Located in the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, the Perito Moreno glacier is a must-see destination in Patagonia. With its towering height of over 240 feet and stunning blue hues, the glacier is truly a sight to behold. In this article, you will find tips on how to visit Perito Moreno glacier in 2023 and get the most out of your experience.
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Where is Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the southwest of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most famous glaciers in the world and a popular tourist destination.
How To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier [2023]
The Perito Moreno glacier is a part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest ice cap in the world. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing, with a growth rate of up to two meters per day! A massive wall of ice rises up to 70 meters above the water. This wall regularly collapses, causing a spectacular display of ice and water.
Perito Moreno glacier is a popular tourist destination. Visitors are coming from all over the world to see this natural wonder. The glacier is easily accessible, with several tour companies offering boat trips and hiking excursions. In 1981, the glacier was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
How to get to the Los Glaciares National Park
To get to Perito Moreno glacier, you will first need to travel to El Calafate. It is located in the southwest of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. There are regular flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate with Aerolineas Argentinas, Jet Smart, and Fly Bondi airlines. Another option is International Airport in Río Gallegos (320 km away from El Calafate). From there, you can take a bus to El Calafate.
From El Calafate, take a bus to the Los Glaciares National Park. Buses leave from El Calafate at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.. It takes around 1,5 hours to reach the park. Buses leave the park at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Prices at the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Entrance fee for the National Park: 5500 ARS. Check the prices at the official webpage.
- Hike on the top of the glacier: from 42000 ARS
- A ferry ride to the base of the glacier: 6000 ARS
- Full-day cruise on the lake with disembarking at several spots (Southern Spirit company): 20000 ARS
- Kayak in the glacier lake (MilOutdoor): 46000 ARS
Excursions at Los Glaciares National Park
If you are planning to visit Perito Moreno glacier in the peak season, it is better to book your tour in advance.
Best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier
The weather at Perito Moreno Glacier can vary significantly depending on the time of year. December to February are the summer months. They are generally the warmest and driest, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 Fahrenheit (about 15-25°C). The winter months are June to August, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 55 Fahrenheit (about 1-12°C).
Los Glaciares National Park is a popular tourist destination. The number of visitors tends to peak during the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (March to May or September to November). In the winter months, you can see the picturesque snow-capped peaks, but most of the activities such as boat rides will be unavailable.
Come prepared for cold and potentially wet conditions, as the glacier is located in a remote and rugged area. Pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable with strong winds, rain, and even snow.
My experience at Perito Moreno Glacier
Early in the morning I boarded a bus and set off on an exciting journey. The ride was a little over an hour. The view of the glacier from the road was truly impressive.
Upon arriving at the glacier, I paid the entrance fee and began my adventure. I followed the wooden paths, marveling at the natural beauty surrounding me. After a short 15-minute walk, I found myself at the observation deck. There eagles gracefully accepted bread offerings from visitors.
As I slowly made my way up, the views of the glacier became more jaw-dropping. I could see snow waves that looked like frozen lava stretching out for miles. The glacier loomed closer to the cliff, its surface covered in deep blue wrinkles.
One thing that really surprised me about Perito Moreno was the color of the ice. I had always assumed that glaciers were transparent or white. But the ice here was a rich, deep blue. I learned that the color of the glacier depends on its age – the older the ice, the deeper the blue color. Perito Moreno has been around for a staggering 30,000 years, so it’s no wonder the ice is so richly colored.
Perito Moreno glacier has managed to defy global warming. Rather than melting away like other glaciers, this one has managed to stay stable for the past 90 years. One side of the glacier melts, while the other grows of two meters per day, making it neither advance nor recede.
As I stood there taking it all in, the glacier seemed to come alive, growling and crackling and howling loudly. From time to time, huge blocks of ice would break off and crash into the water below, spreading out like icebergs all over the lake. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
I was fortunate enough to witness a group of condors flying overhead! These majestic birds soared through the sky, seeming to dance on the currents of air. They perched quite close to the tourists, seeming completely unembarrassed by all the cameras pointed in their direction. It’s not often that you get to see condors up close like this.
