An alternative option is to cruise on the lake’s water beneath the towering wall of ice which takes you within touching distance of the ice wall. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Specifically it is within the Los Glaciares National Park, 78km from El Calafate. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You can visit the glacier and get up close to its giant ice wall on a raised walking circuit and viewing platform of the southern flank and east facing edge. El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, A passion for the region runs through all we do, All our Consultants have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, Up-to-the-minute knowledge underpinned by 40 years' experience, Book with confidence, knowing every penny is secure, Our insider knowledge helps you go beyond the guidebooks, We hand-pick hotels with character and the most rewarding excursions, Let us show you the Latin America we know and love. The Big Ice Trek on Perito Moreno Glacier Glacier viewing . Glaciers form only on land and are distinct from the much thinner sea ice and lake ice that forms on the surface of bodies of water. You'll find me working out of a cafe in Bali, perhaps on a riverboat in Brazil or maybe even an airport lounge in New Delhi. Before I knew it, my husband and I were in El Calafate, Argentina, ready for our Big Ice trek. Introduction: Perito Moreno Glacier is undeniably spectacular and coming to Patagonia without visiting this blue-hued natural wonder would truly be a shame. Here's a link to find out more. The Perito Moreno Glacier is about 80km from the town of El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia. Picture 4: Ice forms on the glacier . Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina No. If you’re thinking of visiting the glacier soon then here’s the weather forecast for the next few days. All form the Patagonian Continental Ice (17,000-kilometers long) which is one of the most drinking water supplies in the world. We’ll keep you up-to-date with exclusive offers, events and competitions, and guide you through the continent’s most vibrant destinations and festivals. The Perito Moreno Glacier, located 78 kilometres (48 mi) from El Calafate, was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, a pioneer who studied the region in the 19th century and played a major role in defending the territory of Argentina in the conflict surrounding the international border dispute with Chile. The Perito Moreno Glacier is very easily accessible and can be included as part of any trip you make with us to southern Patagonia. I'm an Economics graduate with a passion for travel. When you arrive, the bus drops you at the top of a hill and from there you are taken aback by the sheer size of the block of ice in front of you. The glacier belongs to the Campo de Hielo Sur, the biggest glacier area of the South American Andes. The Los Glaciares National Park is the epitome of the beauty that this region has to offer and the park offers plenty of other opportunities for hiking. It covers an area of 30km long and between 60m to 70m in height rises from the surface of the Lago Argentino while its deepest point stretches to … Not to be confused with the town by the same name (about 12 hours further north), the Perito Moreno Glacier is part of the Los Glaciares National Park. It’s growing. 68 x 77.75 inches, soft pastel on paper, 2020. There is both a half-day ‘mini trek’ and full-day ‘Big Ice’ trek option where, equipped with crampons, you will be led across the surface by an expert mountain guide. Popular: Booked by 411 travelers! Global warming means that most glaciers are retreating. Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares) is home to one of Patagonia’s greatest marvels: Glacier Perito Moreno.Located in El Calafate, Argentina, the glacier is considered by many to be the 8 th natural wonder of the world. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This glacier is one of only 3 Patagonian glaciers that are still growing and advancing today, while all other glaciers in the Southern and Northern ice fields of Patagonia are receding and shrinking. It costs 350 Pesos per person to do this and runs at regular intervals throughout the day. The Perito Moreno glacier advances constantly and during the thaw, the area that acts as a “closure” between the two glasses of water decreases. The most striking sight is the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Read more. This large glacier blocks a narrow channel formed by Lake Argentino thereby raising the water level temporarily. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I’d recommend using booking.com as they have the best prices and options for hostels and hotels near to Perito Moreno. Where is the Perito Moreno Glacier. Flexible, custom-made holidays to Latin America created to match your exact requirements: our tailor-made itineraries are as unique as the clients for whom they are designed. The Perito Moreno glacier is considered the eighth wonder of the world because of the spectacular view it offers. Another opportunity you have, which we chose not to do, is to take a boat tour that lasts about an hour and sails all along the border of the glacier. Backpacking Sri Lanka 2019: A Ridiculously In-Depth Guide! The glacier was formed back during the last ice age, so in a way it’s around 18,000 years old! Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. Our guides made sure that we didn’t fall into any of the fissures that cover the glacier. Why does it exist? Let me start by sharing some Perito Moreno glacier facts! This impressive Patagonian glacier was named after the famous Francisco Moreno. All in all we absolutely loved our journey through Patagonia and we were not let down on our visit to Perito Moreno . Running out of water was never a problem, as we could fill our bottles with fresh water direct from the glacier. More info. Day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier: Once you have arrived, the entrance fee is $700ARS ($11USD). Minitrekking Excursion on Perito Moreno Glacier . The imposing mass of ice surrounded by endless forests and mountains is a spectacle that few want to miss. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As signs warn you when viewing the glacier, it is wise to not cross any closer past the barriers due to the risk of death. About Perito Moreno Glacier. We stopped for lunch by a small pool, created by melting ice. Scientists calculate that the Perito Moreno glacier is approximately 18,000 years old. Or, for an even more exhilarating experience you can trek across the ice field itself. It is located at around 80 km, and at around one and a half hour drive from El Calafate, and at 74 meters above the Lago Argentino. This continual growth is actually very rare, and, On average the ice rises to 74m above the surface of Lago Argentino, and at. It is amazing how the Perito Moreno Glacier changes its color between dark blue and radiant white creating very curious shapes. A glacier originates at a location called its glacier head and terminates at its glacier foot, snout, or terminus. Its pride and joy – and most accessible glacier – is Perito Moreno Glacier, one of 48 glaciers that form the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. I was so excited about our hike I could hardly contain myself. 13, December 13th 2018. It is located in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Argentina's 7 Natural Wonders. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field covers a whopping 4,800 square miles and is made up by 48 glaciers. Book with Journey Latin America. It was easy to follow a set of loops consisting of several tracks. He put much time into studying the glacier but most importantly was pivotal in protecting the nation’s interest in the area during border disputes with Chile. Perito Moreno is perhaps the region’s most famous glacier because it periodically cuts off the major southern arm (known as Brazo Rico) of Lake Argentino. They slowly move and shift in form due to the pressures induced by their own weight, creating crevasses (deep cracks) and seracs (ice columns). The Perito Moreno glacier is considered the eighth wonder of the world because of the spectacular views it offers. Perito Moreno Glacier Basics. The park also offers an array of other popular treks … The Perito Moreno glacier, located in Glaciers National Park in Argentine Patagonia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, is one of Argentina’s must-see attractions. The Glacier is considered by many to be the 8 th natural wonder of the world. Two blissful hours spent gazing at this incredible natural wonder from the walkways, soaking up the glacier sun, and listening to the sounds of this moaning, groaning beast. Perito Moreno Glacier lies just 48 miles from El Calafate in Argentina; luckily this was our next stop in Patagonia. This is one place you can't miss! PHOTO JERRY LEON. And why, oh why, is the town 695km from the Perito Moreno Glacier! The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is a glacier visited on Quasar Expeditions’ 9 Day Overland Safari adventures. More info. 20 reviews. Perito is Spanish for ‘expert’ or ‘specialist’ and Moreno was often affectionately referred to as Perito Moreno by his peers. The Perito Moreno Glacier is just one of 48 glaciers which make up the Patagonia Ice Field, but due to it’s accessability, size, and sheer beauty it’s considered the premeir glacier for tourism. Over time the glacier naturally moves closer and closer to the shore until every few years a dam of ice is formed between the glacier and the land (just behind which tourists stand). The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the largest glaciers to flow down from the Southern Ice Field, which is accessible for viewing from the land. The ice dam prevents lake water from circulating from one side to the other, which in turn causes … You can buy day trips to the park, with or without the boat tour that takes you up close. Along the way, they explained how Perito Moreno Glacier was formed and showed us interesting caves and crevices. See all of these places on our Perito Moreno map. The Perito Moreno Glacier is also one of only three Patagonian glaciers which still continue to grow. Perito Moreno is the largest of the glaciers located in the Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier remains roughly the same mass all year round. The Perito Moreno glacier began to form during the last Ice Age, which started approximately 2.6 million years ago and ended around 11,700 years ago. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Those who take part in this memorable tour will fall in love with its majestic landscape, snow, and vegetation. It’s a giant 250km2 ice formation that is over 30km in length, 5km wide and has an average height of 74m. The Perito Moreno glacier, located in Glaciers National Park in Argentine Patagonia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, is one of Argentina’s must-see attractions. This ice giant is 60 km long and 5 km wide. Getting from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier; We visited Perito Moreno Glacier as part of our tour with G Adventures, so all of our transportation was arranged.The Perito Moreno Glacier is about 80 km one way from the town of El Calafate and takes about an hour and a half to get there. My recommendation, if you are serious about experiencing everything this area has to offer, is to base yourself in El Chaltén. The Perito Moreno glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. The Glacier National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in 1981. More info. To help you plan your own visit here, we’ve put together a list of the important information you’ll need to know. The glacier advances right across the lake until it meets the opposite shoreline, and the ice tongue is “grounded” (not floating) so that it forms a natural dam. It isn’t the cheapest day out, especially if you are on a tight budget like us, however it is well worth doing for something you’ll likely never see anywhere else. Perito Moreno Glacier Travel Guide. We spent 4 months travelling through South America in total, and this was definitely one of the best places we stopped to visit. This “mini-trek” across Perito Moreno Glacier lasts up to about 5 hours and is suitable for all ages. These cookies do not store any personal information. The Perito Moreno glacier advances constantly and during the thaw, the area that acts as a “closure” between the two glasses of water decreases. The imposing mass of ice surrounded by endless forests and mountains is a spectacle that few want to miss when traveling to Patagonia. On the contrary, Perito Moreno is the only glacier in the world that is … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It was reasonably priced and was spacious and comfortable (with good Wi-Fi most importantly!). In very simple terms, glaciers form over many years (often centuries) when an accumulation of snow exceeds the rate at which it melts. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Perito Moreno Glacier amounts to 100 square miles of that; In 1981 the Los Glaciares National Park, of which Perito Moreno Glacier is a part, was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. We started left and eventually worked our way across; with the glacier growing in size and impressiveness the further we went. Is that 90% of the world's freshwater is found in glacial areas and after Antarctica and Greenland, is this region of Argentina. Perito is Spanish for ‘expert’ or ‘specialist’ and Moreno was often affectionately referred to as Perito Moreno by his peers. Quick View. The Perito Moreno Glacier. Alternatively, you can buy a tour that picks you up from your hotel, takes you around the park and then drops you can home. One of the things that the glacier is most famous for and what draws in so many tourists is the impressive noises that come from the vast mass of glacial ice. The best time to experience the magnificence from the glacier rupturing is in the afternoon once the weather has started to warm up and larger chunks of ice fall off. There are plenty of different routes available; this article by Swoop Patagonia summarise it all nicely. Los Glaciares National Park itself is the largest national park in all of Argentina, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 32 reviews. In very simple terms, glaciers form over many years (often centuries) when an accumulation of snow exceeds the rate at which it melts. The Perito Moreno Glacier. Why is the National park by the name of Perito Moreno different to the National Park that he was responsible for creating in 1903, and the first of its kind in Argentina. The last time the damn ruptured was March 10 2016 (so we missed it unfortunately by about 7 months). Perito Moreno Glacier Tour with Boat Ride. Unfortunately for us we missed this opportunity as our bus had to leave! 6. Later in the season, busses run more frequently and you have more choice. Stretching 30 kilometers in length across Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, Perito Moreno is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, Argentina, is definitely a must-see and worth a trip. Another thing the Perito Moreno is famous for is the arch that is formed quite regularly and falls every 3 or 4 years creating an incredible show for the very lucky visitors on that day. They are Earth’s cooling system, helping to … Subsequently, melting polar ice caps and glacial recession in the Himalayas, … The most notable feature about the Perito Moreno Glacier is its dynamic and ever-changing facade. Here are a couple of tours, with their prices as well: Perito Moreno Glacier day tour with included boat tour, Perito Moreno Glacier day tour with ice trekking. The end of the glacier is a sheer wall of ice about 5km (3 miles) long and standing 60m (200 feet) above the water’s surface. The Perito Moreno Glacier is also one of only three Patagonian glaciers which still continue to grow. The Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Argentine Patagonia in the southwest of the country. Perito Moreno Glacier (Glaciar Perito Moreno in Spanish) is a glacier in Argentine Patagonia, located in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz province. Structure. A boardwalk system is made up of about 4km of interconnected paths. Show More. The Perito Moreno Glacier. Unlike nearly every other glacier on the planet, which recede and dwindle in size over time, the Peritio Moreno formation actually swells with each passing day. There is also a 330 pesos entrance fee to the park. In summer 2016, a record 80,000 visitors were estimated to have passed through the park in January alone, no small feat for a national park at the end of the world! Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip with Optional Boat Ride from El Calafate. Amazing. So to start off with ... Accommodation in El Calafate is quite varied in price and quality so there’s somewhere for everyone. In that moment you realize that you are going to be OK. The Perito Moreno Glacier is a rare growing ice form. The Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly one of the greatest attractions in Argentina. The glacier was formed back during the last ice age. Here’s a video that one lucky person caught from that day. Perito Moreno glacier, named after Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno, is considered the world’s third-largest freshwater reserve. The Perito Moreno is one of the many glaciers that form the Los Glaciares National Park. We walked about 2-3km of these trails. The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is a glacier visited on Quasar Expeditions’ 9 Day Overland Safari adventures. We spent around 2 hours walking around taking pictures before heading down along the final blue walkway that leads you to a restaurant they have. The Upsala, Onelli and Perito Moreno Glaciers calve into the icy and milky waters of the huge Lake Argentino, which is partly included in the property. All day chunks of ice intermittently fall from the edge of the glacier into the water below making an impressive roar. When we were there it was a clear day and by the afternoon the weather starting turning warmer, making it a good day to watch the ice rupture. This ensured we saw the glacier from all different angles. Stand and Deliver. In summer 2016, a record 80,000 visitors were estimated to have passed through the park in January alone, no small feat for a national park at the end of the world! It covers an area of 30km long and between 60m to 70m in height rises from the surface of the Lago Argentino while its deepest point stretches to about 700m deep into the water. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Personally we stayed in Calafate Hostel. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field covers a whopping 4,800 square miles and is made up by 48 glaciers. But in the zone of the footbridge, the distance to the glacier is practically the same, since it is formed in the ice fields at the same time that it melts in the front. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. $55.41 per adult. When the time came, we grabbed a can of beer and headed back to the bus. Everywhere in the world, glaciers are shrinking in size due to the slow (or rapid) melting of ice. When pieces fall off—a process known as calving—they make a tremendous roar and splash. Just head to the bus station in town and buy a ticket; plenty of companies offer it and they all cost the same. There is also a visitor centre at the glacier giving you further insight into this natural behemoth. If you’ve been here and experienced the Los Glaciares National Park then let me know below. Our holidays to Antarctica explore the spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife of this ice-smothered continent. Glaciers may seem far away and removed from our everyday lives, but they impact all living beings on Earth in numerous ways. This glacier is one of only 3 Patagonian glaciers that are still growing and advancing today, while all other glaciers in the Southern and Northern ice fields of Patagonia are receding and shrinking. The Perito Moreno Glacier, located 78 kilometres (48 mi)from El Calafate, was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, a pioneer who studied the region in the 19th century and played a major role in defending the territory of Argentina in the conflict surrounding the international border dispute with Chile. Nearly all of the glaciers around the world are retreating, or have disappeared entirely, due to global warming. Quite impressive, isn’t it? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The journey takes about an hour and a half each way and is 560 Argentinean pesos for a return ticket. There are metal walkways that offer a guided trail to see the glacier from every angle. Southern Argentina is a spectacular landscape to witness and for me nothing compared to our time spent hiking in Patagonia. If you fancy learning a bit more then I’ve provided links below to some tour operators. Well, having my personal opinion about Perito Moreno out of the way, let’s go into some facts.Perito Moreno Glaciar (not to be mistaken by a small Argentinian town of the same name about 12 hours drive northwards), is one of the main tourist attractions in Argentina. If our budget wasn’t an issue then we would have done it I’m sure, and based on what other people said, would recommend it if you have the money. We have two guides at all times watching our steps. 