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Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia is a bucket list adventure that should be at the top of everyone’s list. Picture yourself on the glacier hiking through the whitest ice fields with streams of vibrant blue water and the Andes Mountain Range in the background. The views are breathtaking.
Our trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park is a bucket list adventure that turned out to be one of the coolest (no pun intended) experiences.
While planning our trip to Argentina, I knew I wanted to hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier. What I didn’t realize was how much I would love this expedition and the beautiful scenery.
Trek options
After hours of research, I decided to use the tour operator Hielo y Aventura S.A. because this company offered the most exciting experiences, has been in business for decades, and has received stellar travel reviews.
Hielo y Aventura S.A. provides several different options for viewing the Perito Moreno Glacier, depending on your tolerance for adventure and your age (more about that in a minute).
Big Ice Trek at Perito Moreno Glacier
We opted for the Big Ice trek – the most adventurous option available requiring seven hours of walking (three and half hours on the glacier). Sadly, there is a restrictive age limit for this tour. For insurance reasons (or so we have been told) the minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 50. Several people on our excursion were just about to turn 50 and signed up for the Big Ice trek in the nick of time. This was one of my favorite vacation excurions of all time!
Mini trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier
If you are interested in this type of trip but don’t fit within the age range or you want something a little less adventurous, Hielo y Aventura S.A. also offers a mini trek for those ages 10 to 65. On the mini trek, you still explore the glacier, but the overall activity level is less strenuous.
Boat options
There is also a boat option available that does not require any physical activity but you can still get an amazing view of the glacier.
Day trip option
If you do not have time to spend a couple of nights in El Calafate, there is a day trip down to the glacier you can take from other parts of Argentina.
Training
Even though tour companies often over-hype the difficulty level of an excursion, I was a little nervous that I would not be able to keep up. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I started training. My sister (who is in better shape than me and loves hiking) kindly agreed to hike with me to prepare for the Big Ice Trek. Using the varied terrain on our 7-10 mile hikes, I was able to build up my endurance.
The Big Ice Trek on Perito Moreno Glacier
Glacier viewing
Before I knew it, my husband and I were in El Calafate, Argentina, ready for our Big Ice trek. I was so excited about our hike I could hardly contain myself. After about a 2 hour drive from El Calafate, it was time to take in the views of the Perito Moreno Glacier from the viewing platforms in Los Glaciares National Park.
While on the walkways, we were able to view the Perito Moreno Glacier. Although you can only see a fraction of the glacier from this side of the park, the viewing platforms help you understand its massive size. I was surprised to learn that while many glaciers around the world are shrinking, the Perito Moreno Glacier is growing.
A boat ride across Argentino Lake
Even though the viewing was exciting, our adventure was just getting started. We hopped on a boat to cross the Brazo Rico, the southern part of the Argentino Lake, to get to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Our initial hike toward the Perito Moreno Glacier
Everyone in our group was eager for the day ahead. We started out walking toward the crampon fitting station. Our group was so jazzed for the trek that our walk quickly turned into a speed walk and then eventually a jog. While I trained for a long hike, I did not prepare for the speed at which the group was moving. I started to worry about my hiking abilities. After about a half-hour, I turned to my husband and said, “I don’t think I can keep this pace up for another six and a half hours.” Lucky for me, after about another 15 minutes, it was time to put on our crampons and head out onto the glacier.
Hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
With each step, the crampon spikes grip the ice to theoretically prevent you from slipping down the side of the glacier and help you maintain your balance to climb uphill. Once everyone became accustomed to walking with crampons, we split into groups of 10 or so and headed out in different directions.
Our group moved a little slower, which was fine with me. You do need to pay attention to where you step on the glacier, so you don’t accidentally fall into a crevasse.
From this point on, the hike was much more manageable and now that I look back, I didn’t need to train for this adventure.
The next three hours or so on the glacier were a dream. We followed our guide and hiked all over the glacier’s wide-open spaces. Everything on the glacier (except for us) was still. We could not see or hear the other groups on the ice.
After hiking for a while, we stopped for lunch. Our guide found a beautiful spot, and we sat down in the middle of the Perito Moreno Glacier to have a picnic. Eating my sandwich on the glacier while drinking fresh glacier water was surreal. I have never tasted water so pure. I had to pinch myself because I felt so lucky to be on the trek.
Our ice cave experience
After lunch, it was time to continue our journey. Because the glacier is continually moving, the contour of the ice and, therefore, the tour highlights also change. During our visit, we had the opportunity to hike through a natural ice cave. While not difficult, getting from one side to the other was a little tricky. The cave floor was uneven and had a trench running through it, forcing us to maneuver in challenging positions to climb out the top. For me, the cave climb was a standout experience.
If you look closely in the picture below (and ignore a little blurriness), you can see our heads peeking out from behind the edge of the ice cave. I’m wearing a beige jacket and my husband Gary is in red. Unfortunately, our camera was stolen (before I thought about backing up our pictures). I know better now. Fortunately, someone else on our tour had a few pictures she could send us. So, this is the best picture I have of us on the glacier. But at least I have a picture.
The final trek of the day
After climbing through the ice cave, it was time to head back. We continued exploring the ice field, checking out the colorful blue streams, ponds, and cracks in the ice. I was amazed that each body of water was a different fantastic shade of blue.
About an hour later, we made it back to the edge of the glacier, where we had time to take a few more pictures. I always laugh at this one.
Yes, falling ice can be dangerous. However, we were not near the lake on this side of the glacier. Therefore, it would be impossible for a wave to form from falling ice.
One last surprise
Now that we were back on land, our bucket list adventure on the Perito Moreno Glacier was coming to an end. We boarded the boat and headed back to the other side of Argentino Lake. Our tour guides had one last surprise for us. On the trip back, the crew gave us a glass of whiskey over glacier ice! I’m not much of a whiskey fan, but I made an exception. By far, this was the best glass of whiskey I have ever had.
If you are going to Argentina, I highly recommend including a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s an unforgettable experience that you will remember vividly for the rest of your life. I have traveled the world, and this is one of my favorite travel experiences.
Tips on what to wear
The weather on the Perito Moreno Glacier can be unpredictable. It rained a little bit during our expedition, but with waterproof clothes and a few layers, I was dry and warm. I wore light waterproof pants, a base layer, a fleece, and a light weight ski shell with a hood. I also wore comfortable hiking boots (not shoes) with moisture-wicking hiking socks. Those in our group that did not wear waterproof clothes and appropriate footwear complained about being cold and wet. To save you from making the same mistakes, here are a few options you can wear on your trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Gear for Women
Gear for Men
In addition to the above items, you should bring a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the snow glare, sunscreen, and a backpack to carry your lunch.
For more adventures, check out my post about Exhilarating Adventures in Costa Rica and Sailing the Exumas. For hiking adventures, check out my posts about hiking in Sedona and Banff National Park.
hi Michelle! How long were you hiking before you reached the glacier to start the trekking?
As I recall, there was a short hike to the crampon station (about 20 min, I think) and another 45 min to an hour after we put on our crampons. This was one of my favorite excursions!
This looks amazing! I would love to do this. What time of year did you do this hike?
The hike is amazing! We hiked in November.
That experience looks and sounds absolutely amazing even from just the photos and description, so I can’t imagine how beautiful it must have been to actually be there. My bucket list has just expanded.
Lovely photos, on my bucket list for sure.
Thank you! This is one of my all-time favorite activities.
This looks so amazing! We went on a glacier in Alaska, I would love to add this to our destination list.
When we can travel again, I highly recommend the glacier trek. It is one of my all-time favorite excursions.
We were supposed to go in March but the virus hit so we had to cancel! Great ideas on what gear to get – we struggled a little on making sure we had the right clothing. This is great reference. Thank you
I’m sorry you had to cancel your plans. My fingers are crossed you will be able to go next year. Thanks for reaching out and letting me know you found the information helpful. Much appreciated!!