Ríos de Hielo

Ríos de Hielo is a lake journey that traverses the northern arm of Lago Argentino, providing access to the frontal walls of the Upsala, Spegazzini, and Heim glaciers. This experience is essential for understanding the magnitude of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, as it brings visitors close to ice formations that, due to their remote location, are not accessible via the conventional land walkways of Los Glaciares National Park.

The route is characterized by navigation among icebergs of various sizes and colors, which have calved from glacier fronts that reach heights of up to 135 meters above water level in the case of the Spegazzini glacier. During the navigation, it is possible to observe the dynamics of the valley glaciers and the geomorphology of the surrounding mountains, composed of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that define the landscape of the Andean zone of Santa Cruz.

The importance of this route lies in the scale of the glaciers visited, which show constant retreats and advances, offering a direct visual record of the active geological processes in the region. The navigation integrates into the environment of Los Glaciares National Park, connecting the port area with the deeper and less intervened sectors of the lake, where the presence of floating ice and the height of the glacial walls distinguish it from other excursions in the area.

The experience takes place on vessels that allow for a panoramic view of the fronts, facilitating detailed observation of the crevasses, the blue hues of the compact ice, and the sediments trapped in the glacial masses. This route is the natural complement for those seeking an integral perspective of the Lago Argentino basin, beyond static observation from dry land.