Perito Moreno Glacier
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Perito Moreno Glacier

Witness the thunderous spectacle of advancing ice

The thunderous crack echoes across Lago Argentino as another chunk of ice the size of a building crashes into the milky turquoise water. This is Perito Moreno Glacier – one of the few glaciers in the world that's still advancing instead of retreating. Located in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia, this 250-square-kilometer ice mass moves about two meters per day, creating a constant show of calving ice and groaning sounds that'll make your spine tingle.

Unlike most glaciers you'll visit, Perito Moreno puts on a performance. The 60-meter-high ice wall stretches five kilometers across, and you can get close enough to hear the ice singing – those otherworldly creaks and pops as the glacier shifts and moves. The viewing platforms at Península de Magallanes offer front-row seats to this geological theater, but the real adventure begins when you strap on crampons and walk directly on the ice itself.

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The classic approach starts at the Península de Magallanes boardwalks – a series of metal walkways that bring you face-to-face with the glacier's terminus. These paths are paved and accessible, taking about 2 hours to cover all viewpoints if you stop for photos (and you will). The Sendero Mirador trail adds another hour but rewards you with elevated views of the entire ice field. For the real adventure, book an ice trekking tour with Hielo y Aventura. Their "Minitrekking" option involves a 20-minute boat ride across Brazo Rico, followed by a 1.5-hour walk on the glacier itself. You'll need basic fitness – think hiking up a few flights of stairs – but no technical climbing experience. The "Big Ice" tour ups the ante with 3.5 hours on the glacier, including crevasse exploration. The boat-only Safari Náutico tours get you right up to the glacier's face from Brazo Rico. These 1-hour trips run every 30 minutes and offer the best views for calving – when chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. Sit on the right side of the boat for optimal glacier views.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Book ice trekking tours directly with Hielo y Aventura to avoid markup fees from El Calafate agencies
  • 2.Bring cash in Argentine pesos for park entry – credit cards aren't accepted and ATMs charge hefty foreign transaction fees
  • 3.Pack your own lunch for glacier visits instead of buying overpriced snacks at the park cafe
  • 4.Stay in El Calafate during shoulder season (March or November) when hotel rates drop by 40-50%
  • 5.Share transportation costs by joining group tours or splitting taxi fares with other travelers
  • 6.Buy warm gear in Buenos Aires before flying to Patagonia – outdoor equipment in El Calafate costs double
  • 7.Fill up your rental car in El Calafate before heading to the glacier – no gas stations in the park

Travel Tips

  • •Arrive at viewing platforms before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid cruise ship crowds
  • •Bring a thermos of hot coffee – glacier winds make even summer days feel cold
  • •Download offline maps before visiting – cell service is spotty near the glacier
  • •Wear sunglasses even on cloudy days – glacier reflection causes snow blindness
  • •Keep your camera battery warm in an inside pocket between shots
  • •Listen for the glacier's sounds – creaking and groaning indicate active ice movement
  • •Book accommodation in El Calafate at least two months ahead for December-February visits
  • •Check weather forecasts daily – Patagonian conditions change rapidly
  • •Bring waterproof gloves for ice trekking – regular gloves will freeze to the ice
  • •Allow extra time for the return drive to El Calafate – wildlife often blocks the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan a full day for the complete experience. The viewing platforms take 2-3 hours, ice trekking tours run 3-6 hours depending on which option you choose, and boat tours add another hour. Most visitors spend 4-6 hours total at the glacier, plus 3 hours round-trip driving from El Calafate.

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