World Heritage Sites

Patagonia is the region of the country with the largest number of World Heritage Sites recognized by the UNESCO. The UNESCO World Heritage List is a legacy of monuments and sites of great natural and cultural wealth that belongs to all humanity. The Sites inscribed on the World Heritage List serve as global landmarks, symbols of the awareness of States and peoples about the meaning of these places, and emblems of their attachment to collective ownership, as well as of the transmission of this heritage to future generations.

“Los Glaciares” National Park

“Los Glaciares” National Park is located in the southwest of the province of Santa Cruz. It covers an area of 726,927 acres and was created to preserve a vast area of continental ice and glaciers, the southern Andean-Patagonian forest, and samples of the Patagonian steppe. It is the largest park in the Argentine National System of Protected Areas. It is home to more than 20 impressive glaciers. The park is divided into a Northern and Southern Zone, accessed from El Chaltén to the north, and from El Calafate to the south. In addition to the mountains and glaciers, the park is also attractive for the subantarctic forests dominated by lenga trees, cherry trees, and many shrubs such as the notro and the calafate, which offer showy and colorful flowers. This park can be visited year-round and offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy while enjoying the majestic surroundings. Ice trekking, sailing, hiking, climbing, and fishing are some of the options the Park offers, allowing you to explore places such as:

• The world-famous Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini Glaciers, which stand out for their majesty and accessibility.

• The Northern Zone of the Park visiting trails to “Cerro Chaltén” or Fitz Roy.

• “Chorrillo del Salto.”

• Viedma Glacier.

• “Lago del Desierto”—37 km from El Chaltén, via Provincial Route 23—has ancient forests, glaciers, and waterfalls. Camping and sport fishing are available.

• Lake Roca, a camping and fishing site within the National Park – 50 km from El Calafate.

“Cueva de las Manos”

This protected area is located in the Pinturas River Canyon between the towns of Perito Moreno and Bajo Caracoles, in the Province of Santa Cruz, and is accessed via National Route N° 40. It safeguards a collection of archaeologically valuable artifacts, the most famous of which are the paintings dating back more than 7,500 years. The area is of particular interest because its appearance has remained virtually intact over the years, allowing us to understand the life of Patagonian humans in ancient times. The greatest attention in the area is focused on the diversity of figures and artistic compositions that emerge from observations of the canyon’s walls and eaves, from which one can infer activities associated with guanaco hunting and rituals, among other things. Guided tours lead to the discovery of the 800-hand paintings and hunting scenes, amidst the spectacular canyon of the Pinturas River Valley.

Valdés Peninsula

Located in the province of Chubut, it juts into the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, forming the “Golfo Nuevo” and “Golfo San José.” Its 4,000 km2 are home to the most varied birdlife of the Patagonian coast. The undisputed star of this natural sanctuary is the Southern Right Whale (which arrives every year between June and October). But it is not alone. It is accompanied by dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and a great diversity of birds and terrestrial fauna. Sparsely populated by humans, this arid land, where the full blue sky blends with the intense blue waters, is home to guanacos, choiques, and numerous species of seabirds. On the rocks along the coast, cormorants spread their wings and sea lions take long naps under the sun. Elephant seals also join in the rest, leisurely dragging their enormous bodies. And at the tips of the Peninsula, where the seas are open and unsettling, magnificent killer whales reign. The length of the Valdés Peninsula requires a full day to visit Puerto Pirámides—the only town there—and explore some of the most important spots for observing marine wildlife. Strategic points for bird and marine wildlife observation:

• “Isla de los Pájaros.” Located about 800 meters from the coast, it is home to a large number of birds—flamingos, white herons, kelp gulls, cormorants, and black oystercatchers—which can be observed with high-powered binoculars and the assistance of the local wildlife ranger.
• “Punta Norte.” During the southern spring, a large colony of elephant seals arrives at this site. And throughout the summer, you’re sure to encounter sea lions here. Between October and April, with a little patience and luck, you can also spot killer whales approaching the shore in search of food.
• “Caleta Valdés.” Another ideal spot for elephant seal watching.
• “Punta Cantor.” An important colony of elephant seals and a refuge for several bird species.
• “Punta Delgada.” On this beach, surrounded by deep cliffs, cormorants and other native bird species are often found, along with elephant seals.
• “Punta Pirámide.” During winter and spring, it becomes an excellent whale viewing spot. In summer and autumn, the landscape is dominated by a large colony of South American fur seal lions.

“Los Alerces” National Park

“Los Alerces” National Park is located in the west of the province of Chubut, near the city of Esquel. It covers an area of 259,822 acres and belongs to the Patagonian Forests ecoregion. The Park is home to an ancient forest of outstanding universal value, as the larch is the second oldest living species on the planet, and due to the unique natural beauty of its surroundings. It is considered vital for protecting some of the last continuous patches of virtually virgin Patagonian forest, which are home to numerous endemic and endangered flora and fauna species. The park’s vegetation is dominated by dense temperate forests and, at higher altitudes, by mountain pastures located beneath the rocky peaks of the Andes.

Within the park there are must-see places to visit and activities to do such as:

• Ancient Larch Forest.
• “Lago Rivadavia” and “Lago Verde”
• “Cerro Alto El Petiso.”
• “Arrayanes” River.
• “Laguna Escondida.”
• Villa Futalaufquen.
• Rock Paintings.
• Irigoyen Waterfall.
• “Tío Mindo” Waterfall.
• “Cerro Alto El Dedal.”
• Cinco Saltos.
• Lake Krügger.
• “Lago Verde” Viewpoint.
• Huemul Observatory (“Playa del Francés”).