All you need to know about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier
Patagonia’s sparkling jewel and the highlight of Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno is undoubtedly one of the world’s most recognisable and magnificent glaciers. The sheer size of this colossal wall of ice is mesmerizing enough, let alone the fact that it is constantly in motion, experiencing breath-taking calving on a near-daily basis during the Patagonian summer. This is, by far, one of the top places to see in Patagonia, South America’s wildest south, and with this Perito Moreno travel guide, we’ll help you plan your visit with ease. There are plenty of things to consider when planning a visit to Perito Moreno – despite the ease of access, the glacier is still nestled in one of South America’s remotest regions and, given the time and effort needed to reach it, you may want to know what else there is to see and do nearby (spoiler: LOTS!)
Click the links below to skip through the article:
1. 5 things to know before visiting Perito Moreno Glacier
2. How to get to Perito Moreno
3. How much does it cost?
4. Trekking options
5. Best time to visit
6. Where to stay
7. What else to do
Perito Moreno Glacier
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5 things to know before visiting Perito Moreno
1. You’ll need more time than you think
Yes, Perito Moreno is humongous – it covers an area of more than 25sqkm, is nearly 3km wide and almost 70m high – but that’s not the only reason you’ll need plenty of time for a visit. First of all, we rate this is one of the most hypnotizing sites on the planet, arresting enough to kidnap all your senses for hours on end, especially as its incredible movement (this is, after all, the fastest-moving glacier in the world) is actually visible. In all honesty, we’ve never taken a guest here and not seen them stand there, dumbfounded, for absolute ages so why not plan for that and really take your time?
Ice bridge, Perito Moreno
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Secondly, there’s actually a lot to do here: from following the extensive boardwalk to take photos from every direction to taking a sightseeing boat ride on the water below the glacier and even an ice-hiking excursion on top of it, the options for activities are extensive enough that a visit can easily take upwards of four hours. Add to that a handy cafeteria and informative visitor centre and you can easily set aside a whole day to your visit. Besides, you’ve come all this way to cast your eyes on one of our planet’s most incredible treasures…why rush?
Lookout, Perito Moreno
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2. This is the closest you’ll get to a Patagonia glacier if you’re not opting for a glacier hike
The Southern Patagonian Ice Field is the world’s second-largest outside the polar regions and home to a high number of glaciers. Unless you specifically book a tour that gets you up close and personal, however, Perito Moreno is the one that offers the closest look. It’s this proximity that makes a visit all the more amazing – when you’re standing right in front of, and see its wall of ice literally surround you on both sides, it can make for a very overwhelming experience.
Natural spectacle, Perito Moreno
3. The glacier trek is suitable for just about anyone
Unless you have particular mobility issues, you’ll find the Perito Moreno glacier trek totally doable for anyone although local authorities do place age limits. Yet this isn’t some extreme sport activity at all but simply an awe-inspiring way to enjoy an up-close experience. You’ll want to be wearing extra warm socks, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen, but you won’t need athletic-level fitness to complete a walk, especially as there are options for both short and longer treks.
Perito Moreno trek
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4. Yes, it can get packed but, if you have time, you’ll enjoy a lull in crowds
Given that Perito Moreno is perhaps the most famous highlight in Patagonia, it is also the most visited and, in turn, the most crowded (especially in December and January). However, most organised tour groups and independent travellers head here for just a few hours in the morning or the early afternoon. With plenty of time up your sleeve, you’ll experience the ebb and flow of crowds that occur daily and can relish plenty of quieter moments even at the height of tourist season. Then, it can feel like you have Perito Moreno all to yourself…
5. Perito Moreno is spectacular at any time of year
Autumn and winter visits to Perito Moreno are absolutely resplendent. Not only is the surrounding wilderness a visual feast beyond words but crowds are hugely diminished and the whole experience becomes almost ethereal. The park is open all year round so don’t think that summer is the only time to visit.
How to get to Perito Moreno
The closest town to the glacier is El Calafate, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. The road to Los Glaciares is absolutely spectacular so take the ride as a priceless chance for some Patagonian overlanding rather than an annoyingly long transfer. Public buses leave El Calafate in the morning and return in the afternoon (and early evening) although private transport here is absolutely priceless if you’d love the independence of arriving, touring and returning to town, at your leisure. Besides, buses only work if you stay in El Calafate town and considering the better accommodation options lie outside of the relatively kitschy town, having your own transport and driver is the best way to go.
