What is the largest national park in Argentina that was declared a World Heritage Site

Argentina It has an imposing system of 38 national parks throughout the country, from the southern end in the Canal de Beagle in Land of Fire until The puna in Jujuyor the marine waters of the Patagonia.

As is well known, national parks are of fundamental importance for the conservation of ecosystems with their flora and fauna. They are home to species that have already become extinct in other areas of the country and are also key to tourist activity.

On the other hand, independently of the national parks, there are also around 250 protected properties that are located in municipal, provincial or privately managed jurisdictions, such as the Important Bird Conservation Areas (AICAs).

The largest national park in Argentina was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981 and has the largest ice sheet in the world outside the polar areas. Which is it?

He Los Glaciares National Park It is the largest in Argentina because it has an area of ​​7,269 km². It is located in the province of Santa Cruz and inside are some of the most famous postcards of the country such as Lake Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

It was discovered on February 15, 1877, while Francisco Pascasio Moreno, popularly known as Perito Moreno, sailed for the first time on the Argentine Lake. On May 11, 1937 it was declared a natural reserve by the National State.

Los Glaciares National Park protects a system of mountains, lakes and glaciers, in an area of ​​726,927 ha (7,240 km²) in which an important diversity typical of the Patagonian Andean zone develops.

The park is divided into North Zone and South Zone. To the north it is accessed from El Chaltén, where the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres Mountains are some of the most emblematic. For the South Zone, from El Calafatethere is the Perito Moreno Glacier and Upsala Glacierwhich stands out for being the largest, located on the North arm of Lake Argentino, with a length of 50 km and a width of almost 10 km.

In general, the climate is windy in spring, with less wind in autumn, rainy from March to May and snowy cold in winter (from June to September) and, in the glacier and mountain area, snowy cold throughout the year.

Those who wish to visit the largest national park in Argentina should travel to the province of Santa Cruz, more precisely to the city of El Calafate.

Another option is to join El Calafate with El Chalten and take tours from this area inside the park. Finally, the last possibility is to hire a boat tour to explore Lake Argentino and some of the most surprising glaciers that are at its feet.

In addition to the most popular tours, within the National Park you can navigate Lake Argentino, hike in Chaltén, kayak, enjoy horseback riding and climb mountains.