The Perito Moreno Glacier: Visit and activities available
Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most visited places in Patagonia. And of course, one of the must-see when you visit Argentina. Of course, you may know that the typical excursion to see the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the traditional activities. No doubt, seeing the ice colossus from the catwalks is a fantastic experience. From there you can enjoy the entire 70 meters high mass of ice that will be in front of you. Wonderful, isn´t it? The excursion departs from El Calafate, and after 80 km you reach Los Glaciares National Park to enjoy the glacier.
Check an image with different trails available in front of Perito Moreno Glacier.
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier: Perito Moreno Trails
The trails are amazing and of course, you will enjoy unique views of the colossus of ice. But, what you can do once there? Well, there are some great activities to add to this traditional visit. Some of them amazing. Take a look to the following list:
Minitrekking: Walking over Perito Moreno Glacier
One of the most exciting activities to enjoy in the Perito Moreno Glaciers is the famous Minitrekking. The excursion begins in the port “Bajo de las Sombras” 7 km before the glacier walkways.
First, you embark to cross Lake Rico, reaching the southwest coast after approximately 20 minutes of navigation in front of the southern wall of the Perito Moreno glacier. Subsequently, the refuge is accessed where the guides organize the groups that each consist of up to 20 people.
Then a walk along the lakeshore of approximately 35 minutes to the glacier begins. Upon reaching the edge of the ice, the guides place the crampons on the participants, who receive instructions on how to move on the ice.
The tour on the glacier takes approximately 01:30 hours, and during the course of it you will be able to appreciate a variety of ice formations such as: crevices, seracs, sinkholes, small lagoons, etc.
The hike is moderate. The ice surface you walk on is uneven, but firm and safe. Explanations will be received about the flora, fauna, and general glaciology of the region as well as the particular phenomenon that occurs in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture. At the end of the tour, you return to the refuge through the exuberant Magellanic forest and then take the catamaran back to Puerto Bajo de Las Sombras.
Safari Natico: Navigate the lake to see the glacier
A good idea is to add boat navigation to see the glacier from the lake and take different photos. The called Nautical Safari or Safari Nautico boat navigation takes place from the “Bajo de las Sombras” port, 7 km from the Glacier Viewpoint. From there the boat navigates through the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino that allows us to appreciate the icebergs and landslides that occur on the south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Several daily frequencies. Total duration: 1 hour.
Kayaking in Perito Moreno Glacier
If you´re a kayak lover, you will consider that activity as a must-do. Perito Moreno’s waters are highly protected which is why we take great honor in stating that because of our teams’ expertise, professionalism, and interest in environmental care, we received permission to operate in this area and specifically in such an extremely sought-after location.
The Perito Moreno Kayak experience begins with free exploration. First, you will be able to take in the sights and sounds of the breathtaking sight as you walk through the footbridge and gawk at the incredible viewpoints along the way. Then you will head to Perito Moreno Kayak Experience’s Meeting Point, located near the main parking area, where our team will greet and brief you.
You will be welcomed into our Operations Area, where you will get dressed in state-of-the-art gear as our guides give you a rundown as well as an in-depth safety briefing. No past kayaking experience is necessary. Our kayak experts will explain how to paddle among the astounding glacial waters.
Once prepared and briefed we depart, with kayaks in hand, to Los Templanos beach. We will paddle down towards the glacier so that it is facing us the whole time. We will stop for our postcard picture moment and learn more fun facts about the fascinating Perito Moreno area in Patagonia. Do not worry if you have no kayak experience, our guides will teach you how to move safely within the astonishing glacial waters.
Big Ice: Hard adventure walking over the glacier
If you´re an adventure lover and look for something more intense, the Big Ice Trekking is great. The excursion begins with the pick-up at the agreed meeting point in El Calafate early in the morning. In our comfortable buses, a bilingual tour guide will provide you with information about the landscape you will discover. Includes a guided visit to the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park. There, they will be able to enjoy the spectacular panoramic landscape of the Glacier and walk one of the self-guided trails. Once in the port “Bajo de las Sombras”, located just 7 km from the Glacier, take a boat to cross the Brazo Rico, and disembark 20 minutes later on the opposite coast.
Small groups of up to 10 people are organized and the hike begins by the southern moraine of the glacier, and in just over an hour they will reach a spectacular viewpoint where they will access the ice. There the mountain guides will place the crampons, harnesses, and helmets to start the journey and will explain the basic safety rules. Once on the glacier and with the crampons on, the world takes on a new perspective: blue lagoons, deep crevasses, huge sinkholes, magical caves, and the unique sensation of being in the heart of the glacier.
Always accompanied by mountain guides, they will explore the corners of the most special glacier in the world for around three and a half hours. During the tour, the guides will help you to better understand the ice, its surroundings and will be able to measure the magnitude of the glacier and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, such as the Dos Picos, Pietrobelli and Cervantes hills. In addition, they will have half an hour to have lunch on the white mantle and be surprised in a place of incomparable beauty.
Once back in the moraine, they will walk another hour to take the boat back, and they will sail very close to the south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier and then return to “civilization”, after having enjoyed one of the ice treks! most spectacular in the world!
These are great options to enjoy. So, you know now what to do in Perito Moreno Glacier.
Patagonia Tours
Southern Patagonia: Ushuaia, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, and Southern Fjords and Glaciers
It´s in my opinion, the first trip you have to do if you visit Patagonia for the first time and you have a reduced time. The reason is that these areas focus on a wonderful collection of highlights, it´s wonderful attractions you cannot avoid. Places like the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier, or Torres del Paine National Park, the incredible Ushuaia and the magic of the end of the world, and the incredible cruise expeditions to southern fjords, glaciers, and the mythical Cape Horn.
You need at least two weeks to visit this portion of Patagonia and include El Calafate, Ushuaia, Torres del Paine, and any of the cruises available. You also can include El Chaltén if you´re a trekking lover. For sure, if you´re a hiking lover, El Chalten and the Fitz Roy Massif is a must, don´t forget.
We have many tours to visit this portion of Patagonia. With different durations, combinations with Skorpios Cruises and Australis Cruises, including Buenos Aires and Santiago, and also including other destinations in Patagonia. Take a look at a list of my suggested tours to visit Patagonia:
Patagonia Tours: Visiting the Southern area of Patagonia
Check my favorite first, but then a list of other suggested programs to visit southern Patagonia. My favorite is Incredible Patagonia with Australis Cruise, a Patagonia tour starting in Buenos Aires and visiting Ushuaia, the Australis Cruise to Cape Horn, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, and Santiago de Chile.
