I knew that Perito Moreno Glacier was going to be spectacular but I wasn’t prepared for just how unforgettable the day would be. Perito Moreno Glacier is 30 kms long, 5 km wide and 30 meters high. It’s enormous and it’s one of only three glaciers in the world that is considered stable and growing in size rather than receding. Every day as the glacier etches its way forward massive icebergs, some the size of houses fall from its face. This was amazing to watch but my favourite part of all was listening to the noise. Due to the constant pressure pushing on the glacier, it’s continually creaking and moaning. We’ve put together this post with everything you need to know when visiting Perito Moreno Glacier to help you make the most of you time here and perhaps save a few pennies along the way.
For the best experience at Perito Moreno Glacier
There are two ways to get to the glacier from where the bus will drop you off. You can walk the marked 1.5 km trail or take the free shuttle bus that will drop you at the top of the viewing platforms.
The infrastructure within the park has been set up to accommodate the large crowds the glacier attracts. There are several colour coded paths that allow you to access the different viewing platforms. You can stand above and admire the vast sea of ice that continues up the valley. Far beyond what you can see or imagine. Or you can get up so close that you will feel the mist from the giant splashes.
We would recommend starting with the green coloured paths and making your way around in a clockwise direction. If you walk all of the pathways, by the end of the day you will have covered around 4 km.
Perito Moreno Glacier is busiest during the middle of the day. The sun hits the face of the glacier in the morning making it glow a beautiful chalky blue colour. But it becomes a lot more active in the afternoon with huge chunks of ice falling off regularly. For the best experince at Perito Moreno Glacier to and plan on spending the whole day here if you can.
For the best experience at Perito Moreno Glacier
How to get there from Calafate
To access Pertio Moreno you will need to take a bus, or tour, from Calafate which is roughly 80km away. The town has an international airport and bus network linking it to the other main towns in Patagonia. Bus trips can be long but are very comfortable. Tickets sell out fast so it’s important to reserve your seat in advance, especially if you are visiting between November and February.
Tours are plentiful but are definitely not necessary. The main difference between taking a tour and going it alone is that with a tour you will stop at the viewing points along the side of road on the way to the glacier. You may also have some commentary from a guide. The buses will simply take you from A to B.
You can buy your bus tickets for around US$32 (return) directly from the companies at the main bus terminal in Calafate. The first buses leave at 7.30 and 8.15. These are slightly more expensive than other times as they are the most popular. If you want to take the boat tour you will need to take one of these first buses.
For the best experince at Perito Moreno Glacier try and get a seat on the left hand side for the best views of the glacier on the drive there.
You can pay for your park entry (US$20) on arrival with cash or now card also. If you plan to visit for two days in a row, the second day will be half price if you get your ticket stamped before leaving.
Tours within the Perito Moreno Glacier park
If you want to do any of the tours that are offered it’s best to book them in town or when you first get off the bus before heading to the lookouts.
You can take a boat or kayak up alongside the icebergs at the base of the glacier. These tours give you the best perspective of the sheer size of Perito Moreno that is hard to appreciate from above.
You can also book tours to walk on the glacier itself. There are two options for this, the big and mini ice treks. It’s an unforgettable but expensive experience. If you can stretch your budget to fit this in, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many companies sell the tours but Hielo y Aventura are the only ones that actually run them.
For the best experience at Perito Moreno Glacier
Food & Drink
There is one lavish restaurant and hotel near to the parking area with amazing views over the glacier. We treated ourselves to a whiskey on glacier ice here. It was well worth the tourist price tag for the experience and beautiful views. There is another cafeteria with gift shop and toilets above the main lookout that is much cheaper. As to be expected though, it isn’t the best value for money. We’d recommend packing a picnic lunch with snacks and water to enjoy down on the viewing decks.
Around Calafate
While in town we chose to stay at Camping Ovejero. We already had camping gear with us and it was a great budget option to help keep costs down on what was an expensive day.
Make sure you check the locations of accommodation when booking as there are a lot a long way from the town center.
We also loved La Zorra brewery and would highly recommend it. They have a good happy hour with cheap craft beers and tasty pub food.
This Post Has 2 Comments
Wow ….it’s huge
It really has to be seen to be believed!