The Big Ice Trek in El Calafate: A Complete Guide for Hiking the Perito Moreno Glacier

Are you an adventurous traveler looking for a unique experience? Have you heard about El Calafate, Argentina and its beautiful glacier hikes? If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, the Big Ice Trek in El Calafate will not disappoint. 

Situated in the Argentine Patagonia region, El Calafate is renowned for its jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped mountains, glimmering blue glacial lakes, and 33 different glaciers, each magnificent in their own right. Perhaps the most notable of these is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Perito Moreno Glacier, one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing rather than shrinking in size.

Visitors to El Calafate can choose from many different guided tours of the Perito Moreno Glacier, including the classic Big Ice Trek. In this guide, we will cover all the essential information to help you plan and enjoy your trek, from official tour operators to what you need to bring and what to expect from the experience. With everything you need to know to take on the ultimate glacial adventure, here’s what we’ll cover:

• Overview of the Perito Moreno Glacier
• Big Ice Trek Tour
• Tips for Choosing an Official Perito Moreno Glacier Tour Operator
• What to Expect on the Big Ice Trek
• What to Wear and Bring with You
• The Physical Fitness Level Needed
• Perito Moreno Glacier Facts
• Additional Things To See and Do Near El Calafate

Overview of the Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located within Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina’s Patagonia region, 80 kilometers away from the center of El Calafate. This stunning glacier is 21 kilometers long and has an impressive 5-kilometer front face.  The ice wall is yellowish due to the absorption of minerals that the ice gains from its surroundings. Standing at the edge of the Perito Moreno is like standing atop the world ― a spectacularly beautiful sight to behold.

The glacier is constantly moving, surrounded by a lake between two mountain ranges. Its unique features provide a perfect environment for its many species, including eagles, condors, and guanacos. Rare plants also grow here, their bright colors contrasting with the surrounding chilled beauty.

Since it lies within a UNSECO World Heritage site and is a popular tourist attraction, Perito Moreno has been made more accessible by way of various guided tours and adventurous treks. One such trek is the popular Big Ice Trek in El Calafate. So let get into more detail about this tour.

Big Ice Trek Tour

On this 4-hour trek, travelers can explore and climb on the glacier, guided by a certified mountain guide and using all the necessary equipment (which we will talk about later in the article). The itinerary usually starts with a scenic boat ride across Lake Argentino, during which time visitors can admire spectacular views of the glacier and get closer to observing its power firsthand.

Officially authorized operators generally offer a wide range of amenities including snacks and special drinks. While some companies also include round-trip hotel transfers as part of their package deals, please read through their proposed itinerary before booking to make sure that your expectations are met.

Once you’ve arrived at the glacier, you’ll start with a brief introduction followed by a short hike of 40 minutes. Here, your certified mountain guide will explain how to use essential equipment like crampons, harnesses, helmets and ice picks so that you feel safe during your hike.

With your safety taken care of and your new skills at display, it’s time to embark on one of many trails available for exploration on the glacier. Your guide will choose from a selection of trails depending on your preferences or the weather on that particular day; however all trails will feature amazing views sure to take your breath away!

At certain points during the tour you may stop for 5 or 10 minutes for a break and some snacks – to ensure everyone has enough energy throughout. Make sure to bring your cameras – there will be plenty of opportunities to snap gorgeous photos as you explore this spectacular place!

Tips for Choosing an Official Perito Moreno Glacier Tour Operator

Without a doubt, an amazing experience like this requires an official tour operator that ensures your safety and comfort during your journey. Before deciding on any particular company, take note of the following tips:

• Check if the tour rating is significantly higher than 3 stars.
• Ask fellow travelers online or look for YouTube reviews about the provided services.
• Verify that their guides are certified by the government.
• Read through their website or contact them directly to verify that food or drinks are included.

We recommend using reputable websites such as GetYourGuide for booking an official tour operator; their reviews are unbiased and trustworthy. Additionally, for reliable transfer services in El Calafate check out transferscalafate.com. It’s important that all bookings are made in advance so that you don’t miss out due to limited spaces available on tour days.

