Perito Moreno Glacier | El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most spectacular and famous natural wonders of Argentina and Patagonia. Located within the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Province, this awe-inspiring glacier is renowned for its massive size, striking blue ice, and its rare, dramatic movements. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing, which makes it an extraordinary site for scientists, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

General Information

• Location: The Perito Moreno Glacier is situated approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from El Calafate, a town located in the Santa Cruz Province of southern Argentina. The glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest ice field in the world.
• Size: The glacier spans about 250 square kilometers (97 square miles), with a length of 30 kilometers (19 miles) and a height that reaches 60 meters (197 feet) above the water of Lago Argentino.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier is during the Patagonian summer months (December – March), when the weather is milder and optimal for outdoor activities. However, the glacier can be visited year-round, with fewer crowds during the off-season (April – November).

Key Highlights & Attractions

1. Glacier Viewpoints

• One of the most popular ways to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier is from the viewpoints on the opposite shore of Lago Argentino. These platforms provide spectacular panoramic views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can watch the glacier's ice calving (large chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake), a truly mesmerizing and rare phenomenon that happens periodically throughout the day.
• The viewpoints are accessible via a trail system that allows visitors to walk along the edge of the glacier's terminus, with marked paths that lead to various observation points offering different perspectives of the glacier's massive front wall.

2. Glacier Trekking

• For those looking for a more immersive experience, glacier trekking is available. This guided activity involves walking directly on the Perito Moreno Glacier, with the help of crampons for traction on the ice. A professional guide leads visitors across the glacier, explaining the geological processes behind its formation and movement.
• During the trek, participants have the opportunity to explore the ice formations, crevasses, and ice caves, providing an up-close experience of the glacier’s dynamic environment.

3. Boat Tours

• Another fantastic way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Perito Moreno Glacier is by taking a boat tour on Lago Argentino. These cruises get you close to the glacier’s towering ice walls, where visitors can see the full extent of the glacier’s ice face and hear the loud crashes of ice calving into the water.
• Boat tours usually depart from the Bahía Bajo las Sombras port, located a short distance from the glacier. These tours offer a dramatic and breathtaking view of the glacier from the water.

4. Ice Calving

• One of the most iconic features of the Perito Moreno Glacier is its regular ice calving. The glacier’s ice wall continuously advances and retreats, resulting in large chunks of ice breaking off and splashing into the waters of Lago Argentino. This is a truly spectacular sight that draws visitors from around the world.
• The calving events are unpredictable, but visitors often have the chance to witness this natural phenomenon, which creates thunderous sounds as huge blocks of ice crash into the lake below.

5. Los Glaciares National Park

• The Perito Moreno Glacier is part of the Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to more than 40 glaciers, including the famous Viedma Glacier and the Upsala Glacier. The park also features diverse landscapes such as forests, lakes, and mountains, making it an excellent location for hiking, trekking, and wildlife spotting.
• The park offers multiple trails and routes for visitors, including the Laguna de los Tres trail, which leads to views of Mount Fitz Roy and other impressive scenery within the park.

6. Wildlife Watching

• Los Glaciares National Park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot Andean condors, flamingos, guanacos, rheas, and pumas while exploring the park. Birdwatching is especially popular in the area, with numerous species inhabiting the park’s diverse ecosystems.
• Lago Argentino itself is home to a large population of fish, and the surrounding wetlands provide habitat for a wide range of waterfowl, making it an attractive spot for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

7. Patagonian Cuisine

• After exploring the glacier, visitors can enjoy the local Patagonian cuisine in El Calafate or near the glacier. Traditional dishes include lamb (asado), wild game meats, and Patagonian trout. Local pastries, like "dulce de leche" and tarts, are also popular in the area.
• Several restaurants offer scenic views of the lake and glacier, providing an ideal setting to enjoy a meal after a day of exploring.

How to Get There

• By Car: El Calafate is the closest town to the Perito Moreno Glacier and is easily accessible by car from other major Patagonian cities like El Chaltén (about 210 km or 130 miles away). From El Calafate, it takes about 1.5 hours (80 km/50 miles) to drive to the glacier.
• By Bus: Long-distance buses run regularly between El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier, with scheduled departures from the town center.
• By Air: The nearest airport is the Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) in El Calafate, which receives flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, and other Argentine cities. From the airport, visitors can take a shuttle or a private transfer to the glacier.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (December – March): The summer months are the best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. The weather is warmer and ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and boat tours, and this is when the glacier is most active, with frequent ice calving events.
• Spring (October – November): Spring is a quieter time to visit the glacier, with fewer tourists and milder temperatures. The surrounding nature also begins to bloom, creating a colorful contrast against the glacier’s icy blues.
• Autumn (April – May): Fall is a great time to experience the glacier with cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage around the area.
• Winter (June – September): Winter brings snow, and while the weather is colder, the area is much less crowded. Winter conditions provide a unique way to experience the glacier’s serene beauty, though some activities may be limited due to snow and cold.

Conclusion

The Perito Moreno Glacier is an incredible natural wonder that offers a variety of experiences, from the awe-inspiring views at the glacier viewpoints to hiking, boating, and glacier trekking adventures. Its continuous movement, ice calving events, and striking beauty make it one of the most unique and dynamic glaciers in the world. Located in Los Glaciares National Park, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Patagonia and Argentina, offering both natural beauty and thrilling experiences in a spectacular, remote setting.