Perito Moreno Glacier

National Park, Hiking, Trekking, Boating

By Christopher Minster

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park in the southwestern part of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. When it snows high in the Patagonian Andes, the snow and ice does not melt. Rather, it accumulates, forming the massive South Patagonian Icefield, a glacier system that straddles Argentina and Chile.

The enormous pressure of tons and tons of snow and ice compresses the existing ice and gives it a distinctive bluish tint. At such great pressures, the ice actually flows, inching out of the Andes and into the valleys where it melts, forming lakes and rivers. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of 48 such outlets for the South Patagonian Icefield.

Once every few years, the glacier plugs up Lake Argentino, cutting off the Brazo Rico arm of the lake.  The water level on the Brazo Rico side can rise up to 30 meters before the pressure causes the forward edge of the glacier to shatter, sending ice, water and debris in its path.  The last time this occurred was in 2004.

Visitors who are not there to see the great wall of ice give way are not disappointed, however. The glacier is advancing into Lake Argentino at an approximate speed of 2 meters (six feet) per day, but it never really goes forward. The reason is that huge chunks of the glacier break off at more or less the same rate as the glacier creeps into the lake.

Great chunks of ice crack off the face of the glacier every few minutes and tumble into the lake with a roar. These hunks of ice can weigh several tons and bob around in the lake as icebergs for a while, slowly melting.

There are observation platforms to watch this process, and many visitors take tour boats into the lake. The boats keep a respectful distance – you never know when a hunk of ice is going to break off – but the views are spectacular. Like watching rain on a lake or a brightly burning bonfire, watching and hearing the glacier groan, creak and crumble into the lake is very hypnotic.

Costs and descriptions: The town of El Calafate, located on the shouthern shore of Lake Argentino, is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier. El Calafate is reached by air from Buenos Aires: flights can run over $500, so start flight-shopping early. Flights from Puerto Natales, Chile, are also available. You can catch a bus to El Calafate from Buenos Aires: You’ll have to connect through Río Gallegos. There are a variety of places to stay in town: most are high-end, but if you dig around a little, you can find a more economic option.

It is possible to hike on the glacier: it costs about $60-$70 per person for a basic hike and visit. It’s a dangerous adventure: a guide is absolutely essential. The park entrance fee is about $7 in US currency. The boat trip to see the glacier costs approximately $10.

Traveler Reviews of Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier

Rating: 100%

Stunningly beautiful...

By V!VA User from Denver, Dec 28, 2006

The Best

Rating: 100%

My trip to the Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Patagonia was without a doubt the most rewarding and beautiful trip I have ever taken. We took the glacier trip on early January and it was sunny and beautiful. I am 60 years old as was my partner. We had no doubts about taking the trip and after the thrill of trekking on the glacier, I am delighted that we did it. I felt as though we had really accomplished something. It was a day I will never forget.

By V!VA User from USA, Feb 05, 2007

perito moreno

Rating: 100%

Amazing

We took an excursion & did the boat trip to get up close. Would recommend both. However, a couple of hours looking over the glacier from the 'balconys' was over too quickly.

Once you have seen a big chunk break-off the glacier you will want to see another & happily wait for a similar event. If we had had an extra day, we would have gone on a local bus (no guide, excursion) just to sit & watch the glacier shedding icebergs. If you are really travelling on a budget do this - you don't need to know or see anything more to be amazed.

By V!VA User from UK & Argentina, Jan 30, 2008