Kayaking on the Perito Moreno: an adventure in ice and water
The sight of the huge blue ice walls of the Perito Moreno glacier from the shores of Lago Argentino is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. But nothing compares to the adventure of exploring this giant of the Patagonian glaciers from the unique perspective of a sea kayak. Paddling through the glacial waters of the Canal de los Témpanos, surrounded by huge floating icebergs and with the ice front just a few meters away, is an opportunity to connect with the purest and most remote essence of nature.
Kayak excursion with transportation included
To live this experience in a comfortable and safe way, several companies offer kayak packages in Perito Moreno with transportation from Calafate. The service begins with transfers in 4×4 vehicles from the main hostels and guesthouses in the picturesque town of El Calafate.
After about an hour’s drive, you will reach the landing stage in the Bajo de las Sombras bay, a small section of the Canal de los Témpanos with direct access to the glacier front area. The experienced kayak guides are waiting there with all the equipment to start the water expedition.
Paddling in the meltwater of the glaciers
After basic training, the kayakers head out into the open water of the channel to go on an exploration tour along the front wall of Perito Moreno. The deep turquoise water is literally teeming with huge blue ice floes, creating a landscape worthy of the Arctic or Antarctic.
The further you paddle, the more imposing the huge walls of the glacier front become. You can clearly see the crevasses, caves and icefalls in endless shades of blue, gray and white. A truly alien world of ancient ice appears before your eyes.
Watching the iceberg break free
One of the most impressive moments of this kayak tour, however, is undoubtedly the phenomenon of calving or the detachment of an iceberg from the glacier front. Suddenly and unexpectedly, huge masses of ice weighing tons break off the walls and plunge into the water of the canal.
The impact creates huge waves that can be felt with full force from the kayaks. The roar is literally deafening, combined with a trembling of the water rarely experienced in life. Undoubtedly a demonstration of the immense shaping power that the glaciers exert on the geography of Patagonia.
Connectedness in the glacial waters
Apart from the visual spectacle, one of the biggest attractions of kayaking around Perito Moreno is the full connection with the elements of glacial nature. You are literally in the middle of the meltwater, surrounded by walls of compact, millennia-old ice, and the intense cold penetrates to your bones.
You can also admire the rich marine life in the channels, where cormorants, seagulls and occasionally even dolphins or whales are frequently spotted, often venturing into the seasonal waters. It is a celebration of the power of nature.
Return journey at sunset
After several hours of exploring and paddling in front of the glacier, the kayak expedition returns to the Bajo de las Sombras bay to end the day. The best thing about this last stage is that it usually coincides with the hours of the Patagonian sunset.
At this time, the orange and reddish rays of the setting sun penetrate through the cracks and bumps in the ice, creating breathtaking glittering effects and plays of color. It literally looks as if the walls of Perito Moreno are on fire in a multicolored dance that enhances the infinite shades of blue.
Few places in the world offer such a deep and comprehensive experience of connecting with glacial nature as this kayaking excursion in front of Perito Moreno. Paddling in the shadow of its mighty walls, merging with its ancient icescapes and witnessing the force of the glacier’s power live are experiences to remember for a lifetime.