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Argentino Lake
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Lake Argentino is the largest and southernmost of the great glacial lakes in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. It is world-renowned for its spectacular location at the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field within Los Glaciares National Park. The lake's most famous attraction is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which calves directly into its milky-turquoise waters, often sending massive ice walls crashing down in a spectacular display. This unique color, known as glacial milk, is caused by fine rock flour ground down by the moving glaciers. The lake branches into several arms, including the Upsala and Spegazzini arms, where giant icebergs drift. El Calafate, located on its southern shore, serves as the primary gateway for visitors. Reaching depths of over 500 meters, it is also one of the deepest lakes in South America.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: Punta Walichu (Cuevas de Gualicho) · Lookout
- Nearby: El Calafate (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 1 | -2 | -3 | -1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 37 | 44 | 43 | 49 | 42 | 39 | 39 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 41 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Often reached via the nearby main town, with well-paved roads leading smoothly to various viewpoints and boat docks.
Best season
Summer is typically the best time for boat tours to see the glaciers, as winter brings freezing and icy conditions.
Terrain & paths
The shorelines vary from rocky beaches to constructed walkways, while the lake itself features icy, extremely deep waters.
What to bring
Warm clothing and solid windbreakers are highly recommended, as the wind coming off the glacial lake can be extremely cold.
Parking
Extensive parking facilities are generally available at the major glacier viewpoints and local marinas around the lake.
Safety
Visitors should respect all barriers at viewpoints and remain securely inside the vessel during boat tours near calving ice.
Time needed
Exploring the vast lake and its viewpoints usually takes a full day, especially if taking a comprehensive boat navigation.
Geography
Facts
- Largest lake in Argentina with an area of 1,415 square kilometers
- One of the deepest lakes in America, exceeding 500 meters in depth
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 as part of the park
- Fed by the melting waters of over 200 glaciers
- Named in 1877 by the explorer Francisco Pascasio Moreno
- Primary source of the Santa Cruz River flowing to the Atlantic
- Home to the famous Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers
- Water color is a unique turquoise due to glacial sediment
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Argentino Lake (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Lago Argentino?
It is the largest freshwater lake in Argentina and an impressive natural wonder.
Which glacier can be seen there?
The famous Perito Moreno Glacier is the highlight of the lake.
Can one go glacier trekking?
Yes, there are guided ice trekking tours on the Perito Moreno.
Where is the access to the lake?
The starting point for all tours is the city of El Calafate.
Is the journey difficult?
No, El Calafate has its own airport with daily flights from Buenos Aires.
Argentino Lake: where is it located?
Argentino Lake is located in Argentina.
Argentino Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Punta Walichu (Cuevas de Gualicho), Lookout.
Argentino Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Argentino Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Argentino is the largest and southernmost of the great glacial lakes in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina.
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Nearby cities
El Calafate
El Calafate is the primary gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park and the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia.
Puerto Natales
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El Chaltén
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Nature
Viedma Lake
A lake fed by melting glaciers in the Patagonian Andean foothills.
San Martín Lake
The deepest lake in South America, notable for its irregular shape.
Buenos Aires Lake
A large lake in Patagonia, known in Chile as General Carrera Lake.
Santa Cruz River
A major Patagonian river that has its source in Lake Argentino.
More places
Cerro Fitz Roy
A striking granite peak in the Southern Patagonian Andes on the border with Chile.
Cerro Torre
One of the most spectacular and difficult mountains to climb in Patagonia.
Monte San Lorenzo
A massive, glaciated mountain on the southern border with Chile, dominating the landscape of the Patagonian Andes.
Cueva de las Manos
An ancient cave featuring prehistoric paintings of hands, dating back thousands of years.
Monte León National Park
A protected area on the Patagonian coast known for its sea lions, cormorants, and rich marine life.
Cabo Vírgenes Penguin Colony
One of the southernmost colonies of Magellanic penguins on the mainland, located right on the Strait of Magellan.
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Cerro Vanguardia Mine
A significant gold and silver mine in the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz.
Argentine Sea
The southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean, stretching along the Argentine coast.