The Perito Moreno Glacier is indeed one of the most renowned attractions in Patagonia and a must-see when visiting Argentina. While the classic excursion to observe the glacier from the catwalks offers a fantastic experience, there are additional activities available to enhance your visit to this natural wonder.
Enjoying the Perito Moreno Glacier: The Catewalks
Watching the Perito Moreno Glacier from the catwalks is a must-experience because offers to visitors a close encounter with one of nature’s most magnificent wonders. The trails, carefully constructed to provide safe viewing platforms, offer unparalleled views of the glacier’s massive ice walls and the surrounding landscape.
The glacier spans approximately 250 square kilometers and rises to heights of around 70 meters above the surface of Lake Argentino. Its towering ice walls, streaked with shades of blue and white, create a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of the rugged Andean mountains.
From the catwalks, visitors can witness the glacier’s dramatic movements and listen to the echoes of ice as it cracks and shifts. Occasionally, visitors may even witness chunks of ice breaking off from the glacier and crashing into the turquoise waters below—a phenomenon known as calving.
The catwalks offer various vantage points, allowing visitors to admire the glacier from different angles and perspectives. As visitors stroll along the elevated pathways, they can appreciate the vastness and grandeur of the glacier while taking in the pristine beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Book a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier and enjoy the trails
The Minitrekking: Walking over the Perito Moreno Glacier in a wonderful ice trekking
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the famous Minitrekking activity. Starting from the “Bajo de las Sombras” port, you’ll cross Lake Rico and trek along the lakeshore for approximately 35 minutes until you reach the glacier’s edge. Equipped with crampons, explore the glacier’s surface for about 1.5 hours, marveling at its stunning ice formations and learning about its unique characteristics and the phenomenon that leads to its rupture.
The excursion begins in the port “Bajo de las Sombras” 7 km before the glacier walkways. First, you embark to cross Lake Rico, reaching the southwest coast after approximately 20 minutes of navigation in front of the southern wall of the Perito Moreno glacier. Subsequently, the refuge is accessed where the guides organize the groups that each consist of up to 20 people.
Then a walk along the lakeshore of approximately 35 minutes to the glacier begins. Upon reaching the edge of the ice, the guides place the crampons on the participants, who receive instructions on how to move on the ice.
The tour on the glacier takes approximately 01:30 hours, and during the course of it you will be able to appreciate a variety of ice formations such as: crevices, seracs, sinkholes, small lagoons, etc.
The hike is moderate. The ice surface you walk on is uneven, but firm and safe. Explanations will be received about the flora, fauna, and general glaciology of the region as well as the particular phenomenon that occurs in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture. At the end of the tour, you return to the refuge through the exuberant Magellanic forest and then take the catamaran back to Puerto Bajo de Las Sombras.
A boat navigation at Perito Moreno Glacier
Opt for a boat navigation experience. Cruise offerings captivating views of icebergs and landslides along the Perito Moreno Glacier’s southern face. This boat excursion lasts about 1 hour, allowing for ample photo opportunities.
The Nautical Safari and Moreno Spirit are two exciting ways to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier up close, each offering a unique perspective on this natural wonder in Argentine Patagonia.
Nautical Safari at Perito Moreno Glacier
The Nautical Safari is a boat excursion that takes visitors on a journey through the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino, offering spectacular views of the Perito Moreno Glacier from the water. Departing from the “Bajo de las Sombras” port, the safari provides an opportunity to witness the glacier’s imposing southern face, adorned with towering ice walls and jagged peaks.
As the boat navigates closer to the glacier, passengers can marvel at the intricate patterns and shades of blue that adorn the ice, as well as the occasional calving event where chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below. The Nautical Safari allows visitors to appreciate the sheer scale and majesty of the glacier from a unique vantage point, providing ample opportunities for photography and taking in the surrounding scenery.
