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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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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