We headed over to Argentina to continue our exploration of Patagonia after our Torres del Paine “W” Trek. The Argentinian Patagonia region was equally stunning as the Chilean one, though similar in landscape. However, there was one unique attraction on the Argentinian side that we couldn’t miss: Perito Moreno Glacier.
Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the Argentina. It boasts the third largest ice field in the world, behind Antarctica and Greenland. The highlight of the park is Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive 30km long glacier with jaw dropping high walls.
View of Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares, Argentina.
The park was really accessible and has great infrastructure for tourism. A network of boardwalks led us through multiple viewpoints where panoramic views and close up encounters with the massive glacier wall awaited us.
Viewpoints of Los Glaciares, Argentina.
We took our time to walk most of the trails in the park, observing the glacier from all different angles – it really never got old! The jagged pinnacles and the many equally deep crevasses were awe-inspiring every time. It simply added to the desolate and wild atmosphere of the glacier.
Jagged peaks of Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares, Argentina.
One of the best moment in the park was getting to see and hear the calving glacier. Best seen in the late afternoon on a hot sunny day, the walls of the glacier often broke off in huge chunks. A loud thunderous sound followed along with a huge splash in the lake below. The fallen chunk then became an iceberg that will slowly melt down and wash away.
Splash caused by falling ice chunk, Los Glaciares, Argentina.
Perito Moreno Boat Tour
We were really glad we didn’t miss the boat tours offered in the park that took us even closer to the glacier. While the boardwalks gave us a view from above, the boat put us on an even level and showed us just how massive the glacier really is.
Walls of Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares, Argentina.
There were many icebergs floating along the way while the boat slowly cruised the north wall of the glacier until its end. It was a very humbling experience to be so close. There seemed to be nothing but ice for miles and miles.
Julie at Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares, Argentina.
What a teaser for our next adventure to come – south to the frozen lands of Antarctica!