Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia
Hey, adventurer! If you’ve ever wanted to see a massive wall of ice that creaks, cracks, and glows blue in the middle of nowhere, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Patagonia is your spot. It’s one of the coolest (pun intended!) natural wonders out there, and I’m here to walk you through how to visit, what to explore, and how to get ready for an epic time in this icy paradise.
How to Reach Perito Moreno Glacier
The glacier sits in Los Glaciares National Park, near the little town of El Calafate in southern Argentina. It’s remote, but getting there is straightforward.
- By Plane: Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate—takes about 3 hours, with daily flights on Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM. Tickets range from $100–$300 round-trip if you book early. From El Calafate’s airport, it’s a 1-hour drive to the glacier.
- By Bus or Car: From El Calafate, grab a bus to the glacier (80 kilometers/50 miles)—they leave a few times a day from the bus terminal, cost around $20 USD round-trip, and take 1.5 hours. Renting a car’s another option—same distance, about $40–70 USD a day, and you can stop for pics along the way.
- Park Entry: When you arrive, you’ll pay a national park fee—about 10,000 ARS ($10 USD at current rates, but bring pesos as it changes). Cash only, so hit an ATM in El Calafate first.
Things to Do at Perito Moreno
This glacier’s a showstopper, and there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here’s what you can dive into:
- Walk the Boardwalks: The park’s got these awesome wooden walkways right across from the glacier—different levels, all with killer views. You’ll hear it rumble and might even see chunks of ice crash into the water. I spent hours just staring, jaw dropped.
- Boat Ride: Hop on a boat that cruises up close to the glacier’s face—about $30–40 USD for an hour. You’ll feel tiny next to those 200-foot ice walls. They leave from Puerto Bajo las Sombras, a short shuttle from the main parking lot.
- Ice Trekking: Want to walk on the glacier? Book a trekking tour (like “Mini Trekking,” $150–200 USD). You strap on crampons, hike the ice for 1–2 hours, and sip whiskey over glacier chunks—so cool! Reserve ahead through El Calafate agencies like Hielo y Aventura.
- Kayaking: Paddle near the glacier’s edge—tours run about $100 USD for a couple hours. It’s peaceful, with icebergs floating by like sculptures.
- Photo Ops: Everywhere you turn’s a postcard—bring your camera or phone. Sunrise or sunset makes the blue glow pop.
How to Prepare for the Trip
Patagonia’s wild, so a little planning keeps it fun.
- Timing: Summer (December to March) is warmest (50–70°F) and busiest—perfect for trekking. Winter (June to August) is quieter, colder (30–40°F), and the glacier looks extra crisp against snowy peaks. A full day’s enough for most; add another if you’re trekking.
- Book Ahead: Boat rides and ice treks sell out in summer—book a week or two early, especially January–February. Check local operators online or in El Calafate.
- Weather: It’s unpredictable—sunny, rainy, windy, all in a day. Layers are key, and windproof gear saves the day.
- Cash: ATMs are in El Calafate, but not at the park. Bring pesos for fees, snacks, or souvenirs—cards aren’t always an option.
What to Pack
Pack light but smart—here’s what’ll get you through:
- Clothes: Layers—a t-shirt, sweater, and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots (walkways can be slick), plus a hat and gloves for wind or cold snaps.
- Gear: Small backpack, water bottle (tap’s fine in El Calafate), sunglasses (ice glare’s real), and sunscreen—sun reflects hard off the glacier.
- Food: No big restaurants at the park—just a small cafe. Pack snacks like nuts, fruit, or a sandwich from El Calafate. I brought a thermos of tea—total win.
- Extras: Camera (that ice begs to be photographed), a trash bag (keep it pristine), and a basic first-aid kit for peace of mind.
Quick Tips
- Start early—beat the crowds and catch the morning light on the ice.
- Wear grippy shoes—the boardwalks get wet from mist or rain.
- Listen for the cracks—when the glacier “calves” (drops ice), it’s loud and thrilling.
- Stay in El Calafate overnight—cute hostels and hotels, plus good empanadas to fuel up.
Why Perito Moreno’s a Must
This glacier’s alive—moving, groaning, glowing that insane blue. Standing there, you feel the power of nature in your bones. Whether you’re gazing from the walkways, trekking its surface, or just sipping coffee with that view, it’s a bucket-list moment. Plan it right, pack smart, and go see one of Patagonia’s greatest hits!