Isla Centinela (Perito Moreno's tomb) - Image 1
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Isla Centinela Perito Moreno Tomb

4.8
·34 reviews·, Argentina

A solemn island memorial to Francisco P. Moreno, the father of Argentina's national parks, marked by a flag and cross.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime boat tours

Best light for viewing

CrowdMedium
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Isla Centinela (Perito Moreno's tomb) - Image 1

Isla Centinela Perito Moreno Tomb

Best Time

Daytime boat tours

Best light for viewing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn island memorial to Francisco P. Moreno, the father of Argentina's national parks, marked by a flag and cross.

4.8
(34 reviews)

"A moving tribute with a poignant horn salute, Isla Centinela honors a national hero."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respectful Silence

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor on the island as it's a place of remembrance. :pray:

Boat Tour Inclusion

Confirm your boat tour stops at Isla Centinela; it's a highlight for many visitors. :boat:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Perito Moreno's Tomb

Perito Moreno's Tomb

Isla Centinela

The final resting place of Francisco P. Moreno and his wife, marked by an Argentine flag and a white cross.

Tribute Horn Salute

Tribute Horn Salute

Approaching Isla Centinela by boat

Boats passing the island often sound their horns three times in honor of Moreno's legacy.

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Planning Your Visit

A Moving Tribute

Isla Centinela is a solemn resting place for Francisco P. Moreno, the 'father of national parks.' Expect a deeply respectful atmosphere. Boats often sound their horns in tribute, creating a poignant moment for visitors.

Boat Tour Essential

Access to Isla Centinela is exclusively by boat. Many tours of Lago Argentino include a stop here. Ensure your chosen tour operator acknowledges the island's significance and offers a moment of remembrance.

Best Times

When
Daytime boat tours
Why
Best light for viewing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

My practical tips for Bariloche

Respectful Silence

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor on the island as it's a place of remembrance. :pray:

Boat Tour Inclusion

Confirm your boat tour stops at Isla Centinela; it's a highlight for many visitors. :boat:

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Historical Significance

Learn about Francisco P. Moreno's role as the father of national parks before your visit. :books:

reddit.com

San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina 🇦🇷

Tips

from all over the internet

Respectful Silence

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor on the island as it's a place of remembrance. :pray:

Boat Tour Inclusion

Confirm your boat tour stops at Isla Centinela; it's a highlight for many visitors. :boat:

Historical Significance

Learn about Francisco P. Moreno's role as the father of national parks before your visit. :books:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Isla Centinela a deeply moving and historically significant stop on Lago Argentino boat tours. The tribute to Francisco P. Moreno, especially the traditional horn salute, is frequently highlighted as a poignant experience. While the visit is brief, its historical weight and solemn atmosphere leave a lasting impression.

"The island where the remains of Perito Moreno and his wife lie, with an Argentine flag and a white cross as a tribute. If you take one of the boats, the captain will sound the horn three times in memory of the father of national parks. Very moving and of great historical value."

Trachemysta

"On this island lie the remains of a hero of the nation, Francisco P. Moreno.
With the Paimun Group, we paid our humble tribute to this patriot."

Maximiliano Cortes

"The island where the remains of Perito Moreno and his family rest. If you take a boat to pay tribute, they honk their horn three times."

Federico Taborda

What People Like

Moving historical tribute
Poignant horn salute
Serene island setting

What People Dislike

Brief visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Isla Centinela is only accessible by boat. Most boat tours on Lago Argentino, particularly those visiting glaciers like Perito Moreno, will include a stop at the island. It's recommended to book a tour that specifically mentions a visit to Isla Centinela. Reddit

Independent visits are not feasible as there are no public ferry services or land access. Boat tours are the only way to reach the island. Reddit

Many boat tours operating on Lago Argentino, such as those from Puerto Natales or El Calafate, will pass by or stop at Isla Centinela. It's best to check the itinerary of specific tours when booking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entrance fee for Isla Centinela itself. The cost is typically included in the price of the boat tour that takes you there. Reddit

