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Perito Moreno Glacier: A Patagonian Ice Giant

Experience the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park; a natural wonder of ice and sound.

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The Perito Moreno Glacier, a colossal ice formation in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, is a breathtaking spectacle. Witness its towering blue walls, hear the thunderous cracking of ice, and marvel at its rare stability amidst global warming. A must-see Patagonian wonder.

A brief summary to Perito Moreno Glacier

  • Santa Cruz Province, AR

Local tips

  • Purchase park entrance tickets online in advance to save time, especially during peak season.
  • Wear layers, as the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly. Include waterproof outerwear.
  • Bring sunglasses and sunscreen; the sun reflecting off the ice can be intense.
  • Pack a picnic lunch or purchase food in El Calafate, as food options inside the park are limited.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for strong winds.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    The most common and affordable way to reach Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate is by bus. Several companies, including Cal Tur and Chaltén Travel, offer daily services from the El Calafate bus terminal. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 40,000 ARS. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, traveling 80 km along Route 11. Buses typically depart in the morning (8:30 AM and 12:30 PM), allowing ample time to explore the glacier. Remember to factor in the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee of 45,000 ARS for foreign visitors, payable by cash or card at the park entrance.

  • Taxi/Remis

    A taxi or 'remis' (private car service) from El Calafate offers a more direct and flexible route to Perito Moreno Glacier. Several remis agencies operate in El Calafate, offering pre-determined prices based on the destination. The journey takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes. Expect to pay between 5,000 and 6,000 ARS for the round trip. This option is suitable for small groups who want a private transfer. Remember that the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee of 45,000 ARS for foreign visitors is not included.

  • Car Rental

    Renting a car in El Calafate provides the most flexibility for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier. The drive along Route 11 is scenic and straightforward, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Car rental costs vary, and availability can be limited, especially during peak season. Keep in mind that most rental cars in Argentina have manual transmission. Factor in fuel costs and the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee of 45,000 ARS for foreign visitors. Parking is available at the park.

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Discover more about Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier, a majestic river of ice, dominates the landscape of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia. This natural wonder, named after explorer Francisco Moreno, stretches 30 kilometers long and boasts a five-kilometer-wide front, with ice walls towering up to 74 meters above the Argentino Lake. Formed during the last Ice Age approximately 18,000 years ago, the glacier originates from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest freshwater reserve. Unlike many glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno has maintained a relatively stable state of equilibrium, making it a unique subject of scientific study and a source of wonder for visitors. The glacier is famous for its dramatic icefalls. As it advances, it periodically dams the Brazo Rico, a section of Argentino Lake. The increasing water pressure eventually causes a spectacular rupture, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into the lake with a thunderous roar. This cycle, though unpredictable, typically occurs every few years. Visitors can experience the glacier from various vantage points. A network of boardwalks and viewing platforms offers panoramic views of the icy landscape. For a closer encounter, boat tours navigate the lake's waters, providing stunning perspectives of the glacier's towering blue walls. Adventurous travelers can even trek on the ice itself with guided mini-trekking or 'Big Ice' tours, exploring the glacier's unique features, including its crevasses and blue lagoons. Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, protects this extraordinary environment. The park is located approximately 80 kilometers (48 miles) from El Calafate. The best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is during the warmer spring and summer months, from October to April.

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