Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the main attractions of Patagonia. Viewing the glacier by boat is a spectacular visceral and aural treat. Remarkably, the glacier is among the very few of its kind actually growing, rather than reducing in size. Get a closer look at the cracks, holes and water running across the surface.
Gaze up at the wall of ice that greets you on arrival at Lake Argentina. The terminus has a height of 240 feet (74 meters) and a width of 3 miles (5 kilometers). It also delves an additional 558 feet (170 meters) beneath the surface of the lake.
Enter the site’s large visitor center to follow its walking circuit. Hike around the glacier to see it from varying angles. Take one of the glacier trekking tours using specially equipped crampon boots to walk on the glacier. Short tours last less than 2 hours and longer treks are 5 hours. While walking on the glacier, the texture appears just like fluffy snow, but is actually rock hard and slippery, as you would expect from ice.
Take photos of the blue-white glacier and spectacular snowy mountains that enclose it. Listen to the eerie sound of cracking ice as it falls into the lake. Leave your camera on a tripod for several hours to capture dramatic ruptures on film.
Learn about the glacier’s history. It takes its name from Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno, who studied it in the 19th century. He also defended this part of the country from border disputes with Chile. Scientists continue to debate the reason for the site’s continued growth, while the majority of Patagonian glaciers are melting.
Select from several different types of tours available around the glacier. Fees vary for selection. The site is open to visitors year-round.
Perito Moreno Glacier is the highlight of the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Province of southern Argentina. It is 48 miles (78 kilometers) west of the city of El Calafate. Many tour operators run regular visits between the city and the glacier. Make this journey in less than 2 hours by bus.