What to Expect on the Big Ice Trek

Be prepared to have an unforgettable experience! On this 4-hour tour, plan to spend approximately 1hr 30 minutes trekking on Perito Moreno. As you go further up on its surface, expect simple alternation between forested sections with breathtaking skies and more flat areas full of big blocks called “seracs” which form due to everlasting movements of this extraordinary ice field.

Although this explorer-style hike isn’t too demanding (you won’t be walking more than 45 minutes at once), some sections can be tricky due to possible ravines; therefore it is essential that clients follow their mountain guide’s instructions carefully when crossing them along the way up back.

Specimens of ancient trees may surprise you during your journey as you move out of an ordinary ground onto thrilling icy floors; here you may feel like a pioneer finding his own way amidst some pristine nature that few people have ever seen before.

Depending on weather conditions and operating policies of each provider, a stop for coffee or tea may be offered mid-trek which can be highly comforting after stepping out of intense icy winds. This guided walk can be also combined with an optional kayaking activity (check tour operators’ availability) and perhaps even lunch by Lake Argentino! Lastly, always expect stunning landmasses surrounded by melted lakes within Los Glaciares National Park making this place one of the best options to observe ice fields closely while in Argentina!

What to Wear and Bring with You

For all tours, including Big Ice Trek tours in El Calafate, operators usually provide necessary gear including crampons (metal spikes placed around shoes), harnesses (to attach yourself to safety points dispersed around) , ice picks (to help climbers go up/down steeper surfaces), helmets (to protect against objects falls), backpacks for lunch/snacks (provided by operators), gloves (to protect hands from cold). However it is strongly suggested that travelers bring:

• Shoes with good grip – sneakers or closed-toe sport shoes should do great.
• Waterproof jacket – remember storms can appear suddenly, so having extra layers won’t do any harm.
• Thick socks – cold feet won’t make anyone enjoy the trip!
• Gloves and hat – many guides provide these accessories, but if you wish to bring your own – please do.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses – believe us; sunburns can still happen during winter.

The Physical Fitness Level Needed

While this experience is physically demanding for some observers due to drastic temperatures (it could go from -5°C to +25°C moving between forests and glaciers) doesn’t necessarily require an obsessive physical preparation. Hiking through icy grounds can test any person with average fitness levels; so bear in mind short breaks should be taken periodically if needed. Distances won’t be longer than 800m approximately; hence a noticeable preparation isn’t necessary; just common sense regarding clothing & gear should suffice!

Perito Moreno Facts

Here are some interesting facts about this incredible glacier so you can familiarize yourself before taking on this amazing adventure:

• Name Origin:

The name “Perito Moreno’ dates back to 1897 when Argentine explorer Francisco Moreno studied and described several glaciers near Lake Argentino. After his exploration he named this particular glacier in honor of himself; hence it stands today as Perito Moreno Glacier.

• Size:

  The glacier sits between two mountains chains and is made up of 17 different tongues that add up to approximately 250 km² (97 mi²) in size.

• Movement:

  Perito Moreno moves 8 meters a day — 28.6 feet per day — on average.

• Age:

  It has been around for 18,000 years.

• Animals:

  This area is inhabited by guanacos (similar to llamas), foxes, Andean condors and many species of birds including eagles.

Additional Things To See and Do Near El Calafate

If trekking through towering glaciers isn’t enough for you while in El Calafate there are plenty of other activities available such as boat rides several arms around Lake Argentino provide spectacular views of glaciers in remote areas which are unavailable by land access in addition to kayaking tours providing close proximity views that no camera can reconstruct. Asides these water activities its adjacent towns offer multiple possibilities such as hikes around Cerro Frias as well as offroad tours through coiron Bosques navigating near Cerro Otto.

For cultural activities El Chalten nearby El Calafate offers great options offering significant heights such as Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy amongst others.

All these activities will make for exceptional memories, however if you are looking for all these experiences combined into one unforgettable glacial adventure make sure to book an official tour operator to take on The Big Ice Trek in El Calafate! For reliable transfer services in El Calafate check out transferscalafate.com.

Make sure not miss a trip within Los Glaciares National Park by booking an official tour operator via GetYourGuide here. As soon as you book your experience, you can start planning what accessories and clothing should take with you.

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