Los Glaciares Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Park Adventures

If you are planning a trip to the awe-inspiring Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, then you might be wondering about the best ways to take it all in. So, while trekking is quite popular, a car tour definitely provides a supremely comfy and flexible option, giving you the freedom to discover those jaw-dropping landscapes at your own pace. I mean, we’re talking about colossal glaciers, right, sparkling lakes, and of course those towering mountains? This park has quite a lot, very seriously. That means narrowing it down to the top tours can be a little difficult, too, especially if you haven’t visited the area.

That said, don’t sweat it. So, I’ve put together this super-detailed guide showcasing the five absolute best Los Glaciares car tours. That way you can pick the experience that perfectly suits you. Think detailed itineraries, things to see, and that sort of helpful info. We’re getting to it. Ready? Let’s get this show on the road, alright?

1. The Classic Perito Moreno Glacier Drive

Arguably the superstar attraction, the Perito Moreno Glacier is truly unmissable. That said, so many tours focus just on buses. Doing it by car? It changes everything. Anyway, it means you get more time to soak it all in. As a matter of fact, the drive to the glacier itself is pretty gorgeous, with Patagonian steppe views giving way to subpolar forests, very slowly.

On your drive to the glacier area, make a stop, as a matter of fact, at the information center. Now, it is important to note here that they offer great information about the formation, local flora and fauna, and all the safety guidelines that can really enrich your park visits. And as a matter of fact you can continue along the well-kept routes to those viewing platforms. From that vantage point, witness a massive glacier that appears. Very often people stay a couple of hours. Maybe more.

From these viewing spots, keep in mind that the constant cracking and groaning, followed by colossal ice chunks breaking off, well, that crashing into the lake creates a crazy, wild spectacle, definitely a show to witness and of course, that photo op too! Many folks who decide to come to the Glacier are very, very serious about the viewing platform for photos!

If you would rather make your trip way more memorable, or at the very least a story to talk about for a while, maybe even years. How about jumping on one of the boat tours? They get close to the southern face of the glacier and allow you to experience the glacier. And so very closely! That close, where chunks of ice can actually get on your coat! That’s very possible anyway!

So, another very cool idea you can entertain is an upgrade in the experience where you’re on a guided walk directly on that ice! Now this sounds too much to handle right? But I guarantee you this will probably be the highlight of your trip! That is if you like glaciers of course. Just you with some crampons strapped on for a totally glacial stroll! Anyway it’s usually very safe and they prep you well.

Read our full review: Perito Moreno Glacier Drive Review Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Perito Moreno Glacier Drive Review)

2. The Lago Argentino Coastal Route

Okay, ready for some supreme beauty? So, the Lago Argentino Coastal Route offers up panoramic views of the country’s biggest lake. A long and scenic drive from El Calafate that gets to see, well, tons. Just you know it can be done a lot better by car.

As a matter of fact, plan a nice leisurely day doing some scenic stops at various lookouts so you get photos of the crystal clear waters meeting with the rugged mountain backdrops. So, it is a super cool picture opportunity for social media or whatever. I mean, just the idea of the contrast alone is amazing. But that being said, this trip is way better if you do it by car with your windows down so you can smell the mountain air too. You feel the freedom that way!

By the way, one awesome place that could work is Punta Walichu, with its intriguing cave paintings, a bit off the beaten path you could say. Anyway, that makes this a pretty ideal spot to check out pre-European settlement indigenous artworks and enjoy super awesome lake views too. Also another tip I can mention is; the lake here happens to be perfect if you are one of those bird enthusiasts. You could probably see a crazy amount of wildlife along the coast! You might see the black necked swans that are endemic to the Argentinan/South American Region. They can be easily distinguished!

So, keep an eye out, that is what I’m saying. That, as a matter of fact, will add value to your trip.

Read our full review: Lago Argentino Coastal Drive Review Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lago Argentino Coastal Drive Review)

3. The Road to El Chalten: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

Now, for those mountain fanatics out there, that drive to El Chalten, a trekking capital of Argentina, that really can be worth every mile. And that is very real. Driving towards it you will eventually pass the epic views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre which will literally feel like you are driving through some cinematic paradise!

Keep in mind that it is super cool, too, you can make as many stops along the highway for hiking trails. I mean, very many short trails all in the name of viewpoints if you like, that show Fitz Roy from various different angles. Remember to stop for breaks and enjoy views! These trails, usually only take about 2-3 hours round trip and totally give different perspectives from Fitz Roy and also Lago Viedma. In a way, the photos from there are totally worth the effort! But that said. Very prepare for wind, you might need to hold onto your tripod as it has some pretty heavy gusts that you will feel very commonly!

In El Chalten, it might be that you can set up shop. Anyway, it would be super wise of you if you wanted to, especially if you enjoy serious trekking expeditions that go around Mount Fitz Roy. If it might be a short day that day, it’d be nice to grab some photos for sure.

Read our full review: Road to El Chalten Drive Review Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Road to El Chalten Drive Review)

4. The Hidden Gem: Nibepo Aike Ranch Experience

Want something different? As a matter of fact, let’s check out Nibepo Aike. So, it’s a real Patagonian sheep ranch that you will love driving to as well as just experience. If you were coming from El Calafate anyway. It’s a bit remote and it goes through some crazy landscapes, which makes it even better if that makes any sense. That said, I do not recommend driving it in smaller vehicles but that’s what I recommend doing anyway.

Basically the road to the ranch itself runs through stunning grasslands that have mountain views and the vastness of Lago Argentino, that in a way makes you feel that you’re completely cut off from the rest of existence! In other words, it’s beautiful. On arrival they give very exciting farm demonstrations that also have horseback rides if that seems cool too!

Now just imagine, doing the Argentina experience properly. I think that would complete your Los Glaciares trip completely, you know. Maybe try the Patagonian Lamb as they offer meals made using old family recipes in order to provide that unique immersion.

Read our full review: Nibepo Aike Ranch Experience Review Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Nibepo Aike Ranch Experience Review)

5. Estancia Cristina and Upsala Glacier by Land

Very neat way to see the Upsala Glacier and discover the Patagonian culture. To begin with, I really would like to highlight that Estancia Cristina does give, in a way, something totally remote as you learn the old ranching ways along those crazy landscapes! That said this involves some cool roads mixed with super fast boat rides that usually gets close to the Upsala glacier and that’s a nice little trip by itself, actually! So be prepared to experience the combination of old traditions and those awesome glacier views!

Now it’s usually here that you might be able to do some trekking but that actually happens through these pretty awesome landscapes where some of the super beautiful spots, especially some pretty cool waterfalls. Anyway you might be up for the challenge too!

While this particular site here happens to be somewhat accessible only from cruises from El Calafate, so too does taking an unforgettable journey inland. That in some aspects goes for views on the roads, some off-road stretches and even by boat ride. A little adventure really!

Read our full review: Estancia Cristina Upsala Glacier Review Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Estancia Cristina Upsala Glacier Review)