The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentinian Patagonia.
20 pictures of Perito Moreno Glacier from Margo Brodowicz, bruno camargo, Dirk Spijkers and other travelers
Traveling to the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. This magnificent glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. The breathtaking sight of the massive ice formation, its unique accessibility, and the chance to witness ice calving make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To get to the Perito Moreno Glacier, you'll first need to fly into Buenos Aires and then take a domestic flight to El Calafate, the nearest town to the glacier. El Calafate's Aviador Carlos Campos Airport is well connected with Buenos Aires and other major Argentine cities. From El Calafate, it's a 50-mile (80 km) drive to the national park, where you can join a guided tour or rent a car to explore on your own.
It's essential to book your tours and activities in advance, especially during the peak season (November to February). You can choose from a variety of options, including boat tours, mini-trekking on the glacier, and ice climbing. Additionally, consider booking entrance tickets to Los Glaciares National Park online to avoid long queues.
Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier can be quite affordable, with entrance fees to the national park costing around $20 (subject to change). Tours and activities, such as boat tours and ice trekking, can range from $50 to $200, depending on the type and duration. Accommodation and meals in El Calafate will be your main expenses, but budget options are available.
Some of the best things to do at Perito Moreno Glacier include taking a boat tour to get up close to the glacier, trekking on the ice for a unique perspective, and simply admiring the stunning views from the many platforms and walkways in the park. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty and power of this natural wonder.
For local dining options, check out La Zaina Restaurante, which offers delicious Argentine cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Another great option is Mako Premium Bar, where you can enjoy hearty meals, craft beer, and an extensive wine list. For something lighter, try Olivia Coffee House, a charming café with excellent sandwiches and homemade pastries.
When it comes to accommodation, El Calafate offers a range of options to suit all budgets. For a luxurious stay, consider the Xelena Hotel & Suites, which features stunning views of Lago Argentino and a spa. Alternatively, the boutique hotel Keoken Patagonia offers comfortable rooms and personalized service. Budget travelers can opt for the America del Sur Hostel, a popular and cozy option with a friendly atmosphere.
Off the beaten path: For a truly unique and lesser-known experience, consider a visit to Estancia Cristina, a remote and historic ranch located deep within Los Glaciares National Park. Accessible only by boat, the estancia offers an authentic Patagonian experience with horseback riding, trekking, and 4x4 excursions, all while surrounded by pristine wilderness and breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes.
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❄️ Glacial landform spots ❄️ Glacier spots ❄️ Glacial lake spotsDiscover the Perito Moreno, the most "living" of Patagonia's glaciers: it is constantly advancing on Lake Argentina and grows by about two metres every day. The incredible geology of this glacier, which is 30 km long and 5 km wide and has icy walls some 60 metres high, is often mentioned.
Whether you discover it on foot or in a boat, the spectacle is truly unique, as the face of the Perito Moreno changes a little each day.
The glacier was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno who came to study the region in the 19th century.
With its vertiginous peaks, mysterious caves and impressive crevasses, the Perito Moreno glacier makes us revise our synonyms: the word "blue" will not be enough to describe all the shades that can be observed there. From the lightest, almost translucent, to the darkest, blue underlines the contrasts of an element in all its states.
Of a blue that is both transparent and deep, the nevé expels the air from the glacier under the pressure of the accumulated snowfall.
Real columns of ice rise up from the glacier like sculpted walls, and you can regularly hear pieces of ice being detached: a perfectly unforgettable sensory journey. One of those moments when one can only bow to the beauty of the elements.
On the outskirts of the glacier, the Los Glaciares Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers superb hiking trails... and many other glaciers to discover. Without doubt one of the most beautiful destinations at the end of the world!
So, if you are a lover of nature and snowy landscapes, don't hesitate and discover the Perito Moreno and take a boat trip or a trekking tour.
The southern summer, from November to March, is the best time to visit the Perito Moreno, as the temperatures are more pleasant, although you should still bring something to cover up.
If you want to go to the Perito Moreno Glacier by bus, you must leave from the bus station in the city of El Calafate (where there is also an airport nearby).
Otherwise, you can easily get there by car.
If you want to stay near the Perito Moreno, you will have to go to the town closest to the glacier, namely El Calafate, where there are many youth hostels.
3 km (2.0 miles) away from Perito Moreno Glacier