LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK

RECOMMENDATIONS
The following advises have been specially stated by professionals of the National Parks team so that you can make the most of your visit to El Calafate.

It is essential that the traveller goes through them carefully as they include precaution measures and official information with respect to the different activities permitted within Los Glaciares National Park.

IF YOU TRAVEL BY CAR

Bear in mind that the access roads to the Park are unpaved and driving on gravel requires patience and precaution.

Drive slowly; keep the headlights on and the seat belt fastened.

If possible, take two spare wheels and a fuel container.

During winter season, please seek beforehand for updated information about the condition of the roads.

Make sure you carry special equipment to drive on snowy or wet roads, such as wheel chains, and be ready to face any kind of contingency.

Take enough warm clothes, hot water, food and a heater. IF YOU GO CAMPING
There are some rules to abide by and complying with them may prevent serious inconveniences:

• Camp only where permitted.
• Avoid cutting or tattooing trees.
• Set your tent at least 50 m away from the water.

IF YOU GO FISHING
Trout fishing is regulated and therefore you must get a license before you go fishing. Please, go through the regulations carefully.

IF YOU GO WALKING

• Before setting out, choose a path which suits your ability.
• Tell the park ranger about your departure and always carry with you the Trekking/Climbing register.
• During the walk, do not leave the marked path nor try to find shortcuts.

IF YOU LIGHT A BONFIRE
Before lighting a bonfire, you must consider the following issues:

• Light bonfires only where permitted.
• Heaters are cleaner, safer and far more practical.
• Before making your bonfire, look for a place which has already been used to this purpose. Make sure it is far enough from vegetation.
• Use dry, fallen branches, which can be easily snapped.
• It is advisable to leave axes at home.
• Try to keep the bonfire small.
• Put out the fire using enough water, making sure that the ashes are cold before you leave the place.

WASTE
There is no garbage collection service within the Park: as a result, keeping the park clean is everyone's responsibility:

• Take back with you everything you may have brought. If you take a plastic bag, you will be able to collect all the litter there and carry it back to the city.
• Help keep the place clean by collecting abandoned waste as well.
• Burying waste damages the wild fauna.
• Use restrooms if available. Otherwise, dig a small hole at least 100 m away from the water and cover it afterwards. "
• Make good use of papers for the bonfires.
• Remember: cigarette butts, toilet paper, diapers and sanitary towels are not part of the wild flora and fauna.

WILD FAUNA The presence of wild fauna constitutes a natural attraction in itself and is a gift from nature, but you should always remember the threats this wonderful experience may involve.

Consider that:

• Wild species are easily distressed. Always try not to make harsh noises nor upset animals.
• Never feed wild animals as this may affect their natural behaviour.
• Rodents are part of the local fauna. If camping, do not leave food within their reach.

This area is the natural habitat for pumas, so bear in mind the following suggestions:

• Never go for a walk all by yourself.
• Children should always be in the company of their parents.
• Don't take pets .

If you happen to meet a puma:

• Try to stay calm and don't run.
• Try to look higher by raising your arms, never crouch down.
• Move away as slowly as you can. Don't show your back to the animal.

CULTURAL HERITAGE
Archaeological and paleontological sites are legally protected. However, this is not enough: their preservation is the concern of everybody. The removal of objects belonging to our cultural heritage is gradually altering long periods of Patagonian history.

WATER
Water is the Park's main resource, so its preservation is highly important:

• Camp away from the rivers.
• Use a recipient to wash yourself, your dishes and your clothes. Avoid doing it in rivers; that will keep water drinkable.
• Never throw garbage, feculent matter, or cleaning products into the water. Soaps and detergents are pollutants.
• Do not drink stagnant water.