Argentina's Perito Moreno Glacier
Stay in El Calafate and Visit One of Patagonia's Ice Wonders
Oct 14, 2009
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Argentina's few advancing glaciers. Located in the Los Glaciares National Park, it is one of Patagonia's biggest tourist attractions. There are several options for experiencing the glacier, from walking the systems of boardwalks and viewing platforms opposite, to walking on the glacier itself.
Some Impressive Facts About the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Moreno Glacier is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is four kilometres wide and covers an area of 257 square kilometres. The glacier, which feeds into the Lago Argentino, advances two metres per day in the centre and 40cms on the sides. Periodically, the glacier advances so much that it creates a natural dam that divides the lake. When the pressure of the dammed water reaches breaking point, the ice barrier ruptures in a spectacular display. This occurs on average every four or five years.
The glacier was named after the Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno, who was born in 1852. Moreno discovered and explored numerous lakes and rivers in Patagonia and, inspired by America's Yellowstone Park, was instrumental in creating South America's first national park, the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier
The glacier is about one and a half hours from the town of El Calafate and can be visited by car or bus. The road winds its way through some spectacular scenery, passing snow-capped mountains, woods and lakes.
There are several tourist offices in El Calafate that organise transfers and excursions to the glacier, but the cheapest option is to take the public bus. This costs about 80 pesos (US$21), but doesn't include the 60 peso (US$16) entry fee for the Los Glaciares National Park. There is a bus that leaves at 9am from El Calafate and returns from the glacier at 4pm.
The bus drops its passenger off in the car park of the glacier, where there is also a restaurant and shop. From here there is a path that leads to a system of boardwalks and platforms that provide spectacular views of the glacier. Standing before it, spectators can hear cracks and groans and the occasional explosion as large ice chunks break off and fall dramatically to the water below.
Boat Trips and Trekking Excursions
For a closer look at the magnificent ice field, it is possible to sail up to the face of the glacier (about 300 metres away). From this perspective it is possible to gain a better understanding of how massive the glacier really is, and it also affords better views of the blue and white hued glacial walls with its internal rivers and caverns.
Those wishing to take a boat trip can be dropped off at the pier by the public bus. There is the option of a one hour excursion, which leaves plenty of time to explore the boardwalks as well.
Trekking on the glacier is the most expensive option, but it is also an unforgettable experience. There are two standard tours that can be booked from El Calafate. The first is a mini-trek, which involves about an hour and a half walk on the glacier, and the second is a longer, five hour trek. Check with the tour company to see what each excursion includes.
A Patagonian Wonder Worth Visiting
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the wonders of the world that leaves spectators in awe of the beauty and majesty of nature. Throughout South America are similar wonders that would appeal to travellers in search of rugged and picturesque landscapes, such as the Torres Del Paine. Glacier lovers might also enjoy visiting the black glacier at Mount Tronador in the Argentinian Lake District. Don't forget to bring cameras and walking shoes!
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