Things to see around the Perito Moreno Glacier
The sight of the huge blue ice walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences in Argentinian Patagonia. However, the region surrounding this ice giant is home to many other natural beauties that are worth visiting and admiring. From untouched mountains to beautiful glacial lakes, extraordinary waterfalls and picturesque villages. These are some of the places not to be missed in the Perito Moreno area.
Cerro Frias and its unique viewpoints
Just an hour’s drive from the Perito Moreno area is Cerro Frias, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the entire Los Glaciares National Park area. From this small, 1,500-metre-high mountain, hiking trails lead to several natural viewpoints with 360-degree views.
From its peaks, you can see the Perito Moreno glacier in its entirety, along with the huge Lago Argentino and a large part of the Andes mountain range covered in perpetual snow and hanging ice. An easy hike, but very rewarding in terms of scenery.
The mountain village of El Calafate
After you have admired the Perito Moreno, you should definitely visit the picturesque town of El Calafate, the most important tourist resort in the area. With its alpine architecture of cobbled streets and buildings made of stone and wood, this peaceful Patagonian settlement invites you to relax and let yourself be carried away by the tranquillity of the landscape.
El Calafate is not only an ideal starting point for fishing trips, horseback riding and observing rare native fauna such as condors and guanacos, but also for gastronomy that focuses on regional products, such as the delicious grilled lamb dishes.
Lake Roca and its enchanting viewpoint
Very close to the Perito Moreno area is Lake Roca, a liquid mirror of intense turquoise water surrounded by a basin of bare rocky peaks. The most striking feature is the opportunity to walk up a path to a natural viewpoint on a rocky outcrop on the lake shore.
From this elevated viewpoint, you can admire Lake Roca in all its splendor while enjoying a panoramic view of the hills and glaciers of the Andes mountain range. An ideal place for landscape photographers or simply to relax and get in touch with Patagonian nature.
The waterfalls and the banks of the Centinela River
Another highly recommended attraction near Perito Moreno is the valley of the Centinela River. This turquoise glacial water springs from the slopes of the Marconi Glacier and plunges into a series of waterfalls and rapids of great scenic beauty.
There are several organized hikes along the banks of the Centinela, where you can approach the waterfalls from different angles, in an environment of ancient trees surrounded by Andean peaks. They also offer the opportunity to see the enormous erosive force of the glacier water on the rocks up close.
Lago Argentino and its chromatic mirages
Although it is possible to navigate the fabulous Lago Argentino from the shores of Perito Moreno, it is a completely different experience to explore it from other access points such as Punta Bandera or Punta Tehuelche. These water crossings allow you to immerse yourself in the open water and admire the infinite shades of blue, green and gray that this glacial water takes on.
Depending on the intensity of the sun, the suspended particle ice creates surprising refraction effects and breathtaking color reflections. It is almost as if you are sailing on a huge liquid canvas on which the colors are constantly changing in infinite shades.
Neighboring glaciers that are just as impressive
In the area around Perito Moreno there are other huge, albeit somewhat more hidden, glacier tongues. These include the Spegazzini Glacier, a 25 km long colossus that is the longest glacier tongue of the continental Patagonian ice field that feeds it.
Another option is the Ameghino Glacier, whose 50-metre-high front tongue can be seen after a full-day hike. For the more adventurous, you can cross the Marconi Glacier with its huge crevasses and caves of thousand-year-old ice.
The entire region of Argentine Patagonia is a true natural paradise for lovers of the purest and most untouched glacial landscapes. Planning a tour that combines the Perito Moreno with some of these other wonders is undoubtedly the best way to discover the raw and remote essence of South America’s last great glaciers.