Perito Moreno Glacier

What it is

Perito Moreno is one of Patagonia's best-known glaciers, in Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz province. Its front, about 5 km wide, rises 60–70 m above Lago Argentino. In its central part the ice moves up to 2 m a day, so blocks keep breaking off. Every few years the glacier dams the Brazo Rico arm of the lake until the water bursts through the ice.

When and how

The glacier is about 80 km from El Calafate, roughly an hour and a half by road. On the Magallanes Peninsula, opposite the front, kilometers of metal walkways lead to viewpoints at different levels. You can also take a boat along the wall or join a guided mini-trek on the ice with crampons. It can be visited year-round; December to February is busiest.

Tip

Allow three to four hours on the walkways: calving follows no schedule, and the longer you wait, the better your odds of a big collapse. Bring a warm layer, as cold air flows off the ice even in midsummer.