An Incredible Patagonia Glacier Hike

Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Argentina – and 100 percent worth the buzz! Located on the edge of Lake Argentino in Patagonia, it is the third-largest glacier in the country. And, unlike most other glaciers in Argentina (or the world), Perito Moreno is growing – not shrinking. So, strap on your crampons and get ready to learn more about this incredible natural attraction with a handful of Perito Moreno glacier facts.

Perito Moreno: Argentina’s Amazing Ice Giant!

Perito Moreno can be found in Los Glaciares National Park, just outside of El Calafate. The glacier is renowned worldwide for its remarkable features. Unlike most glaciers, it exhibits an incredible rate of continuous growth. Each day, Perito Moreno grows an average of six feet, while at the same time losing mass through the phenomenon of ice calving. In this way, the incredible ice giant maintains a delicate equilibrium that ensures the stability of the advancing glacier.

Here are five fun Perito Moreno glacier facts to get you started on your adventure to Argentina:

• Size: Perito Moreno spans an area of 100 square miles and stretches an incredible three miles across. It rises 255 feet above the surface of Lake Argentino and plunges to a depth of 2,297 feet below. These figures highlight the colossal nature of this mighty glacier. But while the sheer size of this natural wonder may seem daunting, thousands of tourists embark on a Patagonia glacier hike each year to explore the glacier’s surface, crevasses, and ice caves.
• Freshwater reserve: Perito Moreno is an incredible tourist attraction, but it is also a critical freshwater reserve. It is the third-largest reserve of fresh water on the planet, holding vast amounts of this precious resource within its icy expanse. The glacier’s massive size and continuous accumulation of snow and ice contribute to its role as a freshwater reserve. As Perito Moreno advances, it provides a steady supply of fresh water to nearby Lake Argentio, helping to sustain the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
• Part of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field: Perito Moreno is part of the awe-inspiring Southern Patagonia Ice Field, which is the second-largest ice field in the world. This frozen expanse extends across the southern Andes and is the only remnant of the last Ice Age – a chilling reminder of when the entire region was blanketed by a thick layer of ice! This incredible ice field includes a total of 49 glaciers, including Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Viedma. And while you can enjoy activities like mini trekking Perito Moreno or hiking around Upsala, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is protected by several national parks. These protected areas help maintain the integrity of the ice field and its surrounding ecosystems while ensuring breathtaking beauty for generations to come.
• Tourism hub: Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier are an important tourist destination within Patagonia. The park’s mesmerizing landscapes draw visitors from around the globe for a variety of tours and activities. Many tourists sign up for a Patagonia glacier hike during their visit, which can include a day of mini trekking Perito Moreno. Or, they can opt for a boat tour around the glacier, which offers tourists a way to see the glacier up close and marvel at its beauty from below.
• Easy access: One of the reasons Perito Moreno is so popular is that it is easily accessible to tourists. Unlike other popular destinations, Perito Moreno is conveniently located within Los Glaciares National Park and does not require a long hike to reach. The glacier’s proximity to the park’s entrance allows visitors to experience its remarkable beauty without needing to be extremely fit. It also ensures that individuals with limited mobility can still visit and enjoy the glacier without an extreme Patagonia glacier hike.

How To Get To Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park, just west of El Calafate.  The easiest way to get to the park for a mini trekking Perito Moreno expedition is to take the bus! Buses run between the town and the park throughout the day, leaving at 9 a.m. from the local bus station and returning for the night at 7:30 from the park. Alternatively, you could rent a car, which is a very inexpensive option especially if several people share the cost. This also means you don’t have to worry about missing the last bus from the park back to El Calafate at the end of the day and offers you more flexibility as you plan your Patagonia glacier hike.

The Ins And Outs Of Mini Trekking Perito Moreno

While it’s fun to visit Perito Moreno and learn Perito Moreno glacier facts, more adventurous souls may need a little more activity. That’s why mini-trekking Perito Moreno is such a huge tourist attraction at Los Glaciares National Park!  Mini trekking is a great way for those who are less physically fit to experience the glacier, offering only a moderate level of difficulty for those who are relatively in shape. After all, who could resist walking across the icy surface of Perito Moreno glacier?

Perito Moreno mini trekking tours always require a guide. And while you can sign up for a tour at the park, adding one to your trip through a tour guide is the easiest way to plan a Patagonia glacier hike. This option covers transportation, park fees, the mini trekking tour, and other amenities (like food for the day). It also includes a reputable guide, who can offer fascinating insights about the area, the glacier, and the tour!

Most Perito Moreno mini trekking tours begin with a short boat cruise across Lake Rico to a small shelter right on the southern wall of the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. After disembarking the boat, you’ll receive your crampons and cold weather gear, with instructions on how to safely hike along the ice. Then, the fun begins! Trek across the icy surface of Perito Moreno, marveling at the cracks, caves, and small ponds you pass. Many tours also include a chance for tourists to explore the forested pathways of Los Glaciares National Park before returning to El Calafate at the end of the day.

If you want a more physically demanding adventure, however, Big Ice trekking is an option. This Patagonia glacier hike is similar to mini trekking, but it is designed for more physically fit adventurers. Big Ice Trekking includes an exploration of the ice caves and crevasses that pierce the glacier’s surface, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the frozen heart of the glacier and enjoy a completely immersive experience. No matter which option you choose, hiking across Perito Moreno’s icy surface is a true adventure.

Embarking On An Icy Adventure In Argentina

A trip to Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno Glacier is a true bucket list item for many travelers. From the five Perito Moreno glacier facts listed above, you can see why this natural wonder is so enticing. Hiking across the glacier’s frozen surface is a vacation highlight that is almost surreal, and is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. So, pack your good hiking boots and get ready to explore the wonders of Perito Moreno’s icy grandeur.