Moreno Spirit at Perito Moreno Glacier
The Moreno Spirit is a specially designed boat excursion that offers a more intimate and exclusive experience of the Perito Moreno Glacier. With limited capacity and personalized service, the Moreno Spirit allows guests to explore the glacier’s surroundings in comfort and style.
Departing from the port near the Glacier Viewpoint, the Moreno Spirit takes passengers on a leisurely cruise across Lake Argentino, offering panoramic views of the glacier and its surrounding landscape. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the geology, ecology, and history of the region, enriching the experience with fascinating anecdotes and information.
Onboard amenities on the Moreno Spirit include spacious viewing decks, comfortable seating areas, and complimentary refreshments, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey for all passengers. With its emphasis on luxury and hospitality, the Moreno Spirit offers a premium way to discover the beauty and splendor of the Perito Moreno Glacier in an intimate setting.
Both the Nautical Safari and Moreno Spirit provide unforgettable opportunities to connect with one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, offering moments of awe, wonder, and appreciation for the breathtaking landscapes of Argentine Patagonia. Whether cruising along the glacial waters or savoring the tranquility of the lake, these experiences offer a profound connection to the power and beauty of nature.
Kayaking at Perito Moreno Glacier
For kayak enthusiasts, the Perito Moreno Glacier offers a memorable kayaking experience. Explore the glacier’s pristine waters with expert guidance and enjoy breathtaking views as you paddle along Los Templanos beach. No prior kayaking experience is required, as knowledgeable guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
The Perito Moreno Kayak experience begins with free exploration. First, you will be able to take in the sights and sounds of the breathtaking sight as you walk through the footbridge and gawk at the incredible viewpoints along the way. Then you will head to Perito Moreno Kayak Experience’s Meeting Point, located near the main parking area, where our team will greet and brief you.
You will be welcomed into our Operations Area, where you will get dressed in state-of-the-art gear as our guides give you a rundown as well as an in-depth safety briefing. No past kayaking experience is necessary. Our kayak experts will explain how to paddle among the astounding glacial waters.
Once prepared and briefed we depart, with kayaks in hand, to Los Templanos beach. We will paddle down towards the glacier so that it is facing us the whole time. We will stop for our postcard picture moment and learn more fun facts about the fascinating Perito Moreno area in Patagonia. Do not worry if you have no kayak experience, our guides will teach you how to move safely within the astonishing glacial waters.
The Big Ice Trekking over Perito Moreno Glacier
If you crave a more adventurous experience, even more initense than the Minitrekking, consider the Big Ice Trekking excursion. After a guided visit to the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park, embark on a boat journey across Brazo Rico and disembark near the glacier. Join small groups led by mountain guides to trek across the glacier’s southern moraine, exploring its captivating features for around three and a half hours. From deep crevasses to magical caves, immerse yourself in the heart of this extraordinary glacier. Once in the port “Bajo de las Sombras”, located just 7 km from the Glacier, take a boat to cross the Brazo Rico, and disembark 20 minutes later on the opposite coast.
Small groups of up to 10 people are organized and the hike begins by the southern moraine of the glacier, and in just over an hour they will reach a spectacular viewpoint where they will access the ice. There the mountain guides will place the crampons, harnesses, and helmets to start the journey and will explain the basic safety rules. Once on the glacier and with the crampons on, the world takes on a new perspective: blue lagoons, deep crevasses, huge sinkholes, magical caves, and the unique sensation of being in the heart of the glacier.
Always accompanied by mountain guides, they will explore the corners of the most special glacier in the world for around three and a half hours. During the tour, the guides will help you to better understand the ice, its surroundings and will be able to measure the magnitude of the glacier and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, such as the Dos Picos, Pietrobelli and Cervantes hills. In addition, they will have half an hour to have lunch on the white mantle and be surprised in a place of incomparable beauty.
Once back in the moraine, they will walk another hour to take the boat back, and they will sail very close to the south face of the Perito Moreno Glacier and then return to “civilization”, after having enjoyed one of the ice treks! most spectacular in the world!
