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SANTA CRUZ
Ruta 40 extends from the Bolivian border southward into the most desolate regions
of Patagonia. Here, strong winds sweep through vast fields of dry grass as
condors glide through the sky overhead. A rugged drive along this semi-paved
highway will bring you to few estancias and even fewer fuel stops.
El Calafate, a quaint tourist town along the shores of Lake Argentino, is the leading
travel destination of the region. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the world's largest
continental ice mass, is found just 30 miles west. Travelers will cross the waters of
Brazo Rico before trekking along the torrid crystal surface of Perito Moreno, a
majestic glacier recognized as part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This
imposing fortress of ice creates a natural barrier nearly two miles wide and 160
feet high. Stroll the local walkways and observe chunks of ice calve off into the
water below, resulting in a thunderous boom. Other options include scenic
navigations past Upsala, Spegazzini, and Onelli glaciers. North of El Calafate, you
will enter the remote village of El Chaltén. This base camp offers
simple lodging options above Lake Viedma. Climbers from across the globe come
here to ascend the granite spire of Mt. Fitz Roy, a peak piercing the horizon at
11,000 feet above sea level, towering over glaciers and winding trails.
Ruta 40 extends from the Bolivian border southward into the most desolate regions
of Patagonia. Here, strong winds sweep through vast fields of dry grass as
condors glide through the sky overhead. A rugged drive along this semi-paved
highway will bring you to few estancias and even fewer fuel stops.
El Calafate, a quaint tourist town along the shores of Lake Argentino, is the leading
travel destination of the region. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the world's largest
continental ice mass, is found just 30 miles west. Travelers will cross the waters of
Brazo Rico before trekking along the torrid crystal surface of Perito Moreno, a
majestic glacier recognized as part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This
imposing fortress of ice creates a natural barrier nearly two miles wide and 160
feet high. Stroll the local walkways and observe chunks of ice calve off into the
water below, resulting in a thunderous boom. Other options include scenic
navigations past Upsala, Spegazzini, and Onelli glaciers. North of El Calafate, you
will enter the remote village of El Chaltén. This base camp offers
simple lodging options above Lake Viedma. Climbers from across the globe come
here to ascend the granite spire of Mt. Fitz Roy, a peak piercing the horizon at
11,000 feet above sea level, towering over glaciers and winding trails.