AliceS943
If you have the chance go canoeing or camping into the Park close to the lake. There are few facilities but it's a great experience face to face with nature.
nataliec95
Love the national park tour, it's a very peaceful and beautiful place to go to. Too bad the weather was not good. We have also missed the post office, now I have an excuse to revisit the place again.
pbuntarl
Located in Tierra del Fuego National Park, this large lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife, birds, etc. There are campsites here, picnic tables, and a small restaurant with bathroom. From this lake you can see the dividing point between Chile and Argentina.
658kt
I think the description for this lake is wrong - it's in Tierra del Fuego National park, not Los Glaciares - but - whatever. We took a bus (the stop is close to the tourist info centre and next to a gas station) for 200 pesos a head round trip. There are buses leaving to the park every hour, but only return on a set schedule - they drop you off at 3 different locations in the park and will pick you up from one of them - but you have to let them know which stop you want to be picked up from so they know to expect you there. We were dropped off at a camp site that is directly on Lago Roca. We didn't walk the whole length of the trip because we needed to hike to the next bus stop in time for the return trip, but there are gorgeous views of the lake less than 1 minute from the campsite bus stop. This site also begins several of the recommended day hikes in the park, so you'll definitely get a view of this lake if you're in the area. If you're a bird lover, you will also be able to get up close and personal with much of the avian wildlife here. Unfortunately the only thing I know of birds is that they have beaks and wings, but its easy to get gorgeous photos of them. This bus stop is the one with bathrooms, so make sure to go here before you hike off!
anacarolinaf467
We took a van from the station in Av. Maipu (Estacion Linea Regular, AR$200 per person) and went to the National Park. Track to this lake is easy and well signalized, and the landscape is breathtaking! Close by there is a Cafe where you can rest and be picked up by the van again!
be6414
Forget the wind and concentrate on the beauty and calm of this amazing place. Try to get there as early as possible (8 AM is fine), this way you get ahead of the excursions and have the place for yourself. Ushuaia is one of the places that changes completely from winter to summer, so prepare to visit it at least twice. Totally worthy!!!
marialF2669QS
We arrived by the Routa 11+60 rather than the 15 - not on purpose, we simply got it wrong, but the R60 offers really amazing views of the valley with the mountains and the glacier at the back, so I'd definitely do the same route again. The nature is untouched, clearly not many people come here, and is gentle and welcoming. We saw lots of hares, of course cows and horses, sheep, flamingos, birds of different kinds, particularly the vultures of this area.We arrived to the end of the R15 that takes to the lake and to the beautiful estancia Niepo Aike. Sadly it was a bit late and we didn't book so we couldn't have lunch there. It is a beautiful place. The restaurant is the most authentic enstancia I have seen so far, with a welcoming fire place. The 'kitchen' was worth looking at: with the chef cleaning his big knives and utensils, hanging from the wooden walls. The rooms seemed very welcoming. The horses stables well looked after. I wished I'd found this place earlier. From the estancia there's a walk up the mountain to a view point and all around the lake as well it's full of gentle paths. The valley is wide so you can choose your walk according to your mood. The Routa 15, back to El Calafate, despite being a provincial road is all off piste and full of stones; locals go fast so you have to keep the windows closed not to breath dust all the time.
SwissInBrazil
The hike to Cerro Cristal must be one of the most underestimated attractions close to El Calafate. The views on a nice day are spectacular!Caltur takes you to camping Lago Roca in the morning, and the driver waits with the bus until 6pm to drive back to El Calafate (March 2014: 200 ARS). At the administration of camping Lago Roca you can get a hand drawn map to the trailhead, but it is easy to find just a way back in direction of El Calafate. The ascent to Cerro Cristal took me roughly two hours. The covered distance is small, but some parts of the hike are quite steep. I was happy for my hiking poles especially for the last steps up to the peak, which led through loose gravel mixed with snow.From the peak, it was possible to see Perito Moreno and several lakes and mountain ranges, Torres del Paine also makes part of the beautiful 360 degree panorama.I spent a bit more than an hour on the peak and took a lot of time for the descent thanks to a twisted knee, but nevertheless arrived around 4pm back at the camping admin, where I enjoyed the sun for another two hours before heading back to El Calafate. It is also possible to hike along Lago Roca, for example to the spot where it joins with the South arm of Lago Argentino - stunning color differences.During the hike to Cerro Cristal, I saw four other people....incredibly peaceful, incredible views!!
annabouchard
Lago Roca is a cute, scenic lake, just beside Lago Argentina. It offers amazing camping, beautiful lakeshore and absolutely breathtaking views from hikes close by. My husband and I went to Lago Roca on our last day staying in El Calafate. We bought return bus tickets from the El Calafate bus station and did a day trip. The bus drops you off at the lake's camp ground. If you need information on hikes in the area, you can ask the campground staff, who spoke good English (if needed).We did the summit hike of Cerro Cristales which is about 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down. This hike is a bit strenuous at times, with very steep sections but you are rewarded with a phenomenal view of Perito Moreno Glacier, Lago Argentina, Lago Roca and Torres Del Paines, Chile. You also get this wonderful sense of being on top of the world! My recommendation for those who go is to bring lots of water with you since the sun is hot and there are no streams along the way and also bring trekking poles if possible. Overall, this place was one of the highlights of our trip and the hike was one of the best that we did in Patagonia!! I definitely recommend it!
indfamtraveller
this lake is the end of the sends costera trek. sparkling blue water mirroring snow capped peaks of the hills that frame this lake. the visitor center right in front of this lovely lake has a museum, shop as well as a small cafe. the egg/cheese empanada there was nothing to write home about but the view of this lovely lake framed by the large windows was an unforgettable sight. the bus back to ushuaia picked us up at this spot at 5 after a lovely day of hike through the tierra del fuego park
aeronaut
you will probably stop here on your naturepark tour- its also a campingsite and have a lovely cafe. the scenery is amazing.
senghingn
We visited Lago Roca on 9 December 2013. Beautiful lake. Quiet a distance to walk. We saw families camping. Some were having barbecue and some were dancing with loud music. There was a cafe and restrooms for convenience.
Travelerlu
In Tierra del Fuego National Park, there is a four mile round trip hike called Hito XXIV. This leads over a gorgeous trail to the Chilean border. We hiked it on a sparkly day and really enjoyed it. The trail, for us, was 1 1/2 to 2 hours each way with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views. Then, you get to the sign for the Chilean border. The first part of the trail is quite easy, b ut it gets a little more challenging as you go over a few rocks and follow the yellow sign markings. Buses from Ushuaia take you hear for hiking. You might also consider lunch or a dessert at the Laga Roca Restaurant. The trail is marked "moderate" and this is what we found---not just a stroll, but certainly doable for a couple retired people like us! We would highly recommend this.
Globebugs
Rock Lake is the result of glacial moraine activity and shares a border with both Argentina and Chile. It’s wide in places but the most beautiful aspect is the colour on a sunny day. We had a gloomy day and its true colour remained under the spell of the low hanging grey cloud. A great way to take in the wonderful views is drinking espresso and eating empanadas at the Alakush Visitors Centre café. It's airy interior and their panoramic windows frame the stunning backdrop of mountain peaks and lake together.If you have the time, there are some wonderful hiking trails that give an even better perspective of this lanscape.Enjoy your experience!
lisaflow
the lac is very nice, and the fact that you can sit and enjoy a coffee, a piece of cake or whatever,.... makes you feel great!