The 115,000 hectare Perito Moreno National Park located in the southwest Argentina in the Andean region the province Santa Cruz, on the border to Chile. It protects a mountainous landscape with lakes, valleys and medium mountain peaks up to 2,300 m altitude.
The park, which is one of the oldest in Argentina, is rarely visited by tourists because of its remote location and therefore offers the opportunity to get to know the Patagonian Andean landscape in almost its original state. It also has numerous longer hiking trails to offer.
background
history
The park was founded in 1937. He was named in honor of the geographer Francisco Moreno (the mostly Perito Moreno is called, where Perito stands for "expert" or "researcher") so called, who had traveled and mapped numerous areas of Patagonia in the early 20th century.
landscape
Three bigger lakes that Lake Belgrano, the Lago Burmeister and the Lago Nansen run through the valleys of the national park. The highest peaks are the Cerro Árido (2.279 m) and the Cerro Mie (2,254 m) that can be climbed. There are still a few smaller glaciers that are difficult to access.
Flora and fauna
While the east of the park still belongs to the Patagonian steppe, the west is with its Lenga- Forests (a species of southern beech) are significantly greener and more humid. The fauna is rich in species: in addition to those native to all of Argentina Guanacos (Wild llamas), which are particularly numerous here, there are pumas, foxes, deer species (among which the Huemul stands out), rheas, and bird species such as flamingos, swans and owls. A special feature is that the lakes here have not yet been contaminated by exotic species (as happened in almost all other Patagonian lakes) and therefore only endemic fish species are found. This is another reason why fishing is strictly forbidden.
climate
The climate is cool-temperate and, due to the relatively high location of the park (900 to 2300 m), a bit rougher than in the open Patagonian steppe. In summer the temperatures are around 15 ° C, although there can be frost even in January; and in winter around or below 0 ° C with quite frequent, but not very productive snowfalls. Despite the forest cover, the park only receives an average of 200 mm of precipitation.
getting there
There is no public transport to the park, so you have to rely on your own car, motorcycle, mountain bike or a tour operator. The starting point for the park is the small town Gobernador Gregores, which is considered to be one of the loneliest places in Patagonia and is only approached by a few buses. From there it is a further 220 km of gravel road, 90 km of which is unpaved.
Fees / permits
Entry to the park is free (as of 2009). Making fire, fishing and hunting are strictly prohibited.
mobility
There are several footpaths and in the eastern part there are also some driving paths through the park.
Tourist Attractions
The park is rich in archaeological sites, but they cannot be easily visited.
activities
There are numerous hiking trails that cover all areas of the park. Numerous lakes can be visited, including the Cerro Mie be climbed. There are also some multi-day tours that almost reach the Chilean border. However, there is no infrastructure, apart from a refuge on the way to Brazo Belgrano.
Driving on the lakes and rivers with boats of any kind is not permitted.
shop
- 1 Glaciar shop (Josef Ohneauto), Juan Carlos (Santa Cruz Province, Argentina). Tel.: 54 11 5272-0341, Tel. Toll-free: 54 11 5272-0341, Mobile: 54 11 5272-0341, Fax: 54 11 5272-0342, Email: [email protected]. Shop for Glacier.Open: Mon-Fri 10 am-5pm.Price: 5 €.Accepted payment methods: cash.
kitchen
Everything has to be brought by yourself.
accommodation
Hotels and hostels
The Estancia Oriental, which offers accommodation and meals, is located in the park. The Estancia Menelik is about 20 km from the park. It also offers accommodation and food. There are several smaller hotels in Gobernador Gregores.
camping
Camping is possible in several places in the park, but you are not allowed to make a fire, which is why you should urgently bring a gas stove.
security
trips
- Lake Buenos Aires. Cities Los Antiguos and Perito Moreno, 280 km north. One of the largest lakes in Central Patagonia.
- Cueva de las Manos. The most important cave paintings in Argentina (approx. 200 km north of the park). Approach via the small town Bajo Caracoles.
- Los Glaciares National Park, 400 km south.
