Glaciar Upsala, El Calafate Travel Guide
Free Guide: Experience the grandeur of Glaciar Upsala, one of Patagonia's largest glaciers, with stunning ice formations and breathtaking landscapes.
A brief summary of Glaciar Upsala
Experience the grandeur of Glaciar Upsala, one of Patagonia's largest glaciers, with stunning ice formations and breathtaking landscapes.
Glaciar Upsala, one of the largest glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, is a breathtaking spectacle of ice and nature. Named after Sweden's Uppsala University, it flows from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into Lake Argentino, showcasing stunning ice formations and a dramatic landscape. Witness its grandeur on a boat tour and marvel at the surrounding mountains and icebergs.
- Address
- Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz Province
Getting there
Boat Tour
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Overview
Glaciar Upsala, located in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, is a massive valley glacier renowned for its stunning beauty and significant size. Covering approximately 870 square kilometers and stretching 60 kilometers in length, it is one of the largest glaciers in South America. The glacier's name honors Uppsala University in Sweden, which sponsored early glaciological studies in the region.Formed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Glaciar Upsala flows into Lake Argentino, creating a landscape dotted with colossal icebergs. These icebergs, calved from the glacier's face, drift in the milky waters, presenting a surreal and unforgettable sight. The glacier has been in retreat since it was first documented in 1810, a phenomenon often cited as evidence of climate change.Visiting Glaciar Upsala offers a unique opportunity to witness the power and fragility of nature. Boat tours from El Calafate provide access to the glacier, navigating through the Upsala Channel and offering panoramic views of the ice formations. Some tours include visits to nearby Estancia Cristina, providing a glimpse into Patagonian rural life and offering trekking opportunities with unique viewpoints of the glacier.
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