You must have seen ice- glaciers and snow peaked mountains. You must have climbed some of them as well or trekked in the rough trails of Peru or the Himalayas. But nothing compares to the sheer mammoth size glacier of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You might expect a glacier to be large, but this large? You might expect the area to be beautiful but nothing as breathless that you will be when you see the vast expanse of the Ptagonian stretch. It is the most important view in the Patagonian. The glacier lies within Los Glaciares National Park which is at a distance of 82 kilometers from the town of El Calafate. This glacier is in a constant movement and is still growing. It is 5 kilometer wide and reaches a height of 80 meters. In 1937 the area surrounding the glacier became the Perito Moreno National Park.
What makes the whole thing more spectacular is the fact that Perito Moreno Glacier is always in a state of movement.Ice glaciers in huge chunks break off from the glacier and falls in the Lake Argentino. This causes waves in the surface of the lake. The whole phenomenon is splendid. These movements caused by erosion and natural forces continually shape the glacier and its surrounding landscape. The whole journey from El Calafate is beautiful and lakes, streams, woods, snowcapped mountains, and small shops will meet your eyes in quick succession. It takes around 7 to 8 hours for a thorough glacial watch. Once you reach the National Park you will immediately understand the topographical differences from the Steppe to the Andean Patagonian forest. As you move through the trail you will discover an amazing variety of plants like lenga, ñire and coihue.. Also red flowers, yellow flowers and purlple fruits abound on the glacial trail. The first view of the glacier is available from the Curva de los Suspiros. The road ends in the Magallanes. Peninsula. You can climb up the footbridges to get the full view of the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. If you want to view the Northern front of the glacier take the Coastal front trail. Your journey should be accompanied by a guide who knows the way thoroughly.
Sailing in Lake Argentino
To get a perfect view of the Perito Moreno Glacier sailing in Lake Argentino is an ideal decision. You get as close to 300 meters of the glacier and can even see the blue tinge of the walls.The sheer height of it can be fully understood from this perspective. The deep blue lagoons and caverns in the glaciers also comes into view.
Walking in the Glacier
The excursion starts from Bajo de la Sombra. You will be taken for a sail in Lake Argentino from where you disembark just at the foothills of Mount Moreno. You journey will commence through the Magellanic forest and then straight into the glacier where you walk in line. You get to see blue lagoons, cracks, and drains as you walk through the glacier. The water here is so fresh and delicious that you can also drink it.
Recommendations for Glacial Excursion
Warm clothes as you know are the first and foremost necessity here. If possible take a parka. Ideal trekking shoes with deep ridges in the sole is important. Sun glasses and sun blocks,water, and gloves are a must. If you have problem acclimatizing in a short span of time, take some medicine beforehand (that is if you are thinking of walking in the glacier).