To reach El Calafate, you have only two options: by road on an extended overland journey through Patagonia or on a direct flight, either from Buenos Aires or Ushuaia. Note that these two Argentinian hubs are the only ones offering direct flight so if entering South America via Santiago (Chile) you’ll need to reach either one first. Do not confuse Perito Moreno Glacier with Perito Moreno town! The namesake village is about 300km away and not at all convenient for a visit.
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How much does it cost to visit Perito Moreno?
The entry fee to Los Glaciares National Park is USD30 for foreign citizens and all extra excursions (like boat rides and glacier hikes) are charged separately.
Perito Moreno trekking options
Hiking on top of the glacier is considered the #1 activity here and we’d have to agree: the views and overall experience is simply magical. You can take a Mini Trek that lasts about 3.5hrs, including a 2-hour trek on the ice, with crampons, after you’ve had a chance to get used to them. We find this to be the most popular option as, although not particularly challenging, the trek can be quite tiring nevertheless. Note that there is an upper age limit for this activity.
Feeling particularly active? Then opt for the Big Ice Trek which sees you carve your steps on the ice for over 4 hours straight, all the while being strapped to a harness. If you’re at all unsure about your ability to cope on the ice, it’s always safest to opt for the Mini Trek. Both treks include a fantastic ‘whisky on glacier ice’ celebration at the end.
When is the best time to visit Perito Moreno?
Whilst it’s true that Perito Moreno is a magnificent sight at any time of year, there’s no denying that the clear, cobalt skies of the summer months (December to March) make the whole visual spectacle absolutely perfect. Sunny days are also ideal for catching the kaleidoscope of colours on the ice, especially close up.
Where should you stay when visiting Perito Moreno?
Most visitors will opt to overnight in the town of El Calafate, the popular stop offering a bevy of hotels and lodges at varying budgets. The countryside surrounding El Calafate is also home to some rather gorgeous estancias (farmhouses) that make for particularly quaint and rewarding stays. If you fancy something a little different, opt for an estancia stay when visiting Perito Moreno and you can add a beautiful cultural experience (not to mention a culinary one) into your trip.
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What else is there to do near Perito Moreno?
Los Glaciares National Park is a spectacular reserve to explore far and beyond Perito Moreno. Here, you’ll find a stunning array of world-class hikes to lesser-known glaciers (there are over 300, all up) and the Fitz Roy Massif which attracts avid mountaineers from all over the world. Do note that the side of the park you enter to visit Perito Moreno is not the same one that allows you access to Mt Fitz Roy hiking trails. For that particular entrance, you’ll need to first reach the town of El Chalten, which is a 3-hour drive away – this is one of the top two most popular add-ons to visits to the glacier, the other being Torres del Paine.
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Torres del Paine National Park is undoubtedly the most famous reserve in Patagonia and one of the top 3 places to see in all of Argentina. Considered the hiking and wildlife capital of the south, Torres is achingly beautiful, the cacophony of landscapes and colours, not to mention its sky-reaching granite peaks, having a soul-stirring effect on all who visit. This, alongside Perito Moreno, is the Patagonia of postcards.
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From El Calafate, you can also enjoy a fantastic boat ride on Lago Argentino, specifically to visit the glaciers of Spegazzini and Uppsala and, if not staying in a traditional ranch, you can also opt to spend a whole day in one, just to play gaucho for the day, get a behind-the-scenes look at Argentinian ranch life and feast on a home-grilled asado. For all these great reasons, our Patagonia tour itineraries that include a visit to Perito Moreno include a minim of two nights in El Calafate and a visit to El Chalten and/or Torres del Paine, either before or after your glacier visit depending on the direction of travel.
At Viva Expeditions, we’ve been eye-to-eye with the mighty icy beast innumerable times and can custom-make any itinerary to suit your time frame and wishes. Want more? You got it! See all our Perito Moreno experiences, our extensive array of Patagonia tours and, as always, simply contact us for a more personalised chat.
