Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate, Santa Cruz
The beauty of Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia has earned it the nickname of the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and many consider it among the most beautiful glaciers in the world. It's the planet's third-largest reserve of fresh water and one of South America's last advancing glaciers, slowly making its way in crackling celestial blue from the granite spires of Chile's Torres del Paine National Park into Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares).
The basics
As one of the most accessible ice fields on the planet, Perito Moreno sits at the top of many travelers to Patagonia's must-see lists. Adventurous travelers can explore the inlet on a boat tour or don crampons and head out for a hike on the ever-shifting ice field itself.
Many visitors are content to stay on solid ground and observe the ice from a series of platforms across the Iceberg Channel (Canal de los Tempanos) from the glacier. The Glaciarium Ice Museum in El Calafate offers an excellent introduction to the science of glaciers.
Things to know before you go
This natural wonder is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Marvel at the ice from afar, or get a closer look with a boat ride or ice-trekking adventure.
A full-day Perito Moreno Glacier tour from El Calafate can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on the chosen options and activities.
Dress in warm layers, as the national park can be chilly, even during the Argentine summer.
How to get there
The town of El Calafate is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the glacier and has regular flights to and from cities in Argentina and Chile, including Buenos Aires. While the vast majority of visitors head to the glacier as part of a guided tour, once you're in El Calafate, you can catch a bus to the glacier (as well as other points in Los Glaciares National Park).
When to get there
Summer in Argentina (winter in the Northern Hemisphere) is the most popular time to visit the glacier, as the weather is at its warmest. While temperatures are cooler in October, March, and April, the tradeoffs are sparser crowds and a more peaceful environment. If you travel between May and August, expect frequent rain and average temperatures of around 36° F (2° C).
Hear the thunder
One of the most magical experiences at Perito Moreno Glacier is hearing the thunderous crack of ice as a berg breaks off and slips into the channel. This glacier is an excellent place to observe the phenomenon. It happens most frequently on sunny days in the late afternoon, after the sun has had time to warm the ice.
How long is the tour of Perito Moreno Glacier?
Day trips to the Perito Moreno Glacier in the UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park generally typically last 8–10 hours. You can take in panoramic views of the glacier from viewing platforms alongside the ice, sail around it on a boat tour, or step on the ice itself on a glacier trekking tour.
Is Perito Moreno worth visiting?
As one of the world's most famous glaciers, Perito Moreno is worth visiting—you'll be able to witness the spectacle of vast chunks of ice crashing into the glacial waters below. Plus, the scenery surrounding the glacier comprises snow-capped peaks and beautiful Lake Argentino (Lago Argentino).
How much time do you need at Perito Moreno?
You need to budget at least a day to visit the Perito Moreno glacier. The gateway to Los Glaciares National Park is the small town of El Calafate, which is around one hour from the glacier by car. Exploring the glacier's walkways takes a couple of hours, while boat rides tend to last one hour.
What ways can you experience Perito Moreno Glacier?
There are several different ways you can experience the Perito Moreno Glacier. You can admire it from vantage points connected by wooden walkways, sail around it on a boat cruise of Lake Argentino, or use ice axes and crampons to hike on the ice itself on a long or mini trekking tour.
What is the best Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour?
Often called navigation or nautical safaris, Perito Moreno boat tours let you get closer to the glacier than you can from the walkways. Cruises range from one to eight hours. Some stay within the confines of Los Glaciares National Park, while others go further afield and stop on land to trek on glaciers or explore in a 4x4 vehicle.
What is the best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier?
The best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier is during the dry spring and summer months of November through March—the conditions are ideal for exploring wider Patagonia. While the weather is fine, crowds tend to peak, with December and January seeing the most visitors.
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