How to Plan Your El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek

If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, make sure to put El Calafate on your itinerary. This charming town on the southern tip of the country is home to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. For adventurous travelers, the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. Here’s how to plan your trip.

Experience

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek is a full-day guided tour that takes you on an incredible adventure through the heart of the glacier. You’ll hike through the Patagonian forest with stunning natural scenery and enjoy a sightseeing cruise in front of the glacier. Once you arrive at the glacier, you’ll embark on a hike with ice crampons that will take you across the vast frozen landscape. Marvel at the fascinating ice formations as you learn about the flora and fauna thriving in the area from your expert guides.

Highlights

– Hike across the Perito Moreno Glacier with ice crampons
– Enjoy a sightseeing cruise in front of the glacier
– Marvel at the stunning natural scenery of the Patagonian forest
– Learn about the flora and fauna from your expert guides
– Admire the glacier from different angles as you stroll along boardwalks

Booking the Tour

To book the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek, visit the following link: book the tour here. You’ll be able to select your preferred date and time, as well as any add-ons you might be interested in. The price of the tour includes pickup from El Calafate and transportation to and from the glacier, as well as all necessary equipment.

What to Expect

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in El Calafate, followed by a 1 hour and 30-minute drive to Bajo de la Sombras Port. From there, you’ll sail across the Rico Channel and descend on the southwestern coast of Patagonia to reach Perito Moreno Glacier.

Once you arrive at the glacier, you’ll embark on a 1 hour and 30-minute hike with your mountain guides along a path next to the glacier, arriving at a magnificent viewpoint. From here, you’ll attach the iron crampons to the ground and begin your hike across the ice.

The trek across the ice takes around 4 hours, and you’ll marvel at the fascinating ice formations from start to finish. Your expert guides will provide you with in-depth knowledge about the flora and fauna of the area, enhancing your experience.

After your hike on the glacier, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing cruise in front of the glacier, and admire the stunning natural scenery of the Patagonian forest. You’ll also get the opportunity to admire the glacier from different angles as you stroll along boardwalks.

What to Bring

To fully enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek, make sure to bring the following:

– Warm clothing, as temperatures can drop rapidly on the glacier
– Waterproof jacket and pants
– Sunglasses and sunblock
– Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes
– Gloves and a hat

Conclusion

The Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Trek is a must-see for adventurers and nature lovers alike. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to El Calafate to discover the incredible beauty of the Perito Moreno Glacier. So why wait? Book your tour today and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

An Insider’s Guide to El Calafate, Argentina

If you’re looking for a breathtaking travel experience that combines adventure, natural wonders, and local culture, look no further than El Calafate, Argentina. This picturesque city in Patagonia is the gateway to one of the most stunning glaciers in the world – the Perito Moreno Glacier. But El Calafate has much more to offer than just this glacier trek. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through the city’s top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make your trip a memorable one.

Top Attractions

The main attraction in El Calafate is, of course, the Perito Moreno Glacier, a towering wall of ice that stretches over 200 feet high and covers an area of 97 square miles. The best way to experience this glacier is by taking a Big Ice Trek, a full-day activity that allows you to explore the ice from a unique perspective. You’ll hike over the glacier’s surface, crossing streams, crevices, and moulins (vertical shafts that carry melted water through the ice) while learning about the glacier’s formation and ecology from expert guides.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can also take a kayak tour of Lake Argentino, the biggest lake in Patagonia, or go horseback riding through the surrounding hills and forests.

Dining Spots

El Calafate has a thriving food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. For a taste of regional cuisine, head to La Tablita, a traditional Argentine steakhouse that serves succulent cuts of meat and grilled vegetables. For a more upscale experience, check out Mako Grill, a gourmet restaurant that specializes in Patagonian cuisine, including trout, lamb, and wild boar.

For a more casual atmosphere, head to La Lechuza, a cozy bar and restaurant that serves delicious pizza, empanadas, and craft beer. And for a quick bite, stop by Panaderia Don Luis, a bakery that sells fresh-baked bread, pastries, and sandwiches.

Cultural Experiences

El Calafate is home to several museums and cultural centers that showcase the region’s history and heritage. The Glaciarium is a must-visit museum that delves into the science and mythology behind glaciers, with interactive exhibits and a 3D documentary. The Historical Interpretation Center of El Calafate is another interesting museum that explores the city’s origins, from its indigenous population to its colonial period and beyond.

You can also experience the local culture by attending a tango performance or a gaucho barbecue, where you’ll see traditional dances, music, and costumes.

Local History

El Calafate has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The Tehuelche people were the first inhabitants of the region, followed by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The city was officially founded in 1927, and its name comes from the calafate bush, a shrub that grows in Patagonia and produces berries that are used to make jams and liqueurs.

Today, El Calafate is a booming tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, but it still retains its rustic charm and natural beauty.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to explore the lesser-known corners of El Calafate, there are plenty of options for you. You can take a boat tour of the Upsala Glacier, another impressive ice formation that’s less crowded than the Perito Moreno. Or you can hike to the Laguna Nimez Reserve, a wetland area that’s home to countless bird species and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to visit the nearby town of El Chalten, the hiking capital of Argentina. Here, you can trek through the famous Fitz Roy mountain range, camp in the wilderness, and experience the rugged beauty of Patagonia’s interior.

Conclusion

El Calafate is a true gem of Patagonia, offering a perfect blend of adventure, nature, cuisine, and culture. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a gourmet meal, or a glimpse into local history, this city has it all. Plan your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the world.