Glaciar Perito Moreno, Perito Moreno Glacier Travel Guide

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Experience the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, a natural wonder of Patagonia, Argentina. Witness the calving!

The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park, is a massive ice formation renowned for its dramatic calving events and accessibility. This natural wonder offers visitors a chance to witness the power and beauty of a dynamic glacier up close.

A brief summary to Glaciar Perito Moreno

Glaciar Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz Province, AR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Glaciar Perito Moreno.

Dress in layers, as the weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable. Even in summer, it's best to be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures.
Purchase your Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket online in advance to save time at the entrance.
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun reflecting off the ice can be intense.
Consider visiting during the shoulder season (September-November or March-April) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Listen for the creaks and groans of the glacier, and keep an eye out for calving events – a truly unforgettable experience.

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Getting There

Bus

The most common and affordable way to reach Perito Moreno Glacier is by bus from El Calafate. Several bus companies, including Cal Tur, Chaltén Travel, and Marga Taqsa, operate daily services from the El Calafate Bus Terminal. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 40,000 ARS. It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. The journey to Los Glaciares National Park takes around 1.5 hours along Provincial Route 11. Upon arrival at the park, there is an entrance fee of 45,000 ARS for foreign visitors. This fee is separate from the bus ticket and can be paid online or at the park entrance. The bus will drop you off near the boardwalks, where you can explore the glacier viewpoints.
Taxi/Remis

A taxi or 'remis' (private car service) from El Calafate offers a more direct and flexible transportation option. Remis agencies can be found throughout El Calafate, offering pre-determined rates to Los Glaciares National Park. While more expensive than the bus, a taxi or remis is convenient for small groups. Expect to pay around 10,000 ARS for the round trip, plus the park entrance fee of 45,000 ARS per person. The driver will typically wait for you at the park while you explore. This option provides the flexibility to arrive early or stay later than the bus schedule allows.

Discover more about Glaciar Perito Moreno

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a breathtaking highlight of Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park. This immense ice mass, sprawling across 250 square kilometers and boasting a 5-kilometer-wide front, is a mesmerizing sight to behold. Rising an average of 74 meters above the Argentino Lake's surface, with a total ice depth reaching 170 meters, the glacier's sheer scale inspires awe.Named after explorer Francisco Moreno, who played a vital role in Argentina's border dispute with Chile, the glacier began forming during the last Ice Age, approximately 18,000 years ago. Fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest freshwater reserve, Perito Moreno is an anomaly among glaciers, maintaining a state of equilibrium for an unusually long period. While many glaciers are receding due to climate change, Perito Moreno continues to advance, offering a unique spectacle of nature's power.Visitors can experience the glacier from various vantage points. A network of well-maintained boardwalks provides panoramic views of the icy landscape, allowing you to witness the glacier's grandeur at your own pace. For a closer encounter, boat tours navigate the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, approaching the towering ice walls for a unique perspective. Adventurous travelers can even embark on guided ice trekking excursions, strapping on crampons to explore the glacier's surface.The glacier's most famous spectacle is its dramatic calving events. As the ice advances, it periodically dams the Brazo Rico arm of Argentino Lake, causing the water level to rise. Eventually, the pressure becomes too great, resulting in a spectacular rupture as the ice dam collapses, sending massive ice blocks crashing into the lake. This natural phenomenon, though not predictable, draws visitors from around the globe, eager to witness the raw power of nature.