As it's a natural island and a memorial site, there are no set opening hours. Access is determined by the operating schedules of the boat tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main features are the tomb of Francisco P. Moreno and his wife, marked by an Argentine flag and a white cross. It's a place of historical and national significance. Reddit

When boats pass Isla Centinela, captains often sound their horns three times as a tribute to Francisco P. Moreno, the 'father of national parks.' This is a moving tradition for visitors. Reddit

The stop at Isla Centinela is usually brief, part of a larger boat tour. It's a moment for reflection and paying respects rather than an extended exploration. Reddit

Visitors typically disembark for a short period to view the memorial. The island is not large, and the focus is on the tribute. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the Argentine flag, the white cross, and the serene landscape of the island. The moment the boat sounds its horn can also be a powerful photographic subject. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be discreet and respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs

For those fascinated by Argentine history, Isla Centinela offers a direct connection to Francisco P. Moreno, the visionary behind the national park system. Understanding his role as an explorer and conservationist enriches the visit. Consider researching his life and achievements before your boat tour to fully appreciate the significance of this memorial. Reddit

The island itself is a testament to his enduring impact. The act of visiting and witnessing the traditional horn salute provides a tangible link to the past and the values Moreno championed. It's a quiet but profound stop that resonates with those who appreciate the historical context of national preservation efforts. Reddit

Nature Enthusiasts

While Isla Centinela is primarily a memorial, its location within the stunning natural beauty of Lago Argentino makes it appealing to nature lovers. The boat journey itself offers spectacular views of the Patagonian landscape, glacial waters, and surrounding mountains. Reddit

The stop on the island provides a moment of reflection amidst this grandeur. It's an opportunity to appreciate the very landscapes that Francisco P. Moreno worked so hard to protect. The serene atmosphere of the island, combined with the vastness of the lake, creates a unique blend of natural beauty and historical reverence. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Francisco P. Moreno

Isla Centinela serves as a poignant memorial to Francisco P. Moreno, a pivotal figure in Argentine history. Moreno was a renowned explorer, scientist, and statesman, most celebrated for his instrumental role in establishing Argentina's national park system. His efforts were crucial in preserving vast tracts of Patagonia's natural beauty for future generations. The island, named 'Centinela' (Sentinel), reflects his role as a guardian of the nation's natural heritage. Reddit

His remains were interred on the island, a location chosen for its symbolic significance within the landscapes he fought to protect. The simple yet powerful tribute of an Argentine flag and a white cross underscores the national reverence for his contributions. Visitors often describe the experience as deeply moving, a moment to connect with the history and conservation ethos of Argentina. Reddit

Many boat tours on Lago Argentino make a point to stop at Isla Centinela. The tradition of sounding the boat's horn three times is a deeply ingrained ritual, a collective acknowledgment of Moreno's enduring legacy. This brief but impactful ceremony allows passengers to reflect on the importance of conservation and the vision of those who championed it. Reddit

Experiencing Isla Centinela by Boat

The journey to Isla Centinela is intrinsically linked to the boat tours that navigate Lago Argentino. These excursions are not just about reaching the island but also about the broader experience of exploring the Patagonian landscape. As your boat approaches, the small island with its flag and cross becomes visible, a clear marker of its significance. Reddit

The highlight for many is the tribute horn salute. As the boat draws near, the captain will sound the horn three times. This tradition is a powerful auditory symbol of respect for Francisco P. Moreno. The sound echoing across the vast lake is often described as a deeply moving and unforgettable moment, connecting visitors to the history and the natural environment. Reddit

While the stop on the island itself is usually brief, it offers a chance for quiet contemplation. Visitors can disembark to view the memorial up close. The surrounding scenery of Lago Argentino, with its glacial waters and dramatic mountain backdrops, enhances the solemnity and beauty of the visit. It's a brief but meaningful interlude in a larger Patagonian adventure. Reddit

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