Perito Moreno is the most celebrated glacier in Argentina. While it is neither the largest in surface area nor does it feature the tallest individual ice walls, it is famous worldwide for its direct accessibility and unique glacial dynamics. Advancing across the southern arm of Lake Argentino, the glacier forms a natural dam separating Brazo Rico from Canal de los Témpanos, periodically creating water height differences of up to 30 meters before rupturing in dramatic fashion. Its sheer front walls rise an average of 74 meters above the water surface.
Visiting Perito Moreno combines walking the network of steel balconies opposite the terminus with an ice trekking excursion directly across the glacial surface, offering both broad panoramic views and close inspection of crevasses and seracs.
| Location | Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina |
| Activity Type | Glacier Ice Trekking and Balcony Circuit |
| Distance | 4 km walkway circuit and 2 hour glacier trek |
| Duration | Full Day (6 to 8 hours) |
| Terminal Face Width | 5 km |
| Ice Wall Height | 60 to 74 m above lake level (170 m total thickness) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Starting Point | Pasarelas del Perito Moreno and Puerto Bajo de las Sombras |
| Best Season | October to April |
| Date Visited | January 9, 2022 |
TRAILHEAD AND PLANNING LOGISTICS
The glacier is situated inside Los Glaciares National Park, approximately 78 kilometers west of the tourist hub of El Calafate. The paved road (Provincial Route 11) runs along the southern shore of Lake Argentino, ending at the Magallanes Peninsula parking area. Frequent tourist buses, shuttles, and rental cars connect El Calafate to the park.
Park entry tickets are purchased at the entrance gate or online via the official national parks portal. For visitors joining ice trekking tours, boats depart from Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, located six kilometers before the main balcony complex. The prime season runs from October to April, when warmer daytime temperatures encourage active glacial calving.
THE ROUTE AND TRAIL REPORT
The Balcony Circuits: Opposite the glacier face, the park features over four kilometers of interconnected steel walkways organized into multiple marked routes. The Central and Lower balconies bring visitors closest to the water line, offering direct sightlines into the deep blue caverns of the terminal wall. Standing on the balconies, one regularly hears deep groans echoing through the ice sheet, followed by explosive cracks as massive seracs calve and crash into the lake.
Ice Trekking on the Glacier: The ice trek begins with a short boat ride across Brazo Rico to a base refuge on the southern shore. Guides assist visitors in fitting steel crampons over hiking boots and provide basic instructions on walking with wide stances. Stepping onto the active ice surface reveals a landscape of jagged seracs, turquoise meltwater channels, deep crevasses, and natural sinkholes known as sumideros. Walking atop millions of tons of compressed glacial ice is an unforgettable experience.
PRACTICAL TIPS AND ESSENTIALS
Footwear & Clothing: Sturdy hiking boots are required for crampon attachment. Pack warm gloves, as touching the ice during balance adjustments can quickly chill bare hands. Dress in breathable layers with a windproof jacket.
Sun Protection: Glacial ice reflects intense ultraviolet radiation. High factor sunscreen, lip protection, and polarized sunglasses are essential to prevent glare and burns.
Viewing Patience: Spend at least two hours along the walkways. The glacier moves continuously, and patient observers are almost guaranteed to witness impressive calving events.
PHOTO GALLERY
