Among the places you ought to visit in your lifetime, Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina should take the number one spot. It is one of the most naturally beautiful wonders present on the Earth. Bigger than the entire city of Buenos Aires, shimmering blue ice characterizes it as being one of the hugest glaciers in the world. Everything that you need to know to maximize this incredible place in Patagonia includes.
Where Is Perito Moreno Glacier?
The Perito Moreno Glacier rests on Los Glaciares National Park in the southern part of Argentina. Near this glacier is a tiny town of El Calafate, the most visited destination in Argentina. There are various hotels and eateries that would cater for people visiting the region. It is also very easy to move to other beautiful places in Patagonia from this town.
How to Reach Perito Moreno Glacier
The closest airport to the glacier is El Calafate (FTE) and boasts a direct flight profile from Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Ushuaia, among many others. Car access from the airport takes about 60-90 minutes along mostly paved roads-the last stretch being a little winding-directly to the glacier. Alternatively, there are options for renting a car or utilizing a private taxi; however, there is an ample presence of regular bus services departing the El Calafate bus terminal to the glacier. For those without any hassles involved in the trip, there are also many day trips that cover transportation and guidage through El Calafate and in some cases even boat cruises for a closer view of the glacier.
Perito Moreno Glacier: Best Tours
If you are short on time, a day tour is probably one of the best ways to appreciate the glacier. GetYourGuide is an excellent platform for booking one of these popular tours. They include a walk along metal walkways with stunning views of the glacier. For something a bit more adventure-oriented, go for the mini-trekking tour that actually involves some hiking on the glacier’s surface! For those who want a bigger adrenaline rush, the “Big Ice” trek is a longer and more challenging glacier hike.
For the want of more even-tempered kinds of safari tours, join up the “Safari Azul”; this brings one closer to trekking without the ice. The tour takes one to the beach in front of the glacier, wherein one has the chance of drowning an ice and take a picture of it. This one offers kayaking, as well as boat cruises, for those who may find kayaking interesting.
What You Need to Know About Walking the Glacier
One popular way to enjoy Perito Moreno is by walking the metal walkway along the edge of Lago Argentino. This large network of platforms offers stunning perspectives of the glacier from various angles. The walkways, which include red and yellow circuits, are color-coded according to their routes, with the red and yellow routes being those with the best views. On a clear day, you might see huge chunks of ice calving off the glacier into the lake below.
Most walkways are open to the visitors, with some wheelchair-friendly areas. However, to reach the best spots, you have to walk a little and climb stairs. If you are stubborn, you may witness the giant condor flying over the glacier or see the massive blocks of ice fall into the lake in a spectacular calving event.
Glacier Mini-Trekking Tour: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
As though that is not sufficient, you can also have a mini-trekking experience on the glacier. This is a full-day glacier adventure that begins with a boat crossing of the lake and follows by safety briefing and gear fitting. Then you are given crampons and a helmet and set off into the small group exploring the ice up close with a professional guide. It is open to almost everyone aged 8 to 65, though good health is required to enjoy it fully.
These tours are highly sought after and fill up quickly. You should reserve yours early. You’ll be able to take some stunning pictures on the tour, and to top it off, you’ll be served whiskey on the rocks made from the glacier at the end of the day!
The Big Ice Trek: For those with Adventurous Souls
The Big Ice trek isn’t just about glacial walking; this is the most extreme glacier adventure. This is a real exploration tour into the glacier. Here, you spend more time on the ice and go off the beaten path. This is recommended for the highly fit and those craving a much more serious adventure. This trek is meant only for the 18 to 50 age groups and comes with a pricy tag as compared to the mini-trekking tour. However, if in tip-top shape and want to take the big ice trek, it just might be a worthy investment.
What to Bring on Glacier Hiking
Before you head into the glacier, make sure to have your packing very well done. Essential things include:
Outerwear: The weather goes windy, so bring a jacket and warm hat. Gloves: This must be for a glacier hike. If you forget, the gloves will be provided. Footwear: Hiking boots or any sturdy shoes will work, as crampons will be provided. Backpack: A small backpack with snacks, water, and personal items will be handy. Camera: Don’t forget to capture those beautiful ice-forming sights on your camera or smartphone.
Entrance Fees to Los Glaciares National Park
Visitor Fees to Los Glaciares National Park
As with any part of the park Los Glaciares, there are entrance fees for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. The pass is independent of the cost of the tour and can be paid for by either cash or credit card upon entry to the park. Additionally, the second day is discounted by fifty percent if a ticket is bought for two consecutive days. Check the Argentina National Parks website to confirm prices before securing your visit.
Fun Facts About Perito Moreno Glacier
Length: The glacier extends about 30 km (19 miles), with a 250-km2 (100 square miles) area.
Color: Bright blue because the ice is densely packed and blocks out lighter colors of light to reflect blue.
Advancing Glacier: Perito Moreno glacier is not shrinking like most glaciers but moving forward at 2 meters up to 6 feet of advancement in a day.
Calving: Every 3 to 5 years, the glacier undergoes a calving event when the water dammed by the glacier exerts pressure and forces large chunks of ice to break off and plunge into the lake below.
Most Suitable Point in Time to Visit
The ideal time to set your foot on the inlet glacier would be during the spring/summer months of warmest days and longest hours: December through February. If you do not mind sharing your best view with others, the crisp, clean coolness of March-April can also be good to visit. Alternatively, there is also wintertime to visit, though tours may not be in high season.
Conclusion
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier would be one of the most amazing things you do. Whether hiking on the ice, walking the definitely well-situated viewing platforms, or just enjoying the stunning scenery. Best glacier trekking tours to wonderful sights- thus there is something for everyone. Be sure to reserve your tours in advance and pack all you need for your adventure. Perito Moreno is one place you won’t be forget about in a hurry!