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Round the World Travel Guide

Perito Moreno Glacier

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Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier is one 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.

The glacier's close proximity to land makes it easily accessible for visitors of all ages and modalities.

Before arriving at the viewing platforms, visitors have the chance to 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 our group decided to go.

I'd agree with Christian that your views from land will be fantastic in and of themselves, but if you're looking 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. Atop the photo, you can see a white dot, 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 especially unstable.

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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

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

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Comments

    • Dave says

      April 2, 2012 at 3:36 pm

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

  2. Kate says

    April 2, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    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

      April 2, 2012 at 3:38 pm

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

  4. crazy sexy fun traveler says

    April 12, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    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 ;)

  5. Ruth (Tanama Tales) says

    May 23, 2012 at 12:53 pm

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

  6. Lana Turner says

    May 23, 2012 at 1:29 pm

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

  7. Dennis says

    May 24, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    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

      May 25, 2012 at 10:33 am

      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

    May 26, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    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

    June 9, 2012 at 8:20 am

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

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