Parque provincial Península de Magallanes

Parque provincial Península de Magallanes is a protected area on the southwestern edge of Santa Cruz province covering nearly 39,000 hectares of land. The peninsula is surrounded by Lake Argentino waters and contains the well-known Perito Moreno Glacier along with viewing platforms and visitor facilities.

The area received its name on February 5, 1879, from Chilean Lieutenant Juan Tomás Rogers, who named it after a Chilean naval warship. This naming marked an important moment in the geographical documentation of southern Patagonia.

The park's name reflects connections to the Aónik'enk, the original inhabitants of this Patagonian region whose archaeological traces appear throughout the area. Visitors walking through the landscape can sense the presence of these early peoples who once lived here.

Access to the park runs through Provincial Route 11, which leads to viewing platforms near the glacier. Weather in this Patagonian region changes quickly, so visitors should bring appropriate clothing and gear for shifting conditions.

The Perito Moreno Glacier periodically advances and creates a natural ice dam that blocks water flow in the lake. This rare dynamic causes water levels to shift significantly, reshaping the landscape over time.