Seco Glacier

Seco Glacier is a glacier in Santa Cruz Province that stretches across the southern Patagonian Ice Field as part of Los Glaciares National Park. Its white ice surfaces rise steeply and form one of many frozen water masses in this remote region.

The glacier drew scientific attention in the late 19th century when Francisco Moreno led expeditions through the Patagonian region to map and study the ice fields. These early explorations established the foundation for understanding this frozen landscape.

The glacier serves as an educational site where researchers study climate patterns and document changes in ice mass throughout different seasons.

Reaching this site requires joining guided expeditions from El Calafate with specialized climbing and hiking gear and a good level of physical fitness. Plan visits during warmer months when access conditions are easier to manage.

This frozen mass acts as a natural water reservoir, constantly releasing meltwater that feeds the rivers and lakes below throughout the year. This steady water flow shapes the survival of entire ecosystems in the Patagonian landscape.