13. April 2023
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Welcome to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls! Nestled on the border between Argentina and Brazil, this stunning waterfall system
Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier: The Natural Wonder of Argentina You Can’t Miss
Welcome to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, one of Argentina’s most famous tourist attractions! The glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park and it’s a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to the Perito Moreno Glacier, providing you with all the information you need to plan your trip. We’ve got you covered from how to get there, where to stay, and what to do. So, let’s get started!
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1. How to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier
The easiest way to get to the Perito Moreno Glacier is by flying to El Calafate Airport. Many airlines, including Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM, offer daily flights to El Calafate from Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and other cities in Argentina.
If you prefer to travel at your own pace, renting a car is a good option. You can rent a car from El Calafate and drive to the glacier. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and the scenery is spectacular. Otherwise, you can take a bus from the airport which takes you to the city. The bus station in El Calafate is located outside the city center, so you’ll have to walk a bit.
If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus to El Calafate is a great option. Several bus companies, such as Don Otto and Taqsa, offer daily services to El Calafate from various destinations in Argentina and Chile.
2. Where to Stay and Eat in El Calafate
You should definitely stay in El Calafate as it is the nearest town to the Perito Moreno Glacier, and it’s a great base for exploring the area. We stayed at Hotel y Cabanas Las Marias which is located a 10-minute walk from the city center. It’s also only 10 minutes from the bus station, so you can easily walk from there. The rooms are simple and rustic and we paid around 13€ per person and night. Alternatively, we can recommend Hosteria La Estepa (fair prices but outside of the center), Rincon del Calafate (basic rooms within walking distance to the center), and Las Cabañitas (small cozy huts).
We can recommend the La Zorra Taproom for cold craft beer and a delicious dinner. A budget option is the Pietro Calafate while Nina Bar is a bit more pricey.
3. How to Get from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier
If you have a rental car, the easiest way to get to Perito Moreno Glacier is to drive yourself. It’s only a 1.5-hour drive for around 75 km/50 mi. There’s a big parking lot and you won’t have any problems driving by yourself.
Another option is to get there with a tour. But it’s not a guided tour, they will only pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the entrance of the glacier and return. As we didn’t have a rental car, we chose this option and paid 11€ per person for a return ticket. It’s possible to book the tours at the bus station where you’ll arrive when you take the bus from the airport to the town.
4. Activities at Perito Moreno Glacier
Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is an adventure you’ll never forget. This glacier is 30 km / 19 miles long and covers an area bigger than Buenos Aires (250 square kilometers). It is part of the Los Glaciers National Park, in the Santa Cruz province and its ice field is the world’s third-largest freshwater reservoir. The impressive wall, meaning the face of the glacier that you can see from up front is stretched up to 5 km/3 mi and rises up to 75m/250ft above the water. Here are some activities you can enjoy:
Trekking: Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier is an unforgettable experience. You can take a guided tour and walk on the glacier, admiring the stunning views and the turquoise ice formations.
Boat Tour: Wanna see the glacier from another perspective? Then hop on a boat on the lake and get up close to the glacier, watching huge chunks of ice breaking off and falling into the water.
Ice Climbing: If you’re looking for a more challenging adventure, you can try ice climbing on the glacier. You’ll need some experience and the right equipment, but it’s an incredible experience.
We actually didn’t do any of that. We just walked around the pathway and watched the huge ice rocks crashing into the deep blue waters. There are a few viewpoints where you can stop and just enjoy nature doing its thing. It is better to come in the afternoon when the sun already melted some of the ice and you can hear how the ice cracks and falls down.
5. More Important Information
The best time to visit the glacier is from November to March, during the summer months in Argentina. The weather is mild, and the days are longer, giving you more time to explore the area. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so it can get crowded. We’ve been here end of February and got so lucky. The sun was shining and there weren’t that many tourists.
You definitely don’t need a guide for visiting the glacier. There’s only one way, so you won’t get lost and you can get all information from the signs and maps inside the park.
As you’re in Patagonia, it’s important to wear warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Layers are recommended, so you can adjust your clothing as needed. Don’t get fooled by our pictures. We took off the jackets as we stayed at one of the view points for some minutes and the sun was out. Additionally, wear sturdy shoes with good traction to walk on the ice if you choose to do so.
6. Conclusion
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed. It was definitely one of our highlights of whole South America. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone at the glacier. In this article, we’ve provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip. We were so lucky with the weather and the ice was shining unbelievingly blue. But sadly all that ice will be gone in some years, so you better visit it as soon as you can! So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Perito Moreno Glacier!
If you liked this article, be sure to check out our El Chalten Guide. This is a hiking paradise and only 2-3 hours away from El Calafate!
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