PERITO MORENO GLACIER

Itinerary
Once in Los Glaciares National Park (and having paid the due), as you move forward, the weather and the flora reveals the change between the steppe and the Andean-Patagonian forest: it is colder and there is much more humid.

The road surrounds the Rico arm of Lake Argentino by the southern side of Magellan Peninsula, going up into the edge of the nothofagus wood.

Tree species vary according to the humidity, altitude and proximity to the ice, with an abundance of lenga, ņire and coihue, and then lenga and coihue in the area near the glacier.

By the road, you can also appreciate notros (red flowers), calafate bushes (yellow flowers and purple fruits) and "Chinese lanterns" (parasitic yellowish plant). During fall months, as elsewhere, the forests turn their leaves into multiple variations of red .

Six km before getting to your destination, after an ascending bend, you arrive to a vantage point with the first panoramic view of the Glacier, widely known as "Curva de los Suspiros" (Sighs Bend). This point, with plenty of parking space and pure fresh air to breathe, gives an excellent opportunity to contemplate the magnificence of Perito Moreno Glacier and the surrounding mountains.

Finally, the road finishes in the western tip of Magellan Peninsula where, with your feet on the ground and the amazing 5 km-high front of the glacier at your side you get to the footbridges.

These footbridges are shown making up a three-level circuit, with stairs and balconies that let the visitor appreciate the glacier from different perspectives. An alternative option for those who wish to have other views of the northern front of the glacier is going along the Coastal Track, which can only be done in the company of a guide.

Return to Calafate is done along the same route.

Recommendations
It is important to take warm clothes and a jacket or a waterproof anorak due to the nearness and finally direct contact with this huge mass of ice and the changeable weather conditions at these altitudes.

In order to enjoy the walks, it is suitable to take comfy footwear, ideally trekking shoes.

Sunglasses and sun-blockers are a must in order to be able to safely look at the glaciers and to protect the skin from the exposure to the rays of the sun.

Also, a spare photograph film, gloves and a cap are highly recommended.

SAILING TO THE GLACIER

The adventure starts while embarking at the Rico arm of Lake Argentino. It is a unique opportunity to observe, just 300 m away, the bluish walls of Perito Moreno glacier and its ice floes.

It is only from this perspective that one can realize the height of its walls (between 50 and 80 m) and the real dimensions of its frozen majesty. One can also get a glimpse of the inner deep-blue lagoons, the rivers and the caverns, all within the glacier.

This excursion may also be started from the Bajo de la Sombra jetty. Being just one hour long, it can be a complement of other tours.

It does not include disembarking and walking on the glacier, but it does include a trip around the Magellanic forest, which is located on one of the sides of the glacier.

WALKING ON THE GLACIER

Just as sailing near the glacier offers a unique visual perspective, walking on the glacier breeds a haunting memory.

The journey starts when tourists are transported toward the Bajo de la Sombra wharf, where they embark on a vessel which takes them across the Rico arm of Lake Argentino. After a 20 minute trip, they disembark at the base of Mt Moreno.

Once on the ground, travellers make incursions into the Magellanic forests during half an hour always in the company of a guide. Next, crampons are given out to enable passengers to walk on the surface of the glacier. This takes one hour and a half and it is very attractive due to the direct contact with the glacial ice. Here the tourist may see inside the glacier many crevasses, drains and superficial watercourses, as well as small inner blue lagoons.

This walk has a low level of difficulty and is recommended for people aged between 10 and 60. It is highly recommended to wear sports footwear (trekking shoes if possible), thick socks, long pants, a jacket, an anorak, a sweatshirt, a sweater, sunglasses, sun-block cream, gloves and a cap.

FOOTBRIDGES

Near Magallanes Peninsula and right in front of Perito Moreno Glacier, there is a system of footbridges that make easy observation from different points. The park rangers are in charge of preserving the beauties of the place and giving visitors information about the Park.