous size. Major towns in the park include El Calafate and El Chaltén, both of which offer various options in lodging. Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma are the major bodies of water. Most glaciers, including PeritoMoreno, are on Lake Argentino. The three-peaked Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy are two other well-known landmarks and both attract mountain climbers seeking a unique adventure. Numerous Andean species, such as the condor, guanano, and red fox, populate the park. Travelers can visit this part as part of independent or guided trekking tours or on cruises through the Patagonian lakes, including those in Chile.
