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Argentino Lake: Patagonia's Glacial Giant

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Explore Argentina's largest lake: witness glaciers, navigate icebergs, and immerse yourself in Patagonia's stunning natural beauty.

Lago Argentino, the largest lake in Argentina, is a stunning Patagonian jewel known for its turquoise waters and the dramatic glaciers that flow into it, including the famed Perito Moreno. A boat trip on the lake offers unparalleled views of these icy giants and the surrounding landscapes.

A brief summary to Argentino Lake

  • Santa Cruz Province, AR
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Argentino Lake.

  • Bring layers of warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures on the lake can be unpredictable.
  • Book boat tours in advance, especially during peak season (November to March), to ensure availability.
  • Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the intense Patagonian sun.
  • Consider bringing binoculars for a closer view of the glaciers and wildlife.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, especially on boat tours.

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Unlock the Best of Argentino Lake

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Getting There

  • Bus

    From El Calafate, the most common way to access Argentino Lake is by bus. Several bus companies offer daily services to the lake and nearby attractions like the Perito Moreno Glacier. The bus journey from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier, which offers stunning views of Argentino Lake along the way, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. A round-trip bus ticket, including the entrance fee to the national park, costs around $70 USD. Be sure to check the bus schedules and book in advance, especially during peak season.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in El Calafate, offering a more direct route to Argentino Lake. A taxi ride from El Calafate to the lake (Punta Bandera) takes approximately 45 minutes. Expect to pay around $50-70 USD for a one-way trip. This option provides flexibility but is considerably more expensive than the bus.

  • Boat

    Many boat tours on Argentino Lake depart from Puerto Bandera, located 45 kilometers from El Calafate. To reach Puerto Bandera from El Calafate, you can take a taxi or a bus. A round-trip bus ticket from El Calafate to Puerto Bandera costs approximately $20-30 USD. Boat tour prices vary depending on the duration and inclusions, but typically range from $100 to $200 USD per person.

Discover more about Argentino Lake

Lago Argentino, or Argentino Lake, is the largest lake in Argentina and the third largest in South America, sprawling across the Santa Cruz province. This Patagonian lake is a central feature of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is famed for the numerous glaciers that feed into its waters, most notably the Perito Moreno Glacier. The lake's unique turquoise color comes from the fine sediment, known as glacial milk, produced by the glaciers' constant movement. The lake's depth varies considerably, ranging from 35 to 1000 meters. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, navigating among icebergs of vibrant hues and taking in the breathtaking views of glaciers such as Upsala and Spegazzini. Boat excursions typically depart from Punta Bandera, located 45 kilometers from El Calafate. The lake has a rich history marked by notable discoveries. In 1873, sailor Valentín Filberg encountered the lake but mistakenly believed it to be Lake Viedma. It wasn't until four years later, when Francisco Moreno and Carlos Moyano arrived, that Filberg's error was corrected, leading to the lake's christening as “Argentino” on February 15, 1877. Today, El Calafate, situated on the lake's southern shore, serves as the primary tourist base for exploring the region.

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