About 80km west of El Calafate is Ventisquero Perito Moreno (Perito Moreno Glacier) – the “big one” that everyone comes to see. It has a 5km long, vertical wall of glacial ice face rising to heights of around 60m flowing some 30km from its source in the Andes Mountains.
Walking on the Glacier Perito Moreno
Operated Between: Mid July to End of May.
Ice Hike Perito Moreno Glacier
The Ice hike (mini ice) on top of Perito Moreno glacier is a full-day activity and will require two nights in El Calafate, which we will arrange. One night before the activity and one night after the activity. This can be included as a pre or post add-on to the rest of your Patagonian itinerary. There are age restrictins to participate in this activity and you must also be in good physical shape.
Ice Hike (called Mini Ice)
Walking on the Glacier Perito Moreno
Age Restrictions: 10 to 65 years of age at time of the activity.
Physical demand: Moderate, but participants must be physically fit and in good shape.
Morning departures every day with pick-up from your hotel in El Calafate around 08:00hrs
The excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” port, about 6km before the Perito Moreno Glacier viewing platforms – where you embark for a 20 minute navigation across the Rico Arm of the lake, enjoying breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno glacier wall.
You disembark on the opposite shore, where a specialized bilingual mountain guide will welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After checking the details, groups of not more than 20, follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice the guides instruct each participant to put on a pair of crampons, and will also explain how to use them.
The trek will last around 1.5hrs and is a circuit that introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers. The trekking is moderate. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular, but firm. After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter.
Included: Guide, Crampons, Transportation to Parque los Glaciares
