Activities you should definitely do in Perito Moreno and the surrounding parks
The sight of the massive blue ice walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly one of the most impressive experiences in Argentine Patagonia. But this remote region of Los Glaciares National Park and the surrounding areas offer many more adventurous activities for outdoor enthusiasts. From trekking to glacier cruises, from horseback riding to excursions in special vehicles. Here are some of the activities you should not miss out on to enjoy the Perito Moreno experience to the full.
Trekking on the millennial ice
One of the most impressive experiences is to literally walk on the surface of Perito Moreno on ice trekking excursions. Equipped with crampons and special equipment, these hikes allow you to enter the endless twists, crevices and caves that make up the surface of the Patagonian ice.
It’s almost like exploring an alien planet made of giant blue sapphire. As you walk among the ice sculptures and towers, you can see the deep, luminous shades of blue created by the compression of glaciers over several millennia.
Sailing along the ice coast
Another activity is sailing through the icy waters of the Brazo Rico and the Canal de los Témpanos of Lago Argentino. These crossings with special boats, such as the mythical María Turquesa catamaran, allow you to get within a few meters of the enormous headwalls of Perito Moreno.
This makes it possible to experience the unique spectacle of huge masses of ice breaking off, the so-called “calving”, live and direct. At these moments, blocks several tens of meters long plunge into the water, creating a thunderous roar and huge waves.
Hike to viewpoints
The area surrounding Perito Moreno also offers numerous opportunities for hiking and trekking on trails that lead to impressive natural viewpoints with panoramic views of the entire glacier area. The Sendero al Mirador del Cerro Frias and the Mirador del Lago Rico are highly recommended.
From these viewpoints, hikers can see the entire ice field, into which the numerous glacier tongues that descend from the peaks of the Andes fit. A true polar dream on a par with Antarctica or Greenland.
Boat safari and wildlife watching
For animal lovers, one of the most interesting activities is probably the boat safari through the waters of Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma. These boat trips are the best way to observe species such as cormorants, flamingos, geese and various endemic birds up close.
The turquoise blue waters of these glacial lakes provide a privileged backdrop to observe wildlife in all its splendor, including possible sightings of larger mammals such as huemules or pumas on the shores.
Horseback riding and trekking
Another highly recommended way to explore this magical region of Patagonia is by trekking and horseback riding along trails and valleys surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks. There are many local providers who offer horseback rides at various levels of difficulty.
On these rides, you can venture into corners that are difficult to reach on foot and admire endless landscapes of thousand-year-old lenga forests, peat bogs, glacial rivers and ice-carved valleys. This is a traditional way to connect with the essence of unspoiled Patagonia.
4×4 special vehicle tours
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts will not be disappointed in the Perito Moreno area. Several companies offer 4×4 tours on high mountain roads that allow you to reach vantage points with unique views of this continental glacial realm.
These excursions include off-road driving as well as hiking on trails and smaller glaciers. A very complete way to explore the infinite and inaccessible corners in the heart of the Patagonian ice.
Whichever activity you choose, visiting Perito Moreno and its surroundings will be an experience you will remember forever. Connecting with the immense power of the glaciers that have shaped this deserted region of the Andes is undoubtedly a privilege worth living intensely.