Patagonian Andes and Fueguinos: Mountains, Glaciers, and Wildlife

Patagonian Andes and Fueguinos

They are isolated, separated by wide valleys. From Pino Hachado to Staten Island, they form two high-elevation areas (3,000 meters), separated by a sector with peaks not exceeding 2,500 meters above sea level. Key peaks include Lanín volcano and Tronador.

The last glaciation greatly influenced this landscape. Remnants persist as continental ice fields and glaciers like Perito Moreno.

Rivers originating here have great power, harnessed for hydroelectricity (e.g., Futaleufú Dam).

Temperature varies with altitude. Prevailing westerly winds bring heavy rainfall, especially in winter. Slopes are forested, with trees over 20 meters tall and an understory of shrubs and Colihue reeds.

Introduced plant and animal species (rosehip, European deer, wild boar, mink, salmon) have adapted but prey on native species.

To preserve this area's beauty, national parks (Lanín, Nahuel Huapi, Los Glaciares) were created. UNESCO declared it a Natural World Heritage site in 1981, recognizing its scenery, geological interest, and protection for the endangered huemul.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is exceptionally beautiful, attracting global tourists. It's 4,000 meters wide, 60 meters tall, with unique shapes from internal pressure, water, wind, and ice layers.

While most glaciers retreat due to warming, Perito Moreno advances.

Patagonian Plateau

• Terraced relief.
• Main economic activity: sheep farming.
• Features Pampas (large flat surfaces).
• Contains Bajos (depressions from tectonic subsidence or erosion), often with lakes or salt flats (e.g., Gran Bajo de San Julián).
• Arid climate with strong, cold winds.
• Steppe vegetation.
• Beaches host sea lions and elephant seals.