All the pieces that you must learn about visiting Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Argentina. From costs, the place to remain, issues to do in Perito Moreno and an unbiased travellers’ information, we’ll assist you to benefit from your journey.
“Perito Moreno Glacier? Yea, it’s costly, however so value it!”
The backpacker in Puerto Natales was fairly convincing after we requested them what they considered Patagonia’s most well-known glacier.
Because it seems their quote completely summed up our personal expertise with visiting one among Argentina’s hottest vacationer sights, the sprawling frozen river near El Calafate.
We had already visited fairly a lot of glaciers within the area, having simply accomplished an superior cruise by the Chilean Fjords and trekking the O Circuit in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park.
So we had been considering skipping the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier to move straight out and see El Chalten and Fitz Roy.
We’re glad we didn’t.
After taking the bus from Puerto Natales we crossed the border again into Argentina and obtained dropped off on the bus station in El Calafate.
Not being in a rush we had given ourselves 4 nights on the town, which gave us ample alternative to catch the right climate to move out to Los Glaciares Nationwide Park, dwelling to Glaciar Perito Moreno.
Trekking uphill to our first lodging, La Cantera (learn extra about the place to remain in El Calafate on the backside of this text), we dropped our baggage off and went to take a look at the city.
El Calafate is a cool, small city, proper on Lago Argentino, the most important freshwater lake within the nation. It has a leafy, ski-resort sort of really feel about it and we immediately favored it, regardless of the ‘touristy’ really feel.
Checking the climate we came upon that the subsequent day was going to be sunny. Being in Patagonia we knew to by no means belief climate forecasts, however quite than ready a couple of days we determined to move straight out within the morning to the well-known Perito Moreno Glacier.
Waking up round 7am we had breakfast, packed a bag with some snacks and wine, and headed all the way down to the bus station.
We made it simply in time to get the 8:30am bus to the nationwide park and settled in for the trip. At 570 ARS (US$32.50) every*, it was an costly bus ticket for a brief journey.
With just one fast cease to pay our entrance charge on the best way (one other 450 ARS, or US$29.50*) we made it in about 90 minutes.
As we obtained nearer to the top of the highway we obtained our first view of the spectacular glacier, tumbling into the lake on the left aspect of the bus.
*Be aware – Costs in 2022 are actually 800 ARS (US$20) return for the bus tickets and 700 ARS (US$17.50) for the park entrance charge.
As soon as we disembarked Alesha and I had two selections for what to do with our day – go on one of many boat excursions, or just stroll across the park and take our time. We selected the latter choice to maintain our funds down.
Being one of the crucial in style nationwide parks in Argentina, the whole lot is signposted and it’s not possible to get misplaced. We discovered the boardwalk and began our hike.
Don’t miss our new final information to funds journey in Patagonia!
The solar was beaming down arduous and there have been few clouds within the sky. Forward of us, the glacier shined brightly towards the turquoise lake and distant peaks.
Rounding a bend within the boardwalk we obtained our first up-close view of this sprawling surprise.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is over 30km in size and 5km large on the face. The day was nonetheless younger, and already we knew we’d made the proper resolution coming on the market.
Stopping for numerous pictures alongside the best way we discovered some lovely vantage factors to admire the strains and shapes of the majestic frozen river.
The face reached heights of 70m above the lake, making its measurement really outstanding.
What makes Perito Moreno one of the crucial fascinating glaciers in South America is how energetic it’s.
Immense ice chunks continually crack off the face, often known as ‘calving’, sending big waves throughout the lake.
Each 20 minutes or so one other piece of ice would fall, inflicting everybody lucky sufficient to witness this pure phenomenon to cheer out in unison.
We stored strolling alongside the boardwalk and located a big platform to set ourselves up for lunch.
Cracking a scrumptious bottle of Malbec we loved cheese and crackers with the bottle of wine, and sat there in silence observing the glacier.
Whereas we had been having lunch we began to see small bits of ice fall from one explicit crack.
Sensing that one thing huge was about to occur we set our cameras up and waited.
Positive sufficient a huge slice all the peak of the face calved off proper in entrance of us!
The affect was huge and water crashed out dozens of metres. The sound was overwhelming, and we couldn’t imagine how fortunate we had been to see such a big piece calve.
Many shops report that the Perito Moreno Glacier is likely one of the few in Patagonia that’s advancing quite than retreating.
Whereas it’s true that the size of it’s rising, it’s truly thinning on the identical time. This implies sadly that its quantity is on a downward pattern as effectively.
With the wine completed we continued strolling to the top of the boardwalk, continually in awe of the glacier’s measurement.
We ended up in a tranquil forest, including a unique factor to the simple hike.
The hours handed by shortly, and shortly it was time for us to return to the bus.
