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Perito Moreno Glacier: Epic Images from Patagonia

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Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Patagonia's most popular destinations, along with Fitz Roy Mountain and Torres del Paine National Park. After a long day of ice climbing on Viedma Glacier, we drove to El Calafate for the night. The following morning, we began our guided day trip to Perito Moreno.

Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier

The glacier's proximity to land makes it accessible for visitors of all ages and modalities. Before arriving at the viewing platforms, visitors can take a one-hour boat ride to view the South face of the glacier.  While our guide, Christian, indicated it wasn't necessary, about half of our group decided to go.

I agree with Christian that your views from land will be fantastic in and of themselves, but if you want to maximize the photo opportunities, spend the extra $16 for the boat ride, too. These photos have not been edited. Enjoy raw images of one of nature's true wonders.

A view toward the ice bridge, which once connected the glacier to land. It underwent a monumental collapse the week before we arrived.
A view toward the ice bridge, which once connected the glacier to land. It underwent a monumental collapse the week before we arrived.
A monumental arch once connected the glacier on the left to the land on the right.
A monumental arch once connected the glacier on the left to the land on the right. This is my favorite photo.
The South face of Perito Moreno Glacier
The South face of Perito Moreno Glacier, as viewed from the boat
Pinnacles of ice
Don't forget these pinnacles of blue ice extend hundreds of feet below the surface of the water
To get a sense of scale, look at the hikers approaching the glacier to the far left
To get a sense of scale, look at the hikers approaching the glacier to the far left
Perito Moreno Glacier extends down from the Southern Ice Field
Perito Moreno Glacier extends down from the Southern Ice Field, the 3rd largest after Antarctica and Greenland
Look in the middle to see a giant pinnacle of ice falling off the glacier
Look closely in the middle to see a giant pinnacle of ice falling off the glacier
Ice splashes into the lake
Ice splashes into the lake. You can see a white dot atop the photo, a piece of ice flung hundreds of feet in the air.
Visitors can safely watch ice calving off Perito Moreno Glacier
Visitors can safely watch ice calving off Perito Moreno Glacier. We visited at the end of the summer season when the ice was volatile.

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Disclosure: This Patagonia tour is in partnership with G Adventures. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Jodi says

    Stunning photos Dave! I can't wait to see it for myself!

    • Dave says

      Thanks Jodi, it's one of those sites that leaves everyone in awe. You won't be disappointed!

  2. Kate says

    Wow - such beauty! I remember the first time I saw a glacier and it is almost impossible to describe that blue color. I can't remember now why they are blue, but I remember being astonished by the vibrancy.

    • Dave says

      We actually saw deeper blues on Viedma Glacier the day before, but they're both stunning glaciers :)

  3. Dean says

    Beautiful! I definitely want to go there some day. I find glaciers fascinating.

  4. crazy sexy fun traveler says

    OMG, I see that really a big part of Perito Moreno collapsed as I was there in February and it was much bigger! Amazing shots, btw ;)

    • Dave says

      Yes, the ice bridge collapsed the week before we got there. Just missed it!

  5. Ruth (Tanama Tales) says

    Amazing. The ice is so blue. I love the photos were the ice is breaking.

  6. Lana Turner says

    David: the pictures are fantastic from Patagonia! So hope to visit South America!

    • Dave says

      Thanks Lana, hope you make it down here too. I recommend Spring or Summer :)

  7. Dennis says

    Hi Dave, remember me from the Patagonia Trip ? I was wondering whether you were ever able to get your camera fixed. The camera certainly took fabulous photos. I hope that our paths cross again someday, somewhere in the world.

    • Dave says

      Hey Dennis, of course I do. No, I took the camera to a Canon authorized repair shop in Buenos Aires but they couldn't repair it. I ended up buying the same model from Amazon, and a friend of a friend brought it down to Argentina for me.

      Unfortunately, I just had another friend have the same lens error. It's apparently a common problem with the S100, and those under warranty can get it fixed if they ship it to Cannon in the US. I didn't want to bother, and it would have cost a lot. I am hoping it doesn't happen again.

      Hope you're doing well!

  8. ReiseMemos says

    Brilliant fotos. I was in Patagonia some years ago and to visit the Perito Moreno was definately a highlight of my life.

  9. Jo says

    Outstanding photography Dave, with fabulous posts like this my bucket list grow longer by the day

    • Dave says

      Thanks Jo. Perito Moreno is a definite highlight of my last 2 years in South America.