How To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
Anyone that knows me, is highly aware (and probably tired) of my incessant obsession with glaciers. Trust me people, I’m going to Antarctica one day, it’s happening whether my mother likes it or not. Anyway, because reaching that 7th continent is a bit difficult, it’ll take me quite a bit of time to finally make it out there. But never fear, there are glaciers all over this beautiful planet for me to enjoy without being forced to sell my kidneys!
For my first glacier visit of all time, I decided to pay tribute to one of the greatest in the world: Perito Moreno. This spectacle lies on the border of Argentina and Chile, although it is accessed through the Argentinian side. Why visit one of the most uninhabited sectors of the world? Well, young grasshoppers, let me enlighten you.
First and foremost, Perito Moreno is the only glacier in the entire world that is actually growing rather than receding. Let me repeat that. It is the singular paradox to our dying world, and is thriving, rather than quickly receding like the rest of its icy brethren. A feat in and of itself! Secondly, El Calafate, to me at least, emanates the heart and soul of Patagonia, right down to the savory lamb dishes and friendly wild dogs – of course along with the breathtaking outlooks.
Moving onto the meat of my discussion: the glacier. The treasure of ice I’ve waited years to see, touch, smell, even breathe in. To first get there you must fly to Buenos Aires and then to the city of El Calafate. El Calafate is the closest city located to Perito Moreno Glacier, which is actually located within Los Glaciares National Park. In order to enter the national park, you either need a car (a highly inconvenient, expensive, and unpredictable form of transportation), or a guided tour. I personally chose a guided tour, which included transportation into the park, time to explore the visitors sections of the park, and a mini-trekking experience for a chance to walk on the actual glaciers!
Although walking on Perito Moreno can range on the pricier side, always consider the fact that this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity that absolutely can’t be missed! Getting the chance to step on, smell, touch, feel, and see everything that came together to create such a natural wonder while walking along on such a gigantic ice monster is priceless, and should be heavily considered when planning out your itinerary.
Some key things to remember before visiting: mini-trekking tours are 5 hours and you will be asked to save an entire day to visit so be careful when logistically planning out your travel/adventure plans, it is best to visit during the spring/summer seasons of South America, most tours do not include entrance fees to the park (500 Argentinian pesos), you will be required to wear proper snow gear and hiking boots so don’t forget those on your packing list, and remember to take loads of pictures but to also take moments to soak in every moment of your journey!
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