Glacier Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the main attractions of Patagonia.

The Los Glaciares National Park, southwest of the province of Santa Cruz.

Home ice fields occupy 2,600 km2 (more than 30% of the area of ​​the Park), moving on two large lakes, Lake Viedma and Lake Argentino.

The best known is the Perito Moreno glacier which expands upon the waters of the South Arm of Lake Argentino, with a front of 5 km. and a height, above the lake level of between 70 and 60 meters. This majestic wall of ice covers an area of ​​230 square kilometers.

The Upsala Glacier, located on the north arm of the same lake, is the largest; exhibits a length of 50 km. and a width of about 10 km.

In the northern sector of the Park, opposite the Viedma Glacier, is the imposing rock massif Fitz Roy,  or Cerro Chalten (as it was called by the tehuelches who inhabited the area) that stands out for its height of 3375 meters  and its monumental appearance with the environment surrounding mountain ranges

The area of ​​continental ice and glaciers is a natural treasure, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981.

This ancient ice forming an angry white is crossed by sparkling engamadas cracks between blue and violet.
From the depths sprout sounds submerged in the restless inside the glacier rivers.

The Perito Moreno glacier slides at a speed of 100 meters per year, forming a barrier between the Rico Arm and Channel Iceberg Lake Argentino, which ends up producing so famous rupture and because of the great pressure holds water.

Every four years or so large blocks of ice break off with a similar magnitude shocking thunder roar, generating  icebergs that are dispersed in the Lakes by the action of wind and water. The chunks of ice can become large and lift waves, so you should not get out of the observation area.

Due to changing climatic effects of the last decade, glaciers in general are at an increasingly rapid extinction, These detachments not always happen every four years.

On the south bank of Lake Argentino, the tourist town of El Calafate is the gateway to Glacier. 80 km from the park entrance, this small  town of 6000 inhabitants has a variety of accommodation and gastronomy.

The tourist offer includes 4 star hotels, cabins, lodges, hostels, camping and even exclusive stays close to the glacier.

Excursions and tours

The most relevant sites are the paths and balconies on the Perito Moreno Glacier. The walk on one side of the glacier. Overland excursion to Lake Roca, from early morning, when many eagles, vultures and condors are.

Trekking in the park and hike to Lago del Desierto (outside the park) from El Chalten. Sailing catamaran on the lakes near the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers, or trip to the Onelli (full of icebergs detached three glacial lake) and Cristina bays.

Other activities from El Calafate

Stay Alice (the Warehouse Glacier) makes herding demonstrations and sheep shearing and organizes rides to the Perito Moreno Glacier (21 Km).

Guided tours of the cave paintings of Punta Gualicho, facing the Argentino Lake (10 Km) excursions. It can be reached by car or riding course organized from El Calafate.

Fishing for brown trout and steelhead in the room Güer Aike (Truchaike) (270 Km near Rio Gallegos).