126 reviews. I have already seen several glaciers – in Norway, Canada and also Chile and Argentina – but I never was so impressed by one. Here's our guide to the countries and regions we know and love, across the whole of Latin America. The Perito Moreno Glacier is named after the Argentine explorer and academic Francisco Moreno who pioneered a study of the region in the late 1800s. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the park … This in time becomes a bridge and eventually the pressure builds so much that the bridge rupture and bursts and vast chunks of ice fall almost 70 metres into the Lago Argentino below. For a better idea of how amazing this hike can be then check out this article. Regular Perito Moreno Full Day Trip. 4 months travelling through South America, one of the best places we stopped to visit, here’s the weather forecast for the next few days, nothing compared to our time spent hiking in Patagonia, this article by Swoop Patagonia summarise it all nicely. Partly because it was cheaper to wait for a bus in a few days back down to Punta Arenas, but mostly because we fell in love with this little town and its abundance of hot chocolate stores all through the town centre! He is credited with the incorporation of large parts of Patagonia into Argentina and also discovered Lago San Martin and Mount Fitz Roy. The Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways. They slowly move and shift in form due to the pressures induced by their own weight, creating crevasses (deep cracks) and seracs (ice columns). Quick View. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The glacier itself is truly breathtaking. $69.98 per adult. The Perito Moreno glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park, in the Patagonia region, a place declared Natural World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. After about a 2 hour drive from El Calafate, it was time to take in the views of the Perito Moreno Glacier from the viewing platforms in Los Glaciares National Park. ... A glacier cave located on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. If you don’t fancy making your way there as described above, then you can get a tour to the glacier. It's one the main touristic attractions of that region called Patagonia. 250km² of crushed ice that’s interlaced with warm blue crevices makes for a view that you don’t exactly see every day. We share all you need to know about the Perito Moreno Glacier. Our colourful newsletters are bursting with ideas for your next Latin American adventure. The Glaciar Perito Moreno, is the only one in the world that periodically advances, forms a dam in a lake and then ruptures. The Perito Moreno Glacier is about 80km from the town of El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia. The Perito Moreno Glacier amounts to 100 square miles of that; … $260.00 per adult. A guide will provide you with crampons and all the necessary equipment and then lead you across the glacier and give you the chance to see up close the turquoise blue cracks in the ice, ice peaks, caverns in the ice and lagoons. Just sitting, watching, listening. For those of you looking to experience the glacier a bit more up close then the “Big Ice” trek is probably for you. It grows at a rate of 2 meters per day, however this is offset by the amount of ice that breaks off and falls into the surrounding Lake Argentino. Perito Moreno is named after Francisco Moreno, who played a vital role in protecting Argentina’s interests during the endless border disputes with Chile. Perito Moreno Arch Rupture. This arch is formed as the glacier advances and creates a dam, blocking the water of the lake. A massive rupture @ Perito Moreno Glacier (things come to those who… Some facts about Perito Moreno. This is a small village at the Northern end of the park that offers some cosy hotels and hostels for people looking to trek the surrounding mountains; including  Mount Fitz Roy (or Cerro El Chaltén), Laguna Torre, the Viedma Glacier, Laguna de Los Tres, Lago Roca, Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and Piedra del Fraile. Many tours pick you up from your hostel or hotel in El Calafate as well. But in the zone of the footbridge, the distance to the glacier is practically the same, since it is formed in the ice fields at the same time that it melts in the front. Its total depth beneath the Argentino Lake in is a whopping 170m, making it the world’s third largest reserve of water. In 2016 I decided to ditch the office environment, work from my laptop and travel to every country in the world. The Perito Moreno is one of the many glaciers that form the Los Glaciares National Park. When we went in October, the tourist season wasn’t fully underway yet so the companies offer a bus in at 9am and then the return is at 4pm. Perito Moreno glacier, named after Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno, is considered the world’s third-largest freshwater reserve. Being just 48 miles from El Calafate in Argentina, it’s best to stay in town there and get a bus to the Los Glaciares National Park which is home to the glacier. Popular: Booked by 1,910 travelers! You can get much closer and I imagine the pictures and atmosphere is all the more spectacular. In fact we ended up spending over a week in El Calafate. The Perito Moreno Glacier is named after the Argentine explorer and academic Francisco Moreno who pioneered a study of the region in the late 1800s. The Perito Moreno glacier also has several unique features.