How to Find the Los Glaciares Park Entrance

Los Glaciares National Park is split into different regions. The most popular access point is the Rio Mitre sector. This is the main Los Glaciares park entrance for those visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier. It is located about 30 miles (50 km) from El Calafate. Most travelers reach this gate by car or shuttle bus. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes along Route 11.

Another vital entry point is Puerto Bandera. This is the water-based gateway for boat tours heading to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. You will find ticket checks here before boarding your vessel. If you are a hiker, you may head north to the El Chaltén sector. While there is no formal pay booth at the trailheads there, it remains a key part of the park. Checking can you buy park tickets online in Argentina can help you skip lines at these gates.

The park management ensures that visitors follow strict rules to protect the environment. You should note that entry permits are usually valid for one day. However, many visitors opt for a second-day pass at a discount. Always keep your physical or digital ticket handy at all times. Park rangers often check them at various viewpoints throughout the day.

Top 10 Sights Near the Los Glaciares Park Entrance

When you pass through the gates, a world of ice and granite awaits. Here are the top ten specific places and experiences to include in your itinerary. These range from iconic glacial faces to hidden lagoons near the city center.

1. Name: Perito Moreno Glacier
   Type: Sight
   Why go: It is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and offers stunning ruptures.
   Best for: Photographers and first-time visitors.
   Where: Magallanes Peninsula.
   Time: 4-6 hours.
   Cost: Park admission fee apply.
   Getting there: Bus or car from El Calafate.
   Tip: Visit in the afternoon when the sun hits the ice for better photos. Read our Perito Moreno glacier guide for more details.
2. Name: Spegazzini Glacier
   Type: Sight
   Why go: This is the highest glacier in the park with walls reaching 135 meters.
   Best for: People seeking dramatic towering ice heights.
   Where: Reachable via boat from Puerto Bandera.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: High (includes boat tour).
   Getting there: Spegazzini glacier cruise.
   Tip: Book the early morning cruise to avoid the largest crowds.
3. Name: Glaciarium Museo del Hielo
   Type: Museum
   Why go: Learn about ice formation and climate change in a modern facility.
   Best for: Rainy days and families.
   Where: 6 km outside El Calafate.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: Moderate.
   Getting there: Free shuttle from the town center.
   Tip: Visit the ice bar downstairs for a drink in a glass made of ice. See our Glaciarium ice museum guide.
4. Name: Laguna Nimez Reserve
   Type: Nature
   Why go: Excellent bird watching with views of flamingos against the Andes.
   Best for: Nature lovers and peaceful walks.
   Where: Walking distance from El Calafate.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Low.
   Getting there: Walk from the main street (Avenida del Libertador).
   Tip: Go at sunset for the best lighting over the water. Check Laguna Nimez reserve tips before you go.
5. Name: Mount Fitz Roy
   Type: Nature
   Why go: Iconic jagged peak that defines the skyline of Northern Patagonia.
   Best for: Expert hikers.
   Where: El Chaltén sector (North side).
   Time: Full day (8-10 hour hike).
   Cost: Free (trail access).
   Getting there: 3-hour bus from El Calafate.
   Tip: Start before dawn if you want to see the peaks glow red at sunrise. Read more about El Chaltén day trips.
6. Name: Walichu Caves
   Type: Experience
   Why go: See ancient rock paintings and geological formations overlooking Lake Argentino.
   Best for: History buffs.
   Where: 7 km east of El Calafate.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: Moderate.
   Getting there: Taxi or bike rental.
   Tip: Look for the replica paintings that explain the original Tehuelche art.
7. Name: Estancia Cristina
   Type: Experience
   Why go: A historic ranch reachable only by boat with incredible Upsala Glacier views.
   Best for: Combining history and remote nature.
   Where: Northwest arm of Lake Argentino.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: High.
   Getting there: Boat tour from Puerto Bandera.
   Tip: Visit the museum inside the old shearing shed to see how pioneers lived.
8. Name: Upsala Glacier
   Type: Sight
   Why go: One of the largest glaciers in South America, though it is rapidly receding.
   Best for: Seeing massive icebergs.
   Where: Reachable via Boat only.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: High.
   Getting there: Catamaran tours.
   Tip: Check current accessibility as ice floes often block the path to the front.
9. Name: La Leona Petrified Forest
   Type: Day trip
   Why go: Walk among fossilized trees and dinosaur bones in a lunar landscape.
   Best for: People wanting a break from the ice landscapes.
   Where: Route 40, halfway to El Chaltén.
   Time: 6-7 hours.
   Cost: Moderate.
   Getting there: Guided tour only.
   Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is dusty and uneven.
10. Name: Cerro Frías Viewpoint
    Type: Viewpoint
    Why go: Offers 360-degree views of the Andes, Lake Argentino, and the park.
    Best for: Quick panoramic photos.
    Where: 25 km from El Calafate.
    Time: Half-day.
    Cost: Moderate.
    Getting there: 4x4 tour or horseback.
    Tip: Keep an eye out for guanacos and condors frequently seen here.

Pro Tips for Using Your Los Glaciares Entry Ticket

Navigating the Los Glaciares park entrance requires a little bit of planning. For the 2026 season, expect prices to adjust for inflation. You can check the latest Los Glaciares national park ticket prices 2026 online before you travel. Buying your ticket in advance using the official government website is highly recommended. This allows you to bypass the payment queue at the Rio Mitre gate.

Remember that the park has strict opening and closing hours. Usually, the gates open at 8:00 AM and close around 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM depending on the season. If you are driving yourself, arrive early to secure a parking spot. The lots near the Perito Moreno boardwalks fill up quickly during the peak summer months of January and February.

Finally, always respect the park regulations. Stay on the marked boardwalks and do not feed the local wildlife. The weather can change in minutes, so pack layers even in summer. By following these simple steps, you will enjoy a seamless entry into one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Make sure to visit the Administración de Parques Nacionales site for official safety alerts.