There are few places on earth that make you feel truly small, and Perito Moreno Glacier is one of them in the best way possible. Standing before this vast ice field in the heart of Patagonia, with the crisp air biting at your cheeks and the thunderous sound of ice calving into the water, is nothing short of magical. We had seen photos before arriving, but nothing prepared us for the sheer scale and beauty of this place. Whether you’re admiring it from the walkways, taking a boat ride up close, or strapping on crampons for an ice trek, Perito Moreno is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every traveller to Argentina should have.
Reasons to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
- It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing rather than retreating.
- The glacier spans approximately 250 square kilometres and towers around 74 metres above the water surface of Lake Argentino.
- Perito Moreno is named after Francisco Moreno, a 19th-century Argentine explorer and scientist who played a significant role in defining the country’s borders.
- Roughly every four to five years, the glacier undergoes a dramatic rupture event, where a massive chunk of ice collapses into the lake, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
- The icefield is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest freshwater reserve on the planet.
How to Get to There
Perito Moreno Glacier is situated around 78 kilometres from the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Here’s how to reach it:
- By Car: Renting a car in El Calafate is a great way to explore at your own pace. The journey takes about 1.5 hours along a well-maintained, scenic road (Route 11) leading directly to the national park.
- By Bus: Several tour companies and local buses operate daily trips from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier. Buses typically depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
- By Tour: Guided tours offer an easy and informative way to visit the glacier. Many include optional boat trips or hiking experiences on the ice.
Our personal recommendation is to choose a tour because it’s surprisingly the most inexpensive option, you will learn a lot about the glacier, and they’ll ensure you arrive at your chosen activities on time – making your day worry free.
Things to Do
Whether you want to admire its icy grandeur from the viewing platforms, get up close on a boat tour, or take on the adventure of hiking across the ice itself, there’s no shortage of ways to experience this frozen wonder. Here are some of the best activities to make the most of your visit:
1. Walk Along the Viewing Platforms
A network of well-constructed walkways and viewing balconies provide breathtaking perspectives of the glacier. Your tour guide will give you a recommendation for the best route, or you can wing it, but you can’t go wrong either way. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including Andean condors, guanacos, and even the occasional puma. The park is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, adding another layer to your adventure.
2. Take a Boat Tour
For an up-close look at the towering ice walls, a boat tour is a fantastic option. Drifting along the glacier’s edge allows you to appreciate its sheer size and striking blue hues.
- Recommended tour: El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour with Optional Boat Trip
3. Ice Trekking on the Glacier
For a truly unforgettable adventure, try ice trekking on Perito Moreno itself. With crampons strapped to your boots, you’ll hike across the icy terrain, exploring deep crevasses, shimmering ice caves, and surreal landscapes.
- Recommended tour: El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Mini-Hiking Experience
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Patagonia’s most incredible sights and a must-visit for anyone exploring Argentina. Whether you choose to view it from the platforms, take a boat tour, or trek across the ice, the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Pack warm layers, charge your camera, and get ready to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles!