Nos Aventures
BE AMAZED BY THE PERITO MORENO GLACIER
The Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate is a must see in Patagonia and Argentina. We quickly understand why! A sublime monument of nature, coming face to face with this beauty is a unique experience. It is difficult to put into words what we have seen. A highlight of our trip, it will remain an unforgettable memory! I would love to go back there!
HOW TO GET TO PERITO MORENO GLACIER?
Go to Perito Moreno by bus
It is only from El Calafate that you can take a bus that takes you to the foot of the glacier. To the bus station are two-three bus agencies offering the round trip with a few pesos difference and different schedules. There are several departures, the earliest in the morning is at 8.30 a.m. (two departures) to arrive at the entrance of the park around 9.20 a.m., then for 20 – 30 minutes you can observe the ice field several times from the road and to the foot of the glacier. The return bus leaves at 1:30 p.m. to reach El Calafate. The time on site is more than enough to complete the entire route and take your time. When we were there it was only possible to pay cash at the bus terminal and at the park entrance.
It is therefore the ideal solution, on the other hand, it is worth its weight in gold: 450 pesos there and back for one person, or nearly 22€ (2017) for 80 kilometers of road. To add 10 pesos terminal tax. This is the option we had chosen.
Go to Perito Moreno by car
If you have a rental car, my advice would be to get there early in the morning to enjoy the glacier in a small group. Car rental by the day can be profitable insofar as there are several of you and it is also more pleasant! Here are the park hours:
– From September 1 to March 31: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– From March 31 to August 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHEN TO GO TO PERITO MORENO GLACIER?
The ideal time to visit Perito Moreno is summer, from mid-December to mid-March. The weather is milder and it is only at this time that you will be able to hear the glacier “crack”. It's also during this period that you can regularly see pieces of the glacier break off and it's just incredible! In winter, it is complete silence.
We recommend that you visit the Perito Moreno in the morning as early as possible. You won't regret getting up earlier. The site is less frequented and you will be delighted to live this experience with more privacy.
THE PERITO MORENO, NATURAL WORK OF ART IN MOVEMENT
We opted for the classic excursion to see the Perito Moreno. We took the morning bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier. We liked the possibility of walking on the glacier, but we didn't want to spend 100 euros per person for 1h30 of walking… Not to mention the entrance to the park (we'll tell you about it a little later).
We are off for a day of wonder. I had been waiting for this day for a long time and with impatience. If there is one place that we really wanted to see from the beginning of our adventure, it was the Perito Moreno glacier. From the start of the bus journey, the landscape changes and takes on colors as you go. The closer you get, the more you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
As we approached our end point, at every turn we could glimpse the glacier. We were excited and so happy to see the glacier with our own eyes. We were all on the bus trying to capture those few seconds.
The Perito Moreno, you have to see it to believe it. All the photographs in the world will never allow you to really know him. Here we are planted, literally speaking, in front of this field of ice. More than 250 km² of ice, there is a whole variation of colors ranging from blue to white. Breathtaking !
OUR PRACTICAL ADVICE
Activities
Entrance to the park (2017): 500 Argentine pesos for foreigners, i.e. 24 euros and 260 Argentine pesos for nationals (PVTists, demand the national rate at the entrance to the park!). Only payment in cash. The price increases in March and is a victim of the high inflation that affects the country (for info: 330 pesos for foreigners and 200 pesos for locals in February 2017)
If you have some time, on the outskirts of El Calafate there is a lake where flamingos feed in the morning.
Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen (thanks Yoan!)
Where to sleep in El Calafate? The nearest town to Perito Moreno
We had opted for a campsite, the price of the pitch was 150 Argentinian pesos.
Many hostels (youth hostels) offer a bed in a dormitory from 200 Argentine pesos (in the best case and in low season). For lack of space, we could not sleep at Bla Guesthouse which had been recommended to us by friends. We advise you to take a look, for its quiet location and charming setting.
In high season, you should not be very demanding or else book a few days (or even weeks depending on the period) in advance.
For small budgets who do not wish to sleep in a tent, there is a great option at the hospedaje Manantial
If you have a little more budget, you can have your own cabin with kitchen and breakfast included right in the center at El Puente Aparts .
How to get to El Calafate?
By bus, from Bariloche to the city Perito Moreno (it is not about the glacier) count 1260 pesos / person (63 €) for 12 hours of journey.
El Calafate Airport : connections from Trelew, Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, San Carlos de Bariloche and Puerto Natales (Chile)
Daily buses between El Chalten and El Calafate (4 hour trip), from 350 pesos. Many buses from Punta Arenas (Chile).
Useful websites
Los Glaciares National Park website
Website of the tourist office of El Calafate
