Welcome back to my travelogue from Patagonia, Argentina, on FallenForAdventure. We're still exploring this incredible region, and today's highlight is a must-see for any visitor: the Perito Moreno Glacier. This colossal ice giant, the world's third-largest, resides in Los Glaciares National Park near the South Pole. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Perito Moreno is a breathtaking natural wonder.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is indeed impressive in its size and grandeur.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is easily accessible, located just over 60 kilometers from El Calafate, a one-hour drive. El Calafate is conveniently served by direct flights from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, with a flight time of approximately 3.5 hours.

There are several ways to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, including:

1.) Take a cruise to view the glacier from the comfort of a boat. This option is ideal for older individuals, families with young children, or those with limited mobility. Enjoy a leisurely cruise while admiring the stunning glacier scenery.

Standing on the patio overlooking the glacier, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view like the one pictured above. The experience is truly unique, as you may witness the ice calving phenomenon, where chunks of ice break off the glacier with a thunderous roar.

3.) Another option is to hike directly on the glacier, known as Glacier Hike. This is highly recommended for those who are physically fit, as it offers breathtaking panoramic views and an up-close encounter with the ice. Only one company, Hielo Y Adventura, offers this experience, essentially holding a monopoly on the activity. They provide two hiking options: Mini Trekking and Big Ice.

Mini Trekking is a shorter trek that allows you to experience walking on ice for about 1 hour.

The Big Ice trek is a challenging route that requires a moderate level of fitness. The journey begins with a 1.5-hour hike up a mountain to reach the glacier's central point, known as "Journey to the Center of the Glacier." This is followed by a 3.5-hour walk on the ice itself. The return trip down the mountain takes another 1.5 hours, bringing the total duration to approximately 6.5 hours. Due to the strenuous nature of the trek, tour operators only accept participants between the ages of 15 and 50 who are in good physical condition and free from pregnancy or pre-existing medical conditions. During our visit, we opted for the Big Ice trek, eager to experience the glacier up close. It was an unforgettable experience, and we highly recommend it to anyone who is physically capable. If you are interested in attempting this trek, it is advisable to book well in advance, as the number of participants is limited. Ideally, reservations should be made 2-3 months prior to your intended visit, especially for the Big Ice route.

The Big Ice Adventure: A Day Trip from El Calafate

The day of our Big Ice adventure began with a 7:00 AM meeting at the tour operator's office in the heart of El Calafate. After a short 10-minute walk from our hotel, we boarded the tour bus for a scenic journey of approximately one hour. Upon arrival, we were granted ample free time to admire and photograph the majestic glacier from designated walkways.

View from the walkway.

The walkway is designed for viewing the glacier.

After admiring the glacier, we embarked on a 20-minute boat ride to get closer to it. We were then divided into small groups of about 10 people per 2 guides. Our Big Ice group consisted of 4-5 groups, and we hiked through the forest and up the mountain for about an hour and a half. The views before reaching the glacier were just as stunning.

We are almost there.

Upon reaching the glacier access point, we had our final opportunity to use the restroom, as there would be no further facilities available for the next 3.5 hours of trekking on the glacier. After using the restroom, our team assisted us in putting on our crampons and provided instructions on how to walk on the ice. We were required to walk in a single file line, carefully stepping on the same ice blocks as our guide for safety reasons. Our guide was particularly cautious about thin ice, fearing that we might fall through.

Please walk in a single file line for safety.

Stumbled upon an ice cave. So cool!

Another group saw it from afar.

The melting of ice on glaciers creates rivers, also known as meltwater. The sight is truly breathtaking.

A team of ice conquerors and two guides.

On the return boat trip, they distributed whiskey to everyone as a celebratory gesture.

This is a full-day activity with a return to El Calafate city around 6 pm. The tour price is approximately $200 USD per person.

Summary of this adventure

Activity: Glacier Hike

Selected Path: Big Ice

Distance: 6 km hike on the mountain + Glacier Hike

Duration: 3 hours of hiking uphill + 3.5 hours of walking on ice = 6.5 hours

Difficulty level: 8/10

Beauty level: 10/10

Price: Over USD$200

Checklist for Hiking Essentials: Beyond the Usual Gear

- Dress in multiple layers, as you will be walking on an exposed glacier in very cold and windy conditions. The innermost layer should be a heat tech shirt and pants, while the outermost layer should be a waterproof jacket and pants, as you will be sitting on the ice to eat. If your pants are not waterproof, you will be very cold on the walk back. If you don't have any waterproof clothing, you can rent it in El Calafate. There are several shops in town that rent equipment at reasonable prices.

• Bring all your cold-weather gear, including gloves, beanies, and face masks.

- Lunch is not included, so please bring your own. We bought sandwiches from a supermarket in El Calafate.

Enjoy lunch on the ice.

At times, the coverage is so extensive that it completely obscures the subject.

One of the things I appreciate about this city is its ban on plastic bags. In fact, many cities in Patagonia have eliminated plastic bag use altogether. As we know, plastic bags are harmful to the environment due to their slow decomposition, pollution, and the risk of animals mistaking them for food and ingesting them, posing a threat to both wildlife and the environment. (Therefore, if you need to buy groceries at the supermarket, remember to bring your own reusable bag.)

When discussing the environment, it's crucial to acknowledge the impact of climate change on glaciers like Perito Moreno. Rising global temperatures have accelerated the rate of glacial melting, raising concerns about their potential disappearance within the next 50 years. To mitigate this, we must collectively adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption and minimizing CO2 emissions. Additionally, responsible tourism practices, including refraining from littering and cigarette disposal, are essential for preserving the natural beauty of these fragile ecosystems. By taking these steps, we can ensure the longevity of these breathtaking landscapes for generations to come.

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