Ruta Provincial 13 – Perito Moreno Glacier Access
Ice field access without the crowds
Ruta Provincial 13 cuts through 180 kilometers of Santa Cruz wilderness, threading between Lago Argentino’s turquoise waters and the granite spires of the Andes. The route climbs through southern beech forests before opening onto the Patagonian steppe, with the Southern Patagonian Ice Field dominating the western horizon. Past Estancia Cristina, the track deteriorates into loose gravel and river crossings as it approaches the Upsala Glacier terminus.
This is a moderate route demanding high-clearance 4WD for the final 40 kilometers of loose shale and seasonal stream crossings. Winter (June-August) brings snow and impassable conditions; stick to October through April. Fuel up in El Calafate – there’s nothing between town and the glacier. The payoff is witnessing house-sized ice blocks calving into milky glacial lakes with zero tour groups in sight.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | El Calafate, Santa Cruz |
| Land manager | Los Glaciares National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Patrol handle this route without a lift?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and works fine on most of the 180km. The water crossings are the deciding factor — depth varies by season, so low-range is mandatory and a snorkel is a real advantage, not just a flex.
Is the route passable in winter?
No. The best window is October through April. Outside that, snow and ice close sections of RP-13 and Los Glaciares National Park access roads become unreliable or outright impassable. May through September is a hard no for most rigs.
Do you need a permit to drive this route and camp along it?
Yes. Los Glaciares National Park requires an entry permit, paid at the park gate or in advance through Argentina's national parks system (parquesnacionales.gob.ar). Dispersed camping is allowed in designated backcountry zones — confirm current rules at the El Calafate park office before you leave town.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The water crossings mid-route are where things get real — expect rocky riverbeds, variable depth depending on melt and recent rain, and zero recovery help nearby. The gravel is otherwise manageable, but corrugations and loose sections will punish anyone running too fast. Moderate means you need competence, not a built rig.
How far is the nearest fuel and can I make the 180km round trip on one tank?
El Calafate is your last fuel stop before this route — fill completely before leaving. 180km one-way means 360km round trip on gravel, which exceeds a standard tank range for most rigs running in low-range through crossings. A jerry can is not optional here, it's essential.
Trail track
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