As one of the most accessible ice fields on the planet, Perito Moreno sits at the top of many travelers to Patagonia's must-see lists. Adventurous travelers can explore the inlet on a boat tour or don crampons and head out for a hike on the ever-shifting ice field itself.
Many visitors are content to stay on solid ground and observe the ice from a series of platforms across the Iceberg Channel (Canal de los Tempanos) from the glacier. The Glaciarium Ice Museum in El Calafate offers an excellent introduction to the science of glaciers.
This natural wonder is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Marvel at the ice from afar, or get a closer look with a boat ride or ice-trekking adventure.
A full-day Perito Moreno Glacier tour from El Calafate can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on the chosen options and activities.
Dress in warm layers, as the national park can be chilly, even during the Argentine summer.
The town of El Calafate is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the glacier and has regular flights to and from cities in Argentina and Chile, including Buenos Aires. While the vast majority of visitors head to the glacier as part of a guided tour, once you're in El Calafate, you can catch a bus to the glacier (as well as other points in Los Glaciares National Park).
Summer in Argentina (winter in the Northern Hemisphere) is the most popular time to visit the glacier, as the weather is at its warmest. While temperatures are cooler in October, March, and April, the tradeoffs are sparser crowds and a more peaceful environment. If you travel between May and August, expect frequent rain and average temperatures of around 36° F (2° C).
One of the most magical experiences at Perito Moreno Glacier is hearing the thunderous crack of ice as a berg breaks off and slips into the channel. This glacier is an excellent place to observe the phenomenon. It happens most frequently on sunny days in the late afternoon, after the sun has had time to warm the ice.