Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier | El Calafate

Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate, Argentina

Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most exciting and unique adventure activities in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Located within the Los Glaciares National Park near El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, making it an incredibly dynamic and awe-inspiring destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This glacier trek allows visitors to explore the ice field of the Perito Moreno Glacier, walk across its cracks, crevasses, and ice formations, and experience its massive scale up close. The experience provides a sense of adventure and an opportunity to witness a glacier's natural processes, offering a thrilling way to engage with the stunning landscape of Patagonia.

General Information

• Location: The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from El Calafate, in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. The glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest ice field in the world.
• Size: The Perito Moreno Glacier covers an area of approximately 250 square kilometers and has a length of around 30 kilometers. The glacier's towering ice walls are up to 70 meters (230 feet) high and are one of the most recognizable features of the glacier.
• Trekking Operations: Trekking on the glacier is managed by Argentina’s National Parks Administration in collaboration with specialized tour companies. Guides lead the treks and ensure safety while explaining the glacier's history and environment. Visitors can choose between different levels of trekking, ranging from shorter, easier walks to more challenging routes.

Types of Trekking Tours

1. Mini Trekking

• Mini Trekking is the most popular and accessible option for those who want to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier without an extensive physical challenge. This is a half-day trek that is perfect for those who are not experienced trekkers but still want to enjoy the glacier's landscapes.
• The tour begins with a boat ride across the Lago Rico, which brings visitors closer to the glacier’s southern face. From there, a guided walk is made up to the edge of the glacier, where visitors put on crampons (metal spikes attached to boots) to safely walk on the ice.
• The trek takes visitors through a labyrinth of crevasses, ice bridges, and glacier formations, with occasional stops for photos and explanations about the glacier’s geology and glaciology. The trek typically lasts about 2-3 hours on the glacier itself.
• After the ice trekking, visitors are given a chance to relax with a whisky served with glacier ice, a popular treat to conclude the experience.

2. Big Ice Trekking

• The Big Ice Trekking tour is a more advanced trekking experience for those looking for a longer, more challenging adventure. This trek is designed for experienced trekkers and involves a full day of hiking on the glacier.
• Participants are first transferred by boat across Lago Rico to the glacier, where they are provided with crampons and ice gear. A professional guide leads the group over more difficult sections of the glacier, including steep slopes, deep crevasses, and remote areas of the ice field.
• The trek explores deeper areas of the glacier that are less crowded, offering stunning views of blue ice formations, ice caves, and remote glacial landscapes. The Big Ice Trekking is a more strenuous and rewarding experience, often lasting up to 6-8 hours on the glacier.
• Participants should be prepared for physical exertion, as the trek involves longer distances, higher altitudes, and navigating difficult terrain.

3. Self-Guided Glacier Walk (Viewing from Platforms)

• For visitors who prefer not to trek on the glacier itself but still want to witness the glacier’s grandeur, the Perito Moreno Glacier offers an alternative: the walkways and observation platforms that are part of the Glacier Viewing Area.
• The walkways provide multiple viewpoints of the glacier from the surrounding forest and the edge of the Lago Argentino. Visitors can view the massive ice walls, hear the cracking sounds of the glacier’s calving process, and catch sight of the ice chunks that break off and fall into the lake below.
• This option allows visitors to safely enjoy the glacier's beauty while still experiencing its magnitude.

What to Expect During the Trek

1. Spectacular Views

• One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is the chance to witness one of nature's most impressive ice formations up close. The jagged ice cliffs, blue crevasses, and glistening ice create a surreal and breathtaking landscape. The contrasts between the white ice, the blue sky, and the surrounding Patagonian wilderness are truly stunning.
• As visitors trek across the glacier, the views constantly change, offering new perspectives of the surrounding mountains, the Lago Argentino, and the glacier’s ever-evolving landscape.

2. Glacier Features

• Visitors will encounter various natural features of the glacier, such as seracs (large blocks of ice), crevasses, moulins (waterfalls that form in the glacier), and ice caves. These unique formations are a testament to the glacier’s ongoing movement and melting process.
• The ice has a distinctive blue hue due to the way light refracts through the thick, compressed ice layers. Visitors can marvel at this stunning phenomenon throughout the trek.

3. Educational Experience

• The professional guides leading the trekking tours provide valuable insights into the glacier's formation, climate history, and environmental changes over time. They explain the glacial movement, calving process, and the glacier's role in the ecosystem of Patagonia.
• The guides also highlight the importance of sustainable tourism and conservation efforts to protect the glacier and its surrounding environment.

Safety and Preparation

• Clothing: It is important to wear warm, layered clothing for the trek, as temperatures on the glacier can be chilly, even during the summer months. Waterproof clothing is recommended to protect against the ice and snow. Trekking boots and appropriate gloves are necessary for comfort and warmth.
• Crampons: All trekkers are provided with crampons to safely walk on the glacier. These metal spikes attached to your boots allow you to maintain traction on the ice and navigate the glacier's uneven terrain.
• Fitness Level: While the Mini Trekking is suitable for most people with average fitness, the Big Ice Trekking requires a higher level of physical stamina, as it involves longer durations, steeper sections, and more challenging conditions.
• Health: Trekkers should be in good health and free from medical conditions that could affect their ability to participate in strenuous physical activities.

How to Get There

• By Car: The Perito Moreno Glacier is located around 80 km from El Calafate, and can be reached by car via Route 11. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and the road is well-maintained. Once at the glacier, visitors can follow the signs to the glacier trekking departure points.
• By Bus: There are several buses from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier, which can be arranged through local travel agencies.
• Tour Packages: Many tour companies in El Calafate offer guided day trips that include glacier trekking and other activities at the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (December – March): The best time to go trekking on the glacier is during the summer months when the weather is milder, and the days are longer. Summer is also the peak season for trekking, so it’s advisable to book tours in advance.
• Autumn (April – May): Autumn offers fewer crowds, and the weather is still favorable for trekking, although temperatures begin to drop.
• Winter (June – September): Winter brings colder temperatures and fewer tourists, which means quieter trekking experiences, but the glacier can be more challenging to access due to weather conditions.
• Spring (October – November): Spring is another excellent time to visit, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience.

Conclusion

Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that allows you to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of one of the world’s most famous glaciers. Whether you opt for the Mini Trekking or the more challenging Big Ice Trekking, the experience offers unforgettable views, a deep connection with nature, and a chance to witness the dynamic forces of glacier movement firsthand. This activity is a must for anyone visiting El Calafate and the surrounding Patagonian region of Argentina.