Circo de los Altares
Area Glacial cirque with towering granite spires
A glacial amphitheatre of granite spires on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the Circo de los Altares draws climbers, photographers and boat-based tours seeking glacier-front views.
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How to Get to Circo de los Altares #
Circo de los Altares is in the Patagonian icefields between Argentine and Chilean southern regions. Access commonly involves long overland travel and boat crossings from base towns such as El Chaltén or Puerto Natales; many visitors join organized expedition boats or guided tours that handle permits and logistics.
Tips for Visiting Circo de los Altares #
- If planning to visit Circo de los Altares by boat, book through an experienced operator-weather and ice conditions determine feasibility.
- Bring high-quality cold-weather gear and expect remoteness: navigation on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is serious and conditions change fast.
- For photographers, dawn and dusk make the granite cirques glow; midday light on glacial ice is harsh and contrasty.
Best Time to Visit Circo de los Altares #
Visit in the austral summer for the most reliable access; shoulder seasons are riskier but quieter.
Weather & Climate near Circo de los Altares #
Circo de los Altares's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -7°C to 9°C. Abundant rainfall (1248 mm/year), wettest in April.
January
January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and windy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and windy conditions.
