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Perito Moreno Glacier: A Patagonian Ice Giant

Experience the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, a colossal Patagonian ice giant easily accessible via boardwalks and boat tours.

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The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, is a colossal ice formation stretching 30 km long. Its easily accessible viewing platforms and dramatic icefalls into Argentino Lake make it a Patagonian highlight.

A brief summary to Perito Moreno Glacier

  • Santa Cruz Province, AR

Local tips

  • Purchase Los Glaciares National Park tickets online in advance to save time at the entrance.
  • Dress in layers, as the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly.
  • Bring cash (Argentine pesos) for park entrance fees and tips.
  • Arrive early to beat the tour bus crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Consider a boat tour for a unique perspective and closer views of the glacier.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From El Calafate, take a bus from the El Calafate Bus Terminal. Several companies offer daily services to Los Glaciares National Park. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 40,000 ARS. The bus journey takes around 1.5 hours to reach the park entrance. Remember to factor in the park entrance fee of 45,000 ARS for foreigners, which is not included in the bus ticket. The bus will drop you off near the lower parking area, where you can access the boardwalks and optional boat tour.

  • Car

    Rent a car in El Calafate and drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier via Provincial Route 11. The drive is approximately 80 km and takes around 1.5 hours. Route 11 is paved and well-maintained. Be cautious of slippery roads in winter. Parking is available at the park. There is a free parking lot. The entrance fee to the park is 45,000 ARS per person for foreigners. There is also a shuttle to the top.

  • Taxi/Remis

    Hire a taxi or 'remis' (private car service) from El Calafate. Remis prices are pre-determined based on the destination. A taxi/remis offers a direct and faster route to the glacier. Negotiate the fare in advance, considering a round trip with waiting time at the park. While prices may vary, expect to pay upwards of 10,000 ARS for the round trip. Remember to factor in the park entrance fee of 45,000 ARS per person for foreigners.

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Discover more about Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier, a titanic river of ice, dominates the landscape of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia. This natural wonder, named after explorer Francisco Moreno, is a major draw for travelers thanks to its stunning beauty and relative ease of access. Unlike many glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno has remained relatively stable, maintaining a state of equilibrium for an unusually long period, though recent retreat has been observed on its northern front. The glacier began forming during the last Ice Age, some 18,000 years ago. It originates from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest reserve of fresh water. The glacier's terminus is approximately 5 kilometers wide and towers an average of 74 meters above the surface of Argentino Lake, with a total ice depth of 170 meters. Visitors can experience the glacier from a network of well-maintained boardwalks, offering panoramic views of the icy facade. For a closer encounter, boat tours navigate the lake's icy waters, providing unique perspectives of the glacier's towering walls and the dramatic calving events where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake. Adventurous travelers can even trek on the glacier itself with guided ice-hiking excursions. The constant movement of the ice creates a mesmerizing spectacle, with the sounds of cracking and groaning ice accompanying the visual drama of icefalls. The park is open year-round, though the best time to visit is during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall (September to April). During this time, the weather is milder, and glacier trekking tours are available.

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