Wild and windblown, Parque Nacional Perito Moreno is an adventurer’s dream. Approaching from the steppe, the massive snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Colorada rise like sentinels. Guanacos graze the tufted grasses, condors circle above, and wind blurs the surface of aquamarine and cobalt lakes. Don’t confuse this gem with Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (home to the Glaciar Perito Moreno) further south.
Trails & Prehistoric Art
The national park has more than 100km of well-marked hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty level. You can stretch your legs on a short trail behind the information center that leads to Pinturas Rupestres, somewhat denigrated cave paintings with interpretative signs in English.
Longer Hikes
The Península Belgrano has two different loops, which start and end roughly 10km from the information center. Allow three to four hours to complete the 10km Circuito Chico, and five to six hours for the 17km Circuito Grande, which affords impressive views of the lake as it traces the southern and western edge of the peninsula. If you have more time, the 52km Circuito Azara takes you through the landscapes of sub-Andean steppe, passing wind-whipped grasslands and leafy lenga forests.
Bird-Watching
The huge bodies of waters in the park attract abundant wildlife, including some 120 different bird species. Head to the bird observatory in the Lagunas del Mié, located some 8km from the information center, to look for species like the torrent duck, which is well adapted to the area's mountain rivers. You might also spot hooded grebes, gray plovers and flamingos. Look to the cliffs for nesting sites of Andean condors.
