Perito Moreno Glacier: The Living Ice of Patagonia
The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most iconic natural wonders of Patagonia, Argentina, and one of the few glaciers in the world that remains in a state of balance. Located within Los Glaciares National Park, near the town of El Calafate, this massive ice formation attracts travelers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. Renowned for its accessibility, constant movement, and dramatic ice calving events, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a symbol of Patagonia’s raw and ever-changing landscape.
Where Is the Perito Moreno Glacier Located?
The Glacier is situated in Santa Cruz Province, in southern Argentina, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from El Calafate. It forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest reserve of fresh water in the world.
- National Park: Los Glaciares National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Nearest town: El Calafate
- Region: Argentine Patagonia
Key Facts About the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Ice surface: ~250 km²
- Length: ~30 km
- Ice wall height: up to 70 m above lake level
- Ice color: intense blue due to compressed ancient ice
What Makes the Perito Moreno Glacier Unique?
A Rare Glacier in Equilibrium
Unlike many glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno has maintained a long-term balance between accumulation and melting, making it a key reference point for glaciological study.
Constant Ice Calving
Massive blocks of ice regularly detach from the glacier’s front, falling into Lake Argentino with thunderous force—an unpredictable and unforgettable natural spectacle.
Accessible, Yet Untamed
A system of walkways and viewpoints allows visitors to observe the glacier from multiple perspectives without disturbing its environment.
Perito Moreno Glacier: Best Time to Visit
The glacier can be visited year-round, with October to April offering the most favorable conditions.
- Summer: longer days, higher calving frequency
- Spring & fall: quieter, dramatic light and color
- Winter: fewer visitors, stark Patagonian beauty
Ways to Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Panoramic walkways and viewpoints
- Navigation on Lake Argentino
- Guided ice trekking experiences
- Extended landscape explorations beyond the glacier
The depth of the experience depends not only on what you see—but on how you explore.
Why Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier with Explora El Calafate
A Different Philosophy of Travel
At Explora El Calafate, visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is not a standalone excursion, but part of a broader exploration of Patagonia—its glaciers, steppe, mountains, and silence.
Explora’s approach is based on time, depth, and understanding, allowing travelers to move beyond the postcard image and connect meaningfully with the territory.
We Take Care of Everything
Explora operates under a true all-inclusive model, designed so guests can focus entirely on exploration and rest.
- Daily guided explorations to the Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding landscapes
- Expert Explora guides, trained in geography, natural history, and safety
- All meals and beverages, inspired by local ingredients
- All transfers and logistics, including transportation to and from explorations
- Carefully designed lodge spaces that invite rest and contemplation
There is no need to plan routes, book tours, or coordinate schedules—Explora takes care of every detail.
Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier with Explora means understanding:
- Its geological history and movement
- Its role within the Patagonian ice fields
- Its connection to climate, water, and landscape
This context transforms the visit from sightseeing into true exploration.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is not only one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights—it is a living reminder of nature’s power, rhythm, and scale. Exploring it with Explora El Calafate allows travelers to experience this landscape with depth, care, and continuity, while enjoying the comfort of knowing that every detail is thoughtfully handled.
Extend Your Journey: Patagonia Without Borders
For travelers seeking a more profound experience, Explora invites you to connect the Perito Moreno Glacier with other iconic Patagonian territories.
Combine with Explora El Chaltén (Argentina)
Explore the granite spires of Mount Fitz Roy, glacial valleys, and pristine trails—Patagonia expressed through mountains and movement.
Combine with Explora Torres del Paine (Chile)
Cross into Chilean Patagonia to discover Torres del Paine National Park, with its dramatic peaks, lakes, and vast conservation landscapes.
Together, these destinations form the Explora Patagonia Network, offering a continuous, immersive journey through one of the world’s last great wilderness regions.
