If you are in Argentina, visiting Perito Moreno El Calafate should definitely be on your itinerary. A holiday in Argentina would not be complete without a visit to these iconic glaciers. These glaciers are some of the most spectacular sights in the country and it is not every day that you will get to see a huge chunk of ice on the move!
Located in the southern region of Patagonia, Perito Moreno Glacier stands 60 meters high and 5 km wide, offering an all-encompassing feeling of grandiosity. People from around the world like to spend a few nights in El Calafate to fully enjoy the beauty of this landscape. You can sign up for a boat ride and traverse through the iceberg-strewn lakes or you can walk on its icy surface, you will find that there is plenty to do here!
In order to get to Perito Moreno Glacier, you have to first reach the town of El Calafate. From there onwards, we can arrange various types of icy experiences based on your fitness and preferred adventure level. For now, let’s take a look at the different ways you can get close to these glaciers.
Trekking
A glacier hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should have. The Perito Moreno glacier hike is a truly unique experience where you will feel the ice beneath your feet from a different perspective. This experience is especially recommended to those who have never been on a glacier. Do not be afraid, as you will have spikes strapped to your shoes which means you can confidently walk across the slippery ice without the fear of falling.
You can either go for a mini trek or a long ice trek. The mini trek is a shorter option and is mostly preferred by amateurs. After a short boat ride, you will walk for 40 minutes along the river before reaching the ice. Once there, strap your crampons and enjoy this beautiful trek that will take almost 2 hours. You can comfortably explore the icy routes during this time as the shoe spikes will make your walk much more secure.
The long ice trek is more challenging and is recommended to people who have better fitness levels. Just like the mini trek, you will ride on a boat and reach the southern bank of Lago Argentino. Here, you will be able to trek much further up the glacier where you will also have views that are ten times more stunning. The routes in the trek can change according to the time of the year.
Kayak
Rather than viewing the glaciers from the comfort of a cruise, you can get a lot closer by kayaking. Imagine being just a few meters away from the icebergs. You will enjoy a silence that you won’t be able to experience on a cruise or a boat. You will only hear the sounds of the crashing of ice which is an astounding experience on its own. As you sit on top of the water, you will have a position that will allow you to look at the glacier from a unique perspective.
If you don’t want to kayak alone, you can also opt for a tour. In most of the tour plans, you can kayak with a guide who will be able to share more about the iceberg formation and other interesting facts. This one-of-a-kind way to explore the glaciers is highly recommended if you are an adventure junkie.
Boardwalk
If you want a different perspective of the glacier, you can also combine kayaking with a visit to the viewing balconies. A series of boardwalks bring you within a few hundred meters of the glacier’s snout. The most popular place to see the glacier is from the boardwalk called ‘the viewpoint’. This is as close as you can get to the ice from the routes available. You can also have a nice picnic on the large platforms and have your lunch in the middle of this gorgeous landscape. As you walk on these boardwalks, you will be in constant awe of the size and grandeur of the glacier. The entire route is around 4 km long and can take a few hours to complete as you take your time and stop at different viewpoints to appreciate the mind-blowing sight of the majestic glacier from different perspectives. If you hang around the lookout spot long enough, you may see a chunk of ice fall off the edge.
Cruise
If you want to experience the arctic and its wilderness in comfort, cruising in El Calafate is something you need to do. Apart from seeing some of the most sought-after arctic animals in the world, you will also get a chance to participate in exhilarating polar activities. The breathtaking views of floating ice will dazzle you! Some of the animals you may encounter during your cruise include polar bears, walruses, seabirds, and whales.
Glaciarium
The Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum is located just outside the climbing and trekking hotspot of El Calafate. It is a modern glacier interpretation center where you will find the world’s largest bar that is made of glacial ice.
The architecture of this museum is quite beautiful and the building looks much more like a glacier itself. You will find various exhibits of models and photographs that provide a deeper insight into the glacier. The Glaciarium is a great place to learn more about the facts so you’re armed with some knowledge when you head out to view the magnificent icebergs. There is also a café and Echoshop in the Glaciarium where you will find objects made with a low environmental impact. Do remember to bring along warm clothing as the temperature will be below zero. Alternatively, you can rent coats, gloves, and boots before entering the building.
Visit El Calafate In Argentina During Your Holiday
El Calafate is truly a gateway to another world that is filled with sparkling glacial water and towering ice. It is also one of the few places where you can get up close to explore these giant glaciers in different ways. To make your once-in-a-lifetime visit to the glacier memorable we can help you with your trip planning so can cover all the things you wish to experience when you are there. In any case, the rustic charm of the Calafate region will always leave you wanting more!
