Information
Landmark: Trekking on Perito Moreno GlacierCity: El Calafate
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina, South America
Overview
In El Calafate, Argentina, trekking across the icy blue ridges of the Perito Moreno Glacier is among Patagonia’s most thrilling and one-of-a-kind adventures.Tucked inside Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the rare few still pushing forward, its massive blue walls creaking and crashing into the lake-a breathtaking sight for anyone who loves the outdoors.On this glacier trek, you’ll step onto the vast ice field of the Perito Moreno, crunch across narrow cracks and deep blue crevasses, weave between towering ice formations, and feel its immense size right in front of you.It’s a chance to feel the rush of adventure while watching a glacier crack and shift, a breathtaking way to connect with Patagonia’s wild, unforgettable landscape.The Perito Moreno Glacier sits in Los Glaciares National Park, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the town of El Calafate in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, where icy blue cliffs rise above the lake.The glacier belongs to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world’s third largest, where wind howls over endless white ridges.The Perito Moreno Glacier stretches about 30 kilometers long and spans roughly 250 square kilometers-vast enough to swallow a small city in shimmering blue ice.The glacier’s ice walls rise as high as 70 meters-about 230 feet-gleaming pale blue in the sun, and they stand among its most iconic features.Trekking on the glacier is run by Argentina’s National Parks Administration, working closely with expert tour companies that know every crack and shimmer of the ice.Guides lead the treks, keeping everyone safe as they share the glacier’s history and describe the sharp blue ridges glinting in the sun.Visitors can pick from a range of treks, from a quick stroll along a shaded path to steep, demanding climbs that test your legs.Trekking Tour Types - for example, rugged mountain trails or quiet forest paths.Mini Trekking is the go‑to choice for anyone eager to step onto the Perito Moreno Glacier without tackling a grueling hike, letting you crunch across the ice and feel the cold wind on your face.It’s a half-day trek, ideal for beginners who still want to take in the glacier’s sweeping ice and sharp blue crevasses.The tour kicks off with a boat ride across Lago Rico, the water glinting in the sun, carrying visitors right up to the glacier’s towering southern face.From there, a guide leads the group to the glacier’s edge, where they strap on crampons-metal spikes that clamp to their boots-and step onto the crunching ice.The trek winds through a maze of crevasses, glittering ice bridges, and towering glacier walls, with pauses now and then for snapshots and quick talks about the glacier’s geology and glaciology.You’ll spend roughly two to three hours out on the glacier, crunching over blue ice beneath your boots.After the ice trek, visitors can unwind with a glass of whisky chilled by shards of glacier ice-a crisp, bracing finish to the day.Number two.Big Ice Trekking offers a tougher climb for travelers who want more than a casual hike-think longer hours on the ice, crisp wind in your face, and a route that tests your legs and your grit.This trek’s built for seasoned hikers, with a full day spent crunching over ice on the glacier.First, a boat carries participants across the still, green waters of Lago Rico to the glacier, where they’re fitted with crampons and other ice gear.The guide takes the group across the glacier’s toughest stretches-up steep, crunching slopes, over yawning crevasses, and into the far reaches of the ice field.The trek leads you into the glacier’s quieter depths, where you can stand beneath shimmering blue ice, step inside echoing ice caves, and take in sweeping views of untouched glacial terrain.The Big Ice Trekking pushes you harder but pays off with stunning views, often taking 6 to 8 hours crunching across the glacier.Be ready to push yourself-the trek covers long stretches, climbs into thin mountain air, and winds over rocky, uneven ground.Number three.If you’d rather skip walking on the glacier yet still take in its towering blue walls, the Perito Moreno Glacier has you covered with winding walkways and broad platforms in the Glacier Viewing Area.From the forest’s cool shade to the windy edge of Lago Argentino, the walkways offer plenty of spots to take in sweeping views of the glacier.Visitors can stand before towering ice walls, hear sharp cracks as the glacier calves, and watch chunks plunge into the cold, blue lake below.This option lets visitors take in the glacier’s beauty up close-hear the ice creak underfoot-while still feeling its immense scale.Here’s what you can expect on Trek 1-the crunch of gravel under your boots, the steady pull of the trail, and a few surprises along the way.One of the most unforgettable parts of trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is stepping close enough to see its towering blue walls of ice gleam in the sun.Jagged ice cliffs rise above deep blue crevasses, while the sun catches on the glistening surface, turning the whole scene into something almost unreal.Bright white ice meets deep blue sky, framed by the rugged sweep of Patagonian wilderness-it’s a view that stops you in your tracks.As visitors make their way across the glacier, the scenery shifts with every step-snowy peaks loom closer, Lago Argentino glints pale blue in the sun, and the ice itself reshapes into ridges and valleys.Number two.Visitors to the glacier will come across striking natural formations-towering seracs like frozen cliffs, deep blue crevasses, roaring moulins where meltwater plunges into the ice, and shadowy ice caves that echo with dripping water.Shaped over time by the glacier’s slow crawl and steady melt, these formations stand as living proof of its constant motion.The ice glows a vivid blue, the color born from light bending through its thick, tightly packed layers.All along the trek, visitors can stop to marvel at this breathtaking sight, like sunlight catching on the glacier’s edge.Three.On the trek, expert guides share vivid stories about the glacier-how it formed, what its layers reveal about past climates, and the changes they’ve watched unfold over the years.They describe how the glaciers creep forward, how massive chunks crack off with a thunderous splash, and how these icy giants shape Patagonia’s fragile ecosystem.The guides stress how vital sustainable tourism is, urging conservation to keep the glacier and its rugged, wind-whipped surroundings safe.Safety and Preparation Clothing: Wear warm, layered clothes for the trek-you’ll feel the bite of the glacier’s wind even in the height of summer.Wear waterproof clothing to keep out the sting of ice and the weight of fresh snow.You’ll need sturdy trekking boots and a good pair of gloves to stay warm and comfortable, especially when the wind bites.Crampons: Every trekker gets a sturdy pair, the metal spikes biting into the ice so you can cross the glacier with sure footing.Metal spikes fixed to your boots grip the ice, letting you keep your footing and pick your way across the glacier’s jagged, frost‑crusted surface.Fitness level: The Mini Trekking works well for most folks in decent shape, but the Big Ice Trek demands more grit-it’s longer, steeper, and the wind can sting your face as you push through tougher terrain.Health: Trekkers need to be in good shape, with no medical issues that might keep them from joining the climb-think clear lungs and steady legs.
