For visitors to El Calafate, there are several ways to approach this landscape of crevasses, meltwater pools and blue ice walls. Some options allow travellers to observe the glacier from the shore; others take them directly onto its surface.
The Perito Moreno Glacier covers more than 250 square kilometres and has a terminus rising over 60 metres above Lake Argentino. It forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the planet's third-largest reserve of frozen freshwater after Antarctica and Greenland.
EXTENDED TREK ON THE GLACIER
For travellers wishing to explore more extensive areas of the ice, an extended trekking option leads into less-visited sections of the glacier.
The experience begins with a boat ride along the glacier's southern face, followed by access to an authorised ice-entry area with specialised guides. Wearing crampons, visitors spend several hours exploring different sections of the glacier's surface, crossing crevasses, meltwater pools and formations shaped by the ice's constant movement.
This is the most comprehensive option for travellers seeking a deeper immersion in the glacial landscape.
MINITREKKING ON THE GLACIER
Minitrekking is one of the most popular activities for first-time visitors to Perito Moreno Glacier.
It combines a boat ride across the Rico Arm, an approach walk through the Andean Patagonian forest and a guided trek on the ice using crampons. Although the time spent on the glacier is shorter than on the extended trek, participants can still observe crevasses, small meltwater pools and other characteristic formations at close range.
“Due to the characteristics of the terrain and for safety reasons, these glacier treks are subject to age restrictions.”
It offers a good balance between accessibility and the experience of walking on the ice.
## INTERPRETIVE WALK
Not every visitor wants to step onto the glacier, so this accessible off-ice walk provides a close view of its towering walls.
The experience begins with a short boat ride along the southern face, followed by an interpretive walk on the shore of Lake Argentino. Accompanied by specialised guides, visitors can observe the glacier from less familiar perspectives and learn about the processes behind its formation, movement and constant transformation.
It is an ideal alternative for travellers who want to approach the glacier without trekking on the ice.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE PERITO MORENO GLACIER?
The choice depends mainly on the type of experience each visitor is seeking.
The boardwalks reveal the scale of the glacier's terminus. Boat excursions bring visitors closer to the walls of ice and the calving events that occur over the lake. Treks across the surface provide access to a landscape hidden from the shore: crevasses, temporary streams, meltwater pools and formations that are constantly changing.
Each option offers a different perspective on one of southern Patagonia's most remarkable natural phenomena.
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Every traveller requires a different proposal based on their interests, physical ability, available time and budget. Petru DMC Argentina can design and operate the option best suited to each traveller profile.
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