The Grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier

In the Argentine Patagonia we can find one of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier. This spectacular mass of ice, whose extension reaches 250 square kilometers, is one of the most sought-after landscapes in Argentina and one of the natural wonders of the planet. 

And there is no better winter plan than visiting the Glacier National Park in southern Argentina. The best season to see the Perito Moreno Glacier is from October to March. Visiting the front part of the Perito Moreno Glacier, whose length is about five kilometers and is nestled over 60 meters above water level, is one of the main attractions of this region of Argentina, welcoming thousands of visitors throughout the year.

Only the movements of the glacier and the landslides that occur break the silence that characterizes the Glacier National Park, generating an impressive roar that shows the scope and mightiness of this huge mass of ice. 

In 1899 it was baptized as Perito Moreno Glacier, after Argentinean scientist and explorer Francisco Pascacio Moreno, who made several trips to the Argentinean Patagonia during the 19th century to delve into the region and contribute with groundbreaking geographical discoveries.

One of the advantages of this glacier is that, contrary to what it may seem, is quite easy to visit and enjoy it comfortably. The closest town to the Perito Moreno Glacier is El Calafate, only 80 kilometers from the glacier valley. Either by car or by bus, you can get to Perito Moreno, from where you can take a free shuttle bus that leads to the existing walkways around the valley.

To visit the glacier itself there are also several options. As we said earlier, there are walkways that run along the different faces of the glacier, and allow you to observe them in detail and at the pace that each one sees fit.

Another way to enjoy this place is through navigation, which allows you to be closer to the ice walls, that is, with the chance to have a more eye-popping perspective of the glacier. For the more adventurous ones, it is also possible to make a trekking tour, that is, hiking onto the glacier itself, although the price of these excursions is somewhat higher.

As we have already mentioned, the Perito Moreno is located at a stone's throw from the city of El Calafate, so you can also take the opportunity to visit this charming city, which has sightseeing places like the Glaciers Interpretation Center, the so-called Glaciarium, where you can learn about the origin and characteristics of the glaciers, or go to the top of the town to enjoy the views of Lake Argentino.