El Calafate is located 320 kilometers north of Río Gallegos, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. This small town has a population of 3,000 and was founded in 1925 on the shores of Lago Argentino. Its current growth results from the ongoing development of the tourism industry in the region.
El Calafate is located at the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is the largest Argentine national park and is undoubtedly the scenario of the most breathtaking views with its millenary icebergs that run into the park's lake waters.
Indeed, this 600,000-hectare park boasts 13 huge glaciers, including the colossal Perito Moreno; the most famous (15-km long and 5-km wide) and one of the world’s last glaciers still advancing considerably. However, Upsala is the largest glacier (with a 595-km2 surface, greater than Buenos Aires) and is certainly worth visiting. Excursions also offer lookouts of Onelli Bay and Spegazzini Glacier.

Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche, a city with a population of 120,000, is one of the local destinations most appreciated by Argentineans. Located on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, in the heart of the national park bearing the same name and surrounded by the Andes mountain range, the city of San Carlos de Bariloche is a small alpine village where German and Swiss immigrants settled many years ago. Its hallmark is its European style: lakes, mountains, pine tree forests, wooden houses, fondue and chocolate recipes. Bariloche retains the title of Argentina’s “Little Switzerland” due to its origins and landscape. In summer (December to February) it offers wonderful views of the national park and in winter (June to August) visitors can enjoy internationally renowned skiing resorts.