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.
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