Surprisingly the glacier’s exercise slowed down, and all the stroll again didn’t have any extra sizeable items of ice fall regardless of the afternoon warmth. We’re glad we made it on the market after we did!
We obtained again to the bus simply in time and kicked again for the 90-minute trip to El Calafate.
Over the subsequent few days we relaxed on the town, spending a good bit of time at Cerveceria El Zorro, ingesting boutique beer and reflecting on the fantastic thing about the small part of Los Glaciares Nationwide Park we had seen.
Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier was extra spectacular than we might have ever imagined.
Regardless of the excessive worth related to seeing it, we had been blown away with its magnificence.
It’s not fairly often you may see one of the crucial fascinating sights in nature up shut and private.
And with the best way local weather change is affecting the globe, who is aware of how for much longer these glaciers will nonetheless be round.
The backpacker we met was proper – it was value each peso!
Perito Moreno Glacier Journey Information
That will help you plan your personal go to right here, we’ve put collectively a listing of the vital data you’ll have to know.
The place is the Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is about 80km from the city of El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia.
To not be confused with the city by the identical title (about 12 hours additional north), the Perito Moreno Glacier is a part of the Los Glaciares Nationwide Park.
To provide context to the situation, the Perito Moreno Glacier is definitely a part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Subject.
This sprawling panorama feeds dozens of glaciers in southern Chile and Argentina, together with the Gray and Dickson glaciers subsequent to Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, and the entire glaciers you encounter on a cruise of the Chilean Fjords.
Find out how to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
To get to Perito Moreno Glacier you first should journey to El Calafate within the Santa Cruz province in Argentina.
El Calafate has an airport, linked to some regional cities in Argentina, however the primary connections there come from Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Ushuaia.
You too can journey to El Calafate by bus from Puerto Natales (a straightforward 6-hour journey), from El Chalten (solely 3 hours), or a mammoth leg from San Carlos de Bariloche (24 gruelling hours….we did it…).
When you’re in El Calafate attending to the Perito Moreno Glacier is kind of straightforward. You possibly can both guide a tour together with transport, lease a automotive or a taxi, or do what we did and take the native bus.
Find out how to Get there by Bus
- First head to the primary bus terminal in El Calafate
Handle: Jean Mermoz 104 (map right here). - Purchase your bus ticket for ‘Glaciar Perito Moreno’. There are a couple of bus corporations that go to the glacier, however we went with CalTur. The value for this ticket is a hefty 800 ARS (US$20) return.
- The buses go away at both 08:30 or 09:00, relying on the corporate. It’s completely potential to purchase your bus tickets on the day of your journey. Simply be sure you get to the bus station with 20 minutes to spare.
- The journey to takes about 90 minutes. About 1 hour into the trip the bus will cease on the entrance to the Los Glaciares Nationwide Park. Right here park rangers will come onto the bus and take your cash for the doorway ticket.
Value: 700 ARS (US$17.50) per individual (MUST BRING CASH, they don’t settle for bank card) - Finally the bus arrives on the finish of the highway. Right here you get out and may both go for a hike or guide your boat tickets. You’ve made it to the glacier!
- Buses return at 16:00 within the afternoon. Merely return to the spot the bus dropped you off at. We propose taking a photograph of the quantity plate so you already know which bus was yours, however it’s fairly straight ahead. Don’t lose your ticket!
- CalTur even have a bus that goes out at 13:00 and returns at 19:30, for many who wish to be on the market within the afternoon or have late connections.
Hitchhiking to the Glacier
It’s utterly potential to hitchhike to the glacier. The highway that heads on the market doesn’t have many different locations alongside it, so most visitors shall be heading to Perito Moreno.
Get your self a bit out of city and make it to Ruta Provincial 11. From right here you shouldn’t have an issue discovering a trip.
Returning to El Calafate needs to be simply as straightforward, however we advocate doing what our pal did and ask the individual if they’ll take you again as effectively (if they’re heading again).
Tour vs Going Independently
It’s fairly widespread for individuals to leap on a Perito Moreno Glacier tour to get out and see this marvellous pure surprise, however we expect it’s higher to go by yourself *except* you wish to stroll on the glacier itself.
Tour corporations will cost you a bit bit extra for personal transport to get on the market however you’ll nonetheless have to purchase your entrance ticket.
A few of them, however not many, have lunch included although.
On the intense aspect you get a information, nevertheless in our opinion that is pointless for the usual boardwalk that you just do, as there are many data indicators alongside the entire method speaking about what glaciers are and the historical past of Perito Moreno.
You’ll even be shuttled round in a gaggle, which means you may’t take your time within the locations you wish to.
As an alternative we advocate saving the additional cash and simply bringing your personal lunch with you (and a bottle of wine, after all).
