In southwestern Argentina, near El Calafate, stretches an incredible colossus: the Perito Moreno Glacier, a truly spectacular Andean glacier. Towering 60 meters above the lake level, it is undoubtedly the most famous glacier in Patagonia and one of the most stunning attractions at the end of the world. This icy Patagonian jewel ranks among those rare places worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Welcome to Perito Moreno Glacier—impressive, alive, and thunderous!

History of Perito Moreno

"Perito Moreno" ("Perito" meaning "Expert") was established in 1937. It was named in honor of Francisco Pascacio Moreno, an Argentine naturalist, geographer, and explorer. This visionary studied the region in the 19th century and played a major role in defending Argentine territory. More specifically, he participated in discussions aimed at defining the border between Argentina and Chile.

The glacier's history is also marked by numerous ruptures. The first was recorded in 1917, with the most recent occurring in March 2012. Between these events, similar phenomena took place every 2 to 4 years.

This glacier, protected by the Los Glaciares National Park, has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1981.

Perito Moreno Glacier Today

To witness this magnificent blue ice giant that is Perito Moreno, head to Argentine Patagonia, in the province of Santa Cruz, south of Los Glaciares National Park. This park preserves within its boundaries the immense peaks of the Andean Cordillera (Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre), several glacial lakes, and enormous glaciers, including the mythic Perito Moreno.

Perito Moreno Glacier is easily accessible and simple to visit, whether by road or by boat. Multiple options await you to discover each of its many facets: hiking, trekking, boat excursions, kayaking, and more.

Today, Perito Moreno is apparently one of the rare glaciers not retreating due to climate change.

Essential Information about Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of 48 glaciers fed by the enormous Campo de Hielo Patagonico, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located between Argentina and Chile. It stretches across a total area of 22,000 km², with 3,500 km² situated in Argentina.

Unlike other glaciers, characterized by ice collapses, Perito Moreno is in constant motion. It advances between 2 and 3 meters of ice per day into the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino. It detaches massive blocks of ice through calving into the lake.

Today, the glacier's front measures approximately 5,000 meters wide by roughly 170 meters deep, with 60 meters remaining above water. In certain areas, it reaches a thickness of 700 meters.

Constant collapses of ice walls occur year-round on Perito Moreno. The glacier's front butts against the Magellan Peninsula, sometimes traversing it completely. After crossing to the opposite shore, the glacier transforms into a sort of natural dam, dividing the lake in two.

Water levels in Lago Argentino, particularly in the Brazo Rico arm, rise as much as 30 meters, gradually cutting into the ice and giving it an arch-like shape. Weakened by this pressure, the glacier's front ultimately gives way, collapsing with tremendous force. This spectacular phenomenon, called the "rupture," occurs irregularly, at intervals ranging from one year to a decade.

Shortly after, the arch collapses with an enormous roar, reuniting the two sections of Lago Argentino. Witnessing this rare natural phenomenon is extraordinary, especially since it can occur during the night.

Perito Moreno Glacier: An Authentic Wonder of Nature

Perito Moreno Glacier is a natural treasure containing unique characteristics that rank among the must-see sites to visit in Argentine Patagonia. The emotion stirred by the sight of this ice wall is indescribable. One never tires of contemplating the interplay of light on its turquoise surface, waiting for the slightest crack.

With its mysterious caves, vertiginous peaks, and impressive crevasses, this gigantic glacier with its blue depths continues to captivate adventurers. Here, the color "blue" manifests in various shades, ranging from the palest, nearly translucent tones to the deepest blues. Blue accentuates the contrasts of a natural element in all its states.

The glacier gradually reveals its secrets, taking visitors on an unforgettable sensory journey. Beneath the pressure of accumulated snowfall, névé expels air from the glacier. As immense columns of ice rise like sculpted ramparts, sheets of ice regularly break away.

Bordering the glacier, within the Los Glaciares natural park, unfold **magnificent hiking trails. In the surrounding areas, you can take boat excursions on the lake, approach the glacier by kayak, or ride horseback through the landscape. Meanwhile, nearby rivers welcome those wishing to fish for trout, and regional museums welcome visitors.

On Foot

First, you must reach the site's parking area by car or via shuttle services from El Calafate. Parking P1, situated at the level of Lago Argentino, connects to the glacier via a 1.1 km trail descending to the lake. Parking P2, positioned higher, offers direct access to multiple viewpoints overlooking the glacier.

The trails here are fitted with wooden walkways. The multitude of viewpoints allows you to admire the glacier from various angles in complete safety. Regularly, the glacier cracks and rumbles, with entire sections of ice falling into the lake, creating massive waves.

The spectacle is both fantastic, unpredictable, and dangerous. However, thanks to the facilities—including staircases, wooden terraces, and various observation decks—you can visit safely. From the lower balcony, 400 meters below, you find yourself near the glacier's northern face.

By Kayak

What a unique moment it is to approach Perito Moreno Glacier by kayak! Before departing, it is essential to check weather conditions carefully. The surrounding silence dramatically heightens the sensation of immensity, felt truly only by kayak. Although it is not permitted to approach the glacier too closely due to the danger of falling ice, you can navigate near smaller icebergs.

By Boat

It is also possible to approach the glacier by boat (1 hour). Departures occur from the Bajo de las Sombras dock or the Bandera dock (more frequently used). Sailing beneath the glacier's imposing presence is quite an impressive experience.

Best Time to Visit?

Perito Moreno Glacier normally remains accessible year-round. However, the climate is extremely harsh—wet and snowy at altitude. Winds are cold, sometimes violent, and precipitation abundant.

The ideal period to visit the glacier is the southern summer, that is, between January and February. Temperatures are typically very pleasant during this time of year. You may also visit in March/April, which is less touristy, though the climate is less extreme than in winter.

From the town of El Calafate, you can easily reach Perito Moreno Glacier.

By Road

By Bus

From the city's bus terminal, El Calafate Bus Terminal, you can take a shuttle departing daily. You have two options: morning departure at 9 a.m. with return at 4 p.m., or afternoon departure at 1 p.m. with return at 7 p.m. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, costing around 450 pesos per person (roughly 8 euros).

By Rental Car

The road to Perito Moreno is excellent. It is Provincial Route No. 11, departing from El Calafate. It will take you to the Magellan Peninsula, situated opposite the glacier. The drive is approximately 40 hours for a distance of 2,600 km.

By Air

By Plane

Only 70 km from the glacier lies El Calafate and its airport, served daily by multiple flights from Buenos Aires, Ushuaïa, and beyond. From Buenos Aires, planes depart from the domestic airport "Aeroparque Jorge-Newbery." Allow at least 50 minutes to transfer from the international to the domestic airport.

El Calafate Airport is located approximately 21 km from the city center. To reach town, take a minibus. Expect 7 EUR per adult for a one-way ticket, 12 EUR per adult for a round trip. Children travel free. Taxis cost 17 EUR one-way, though rates are negotiable.

To connect Buenos Aires to El Calafate, allow 3 hours 20 minutes of flight time. Once you arrive in El Calafate, add a 70 km road journey before reaching your destination.