El Calafate Travelers Recommend

The gateway town to Patagonia’s blue Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate is also a resort destination bordering Lake Argentino. Birdwatchers flock here to watch the lake fill with flamingos, while wannabe gauchos go cantering beside the water.

Day 1: El Calafate Canter Spend the day relaxing and getting to know El Calafate, capital of Argentina’s glacier country. As you take a stroll through the heart of town, you’ll notice the locals are deservedly proud of their well-kept gardens and the colorful blooms that thrive in this temperate climate. Hire a horse for a leisurely gallop, and as dusk falls, head to Nimez Lagoon to watch the birds’ nightly arrival at the famous wetlands. Round off the evening by ordering local specialties like grilled venison or beef at one of El Calafate’s many restaurants.

Day 2: Go Glacial Next day, the soaring icy walls of Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park await. Take a guided walk along pathways to the glacier face, for breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. Safely ensconced on the panoramic catwalk of a nearby peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by icy peaks soaring 60m (197 feet) above you. The air fills with the thunder and crash of shifting icebergs and jagged chunks of ice are propelled from the glacier, as you experience first-hand one of the planet’s most active icefields!

Day 3: Torres del Paine Cross over into Chile for the day to spend time amongst the granite pillars, turquoise lakes and jagged peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. This spectacularly scenic day trip combines a scenic drive through the Patagonian country of both Argentina and Chile, taking in the waterfalls of Salto Grande, panoramic lookouts and glacier-ringed lakes.

Known throughout South America for its steep ice walls and dramatic calving, the Perito Moreno Glacier is high on many hikers’ wish lists. Set out with a knowledgeable guide who leads you safely across the Argentinean glacier’s frozen surface and down into ice tunnels. Here’s what you need to know about hiking the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Highlights

• Witness the glacier calving and ice splashing into the lagoon below.

• Venture beneath the glacier’s surface with the assistance of a guide, crampons, and harness.

• Navigate ice tunnels and explore deep glacial caves.

• See icebergs in myriad shades of blue and white detaching from the glacier.

• Bring your camera for panoramic photo opportunities throughout the hike.

How to Prepare

Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier, within the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Los Glaciares National Park, can be dangerous, so setting out with an experienced guide is highly recommended. While guides proved some equipment, you’ll want to be well prepared with waterproof layers, strong hiking boots, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

When to Go

The most popular hiking season is during the South American summer, from December through February. Shoulder season is in October/November and March/April.

Things to Know

• Single- and multi-day guided trekking tours are available, with options for visitors with different levels of hiking experience.

• Another way to see the glacier is via a boat ride in the lagoon. Down at this level, you hear ice cracking more loudly and can fully appreciate the height of the glacier.

• There are stands set up facing the front of the glacier for those who want to stop and watch the big splashes of water at the glacier’s base.