Boat Excursions of the Perito Moreno Glacier
When you get to Perito Moreno Glacier you may guide a ship tour proper there after which, so there’s no have to prebook this in El Calafate.
While you arrive within the nationwide park there shall be a small sales space with an indication saying ‘Navegacion’. Merely enquire there about boat excursions they usually can put you on one.
If you wish to get nearer to the glacier than from the boardwalk that is the subsequent best choice with out happening a mountaineering tour.
These will get you as much as 100m away from the face of Glaciar Perito Moreno and provide you with a spectacular perspective from the water’s degree.
Most of those excursions additionally embody snacks and a glass of whiskey served with glacial ice and final for round 90 minutes or so. Verify this if you guide your tour.
Trekking Excursions on the Glacier
Top-of-the-line issues you are able to do in El Calafate is go on a trekking tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier! If you happen to’re after an journey, make sure to not miss this.
Teaming up in small teams you permit city and head to the nationwide park in non-public transport.
Then you definitely bounce on a ship and cross the lake to get to the aspect of the glacier.
Now comes the very best half – you may be given crampons and ice axes and be taken on a guided trek immediately on the glacier itself! If you happen to’ve by no means been on a glacier earlier than belief us – it’s one thing you’ll always remember!
Strolling on one among Argentina’s greatest vacationer sights is really sensational.
You possibly can guide brief hike Perito Moreno Glacier excursions (often known as ‘Mini Trekking’) or the bigger ‘Huge Ice’ which lasts for a couple of hours extra and may even go inside ice caves relying on the time of yr.
As to be anticipated, particularly in Argentina/Patagonia, these excursions aren’t low cost.
The Huge Ice trek is 4000 ARS (USD$275) together with transport, and the Mini Trekking is 2400 ARS (USD$156).
Neither of those embody the park entry charge or lunch.
Nonetheless, it would simply be your solely probability to trek on an infinite glacier! We didn’t personally do it (we’ve trekked on fairly a couple of glaciers earlier than), however you may pre-book your tour.
The place to Keep in El Calafate
El Calafate is likely one of the costlier locations for lodging in Argentina resulting from its distant location and recognition.
However being costly additionally means it has very prime quality motels!
If you happen to’re in search of , funds place to remain in El Calafate, then the very best choice is the America del Sur Hostel.
Positioned solely 7 minutes stroll from downtown, this hostel is designed like a lovely timber cabin and has panoramic views of the mountains and lake.
If you would like one thing a bit cheaper than try the opposite choices on Hostelworld. Be sure to guide forward within the excessive season (December to April).
Design Suites El Calafate
For absolutely the greatest luxurious resort in El Calafate, you may’t beat the unbelievable (and aptly named) Design Suites!
A brief 10-minute drive from downtown with a to-die-for view over the lake and surrounding mountains, Design Suites has the best high quality resort rooms with the funkiest type on the town.
From the second you stroll in you’re welcomed with the massive home windows letting in gentle and vistas from all angles.
There’s a massive eating space with a bar hooked up, and a cool sitting room to the aspect.
That is additionally the place the scrumptious buffet breakfast is served within the mornings.
There’s an fascinating assortment of artwork scattered all through the resort as effectively, giving it a gallery really feel, with many of the items accessible for buy.
You’ll discover an indoor-heated pool, sauna and spa as effectively downstairs, making certain Design Suites has all of the facilities you might ever wish to make your keep pleasurable.
The rooms are vibrant and spacious, with massive, comfy beds and window-side sitting areas with wonderful views.
While you’re completed exploring the very best that El Calafate has to supply, coming again right here on the finish of the night time is great.
Design Suites additionally provide a free shuttle into city, however this solely occurs twice a day which is a disgrace, which means if you wish to go at another time that you must name a taxi (round 5000 Pesos every method).
Boutique Lodge La Cantera
We additionally had been fortunate sufficient to spend 2 nights at Boutique Lodge La Cantera. Whereas it’s not fairly as luxurious as Design Suites, it does provide a really homely really feel and a greater location for many who wish to be nearer to downtown.
The widespread space is extra like a big lounge full with a hearth and comfortable couches. It’s an ideal place to chill with a guide (or in our case our laptops to meet up with work).
The bed room we booked was tucked away behind the resort, and whereas it was massive and had some fascinating decorations, it did really feel a bit dated, notably the toilet. It additionally didn’t have numerous gentle coming in.
That being mentioned, they do have bedrooms that appear a lot nicer and extra fashionable dealing with the lake. If you happen to keep right here undoubtedly attempt to guide one among these.
Our lodging in El Calafate was organised as a part of our partnership with Destino Argentina, and hosted by Design Suites and La Cantera. All ideas, opinions and hours spent watching chunks of ice fall of the glacier are, as at all times, our personal
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