The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice field. One of the great benefits of coming to see this glacier is that it can be viewed relatively easily from viewing points on dry land that are opposite the glacial face.
From the viewing platforms the Glacier stretches back up and into the mountains for some 30km. The glacial face has a width of about 5km and the height of the glacial sector above water is around 60mts – however, much more of it is under the water.
As a result of the combination of these vast dimensions the view is absolutely stunning. However, for those who want to get closer to this giant river of ice, you can walk on top! Here we explain a little about the full-day ice hike called “Mini Trek”.
- Ice Hike on Perito Moreno Glacier - Full Day (Aug – May)
- Pick-up from your hotel 07:00hrs – 07:30hrs / Return 18:00hrs
Description
The excursion begins at the “Puerto Bajo de las Sombras” (Port Under the Shadows). This is a point located about 6km before arrival to the main viewing platforms from where people go to see Glacier Perito Moreno.
From this port the boat departs to cross the “Brazo Rico” lake for a 20 min navigation passing through the iceberg channel, past the glacial face and to the other side of the lake. Upon arrival to the other side and after disembarkation, clients will walk for about 20 min to a refugio where the guides organize people into groups of around twenty. Once everyone is ready all groups will then walk towards the glacier for about another 20 minutes to an area bordering the edge of glacier. Here, the guides will fit people with crampons and give instructions on how to walk on the ice.
The actual ice hike (walking on the glacier) will last for around 2 hours during which time you will see various ice formations unique to this natural creation. Your guide will explain how ice formations such as crevasses, small lagoons, craters are created, as well as talk about any flora and fauna in the area and the geology of the region in general.
At the end of the physical ice hike, clients will have an option to return to El Calafate or to go to the viewing point opposite the glacial face before going back to El Calafate.
Conditions - PLEASE NOTE!
Restricted to people aged between 10 years to 65 years of age and who possess a level of reasonable fitness. This excursion is not suitable for pregnant women or people who are overweight, and it is the guides who will decide this in the event of a difference of opinion. No smoking is permitted on or during this excursion.
Back pack, outdoor trekking clothes (warm, water-proof and wind-breaker jacket, trekking pants (or trousers for the English), sturdy outdoor trekking boots, hat, sun glasses, lip balm, sun-screen cream, camera, water bottle and box lunch.
Included
- Pick-up and return transfer to your hotel in El Calafate, bilingual guides, crampons.
Not Included
- National Park entrance fee and lunch (ask your hotel to prepare a box lunch).
Experience Chile offers this full day activity as part of your Patagonia itinerary.
