Explore El Calafate: Hiking Adventures on the Stunning Moreno Glacier
Muttering: I’m so excited to share this itinerary that I’ve meticulously documented every detail of my Argentina adventure for everyone to enjoy.
Ticket Booking 🎫: The grand ice tour, exclusive to Hielo&Aventura, becomes available only after September 15th, just as the peak season begins. With the weather improving and more Argentinian holidays in October, it’s wise to book ahead. I opted for the mini trekking, which I booked and paid for by card at the store.
The total cost, including transportation, was around 250,000+60,000 ARS, or about 2300 CNY at the official exchange rate. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the exchange rates and bring cash. We didn’t have enough cash exchanged in Buenos Aires, which could have saved us about 500 CNY—a regrettable oversight.
Itinerary:
👉 The day starts early with a 7:30 am pickup from the hotel, followed by a transfer to a bus. At the entrance, you’ll need to buy a national park ticket, priced at 30,000 ARS per person. Cash is recommended for a smoother transaction.
👉 Next, you’ll board a boat 🚢 to the camp, where groups are divided into Spanish and English-speaking tours, each with a guide. You can borrow a raincoat and leave your backpack with any food. I left everything behind except my phone, as anything extra on the glacier is a burden!! Unfortunately, it started raining and getting cold [Disappointed R]
1️⃣ Trail: The journey begins with a walk along a boardwalk and stone path, passing by the Argentine 🇦🇷 flag. Make sure to snap some quick photos‼️, as the return trip won’t take you back near the glacier.
2️⃣ Climbing the glacier: After putting on crampons, you’ll queue up to step onto the glacier, following the guide closely. Walking in crampons isn’t easy, and using your phone can be tricky. The guide will stop at several points for photo opportunities. I hung my phone around my neck and occasionally took 📸 videos, always mindful of not holding up the group, hahaha.
Despite the sleet and wet conditions, the scenery was stunning. Waterproof shoes and pants are essential, as it gets very cold when wet. At the end, the guide will chip off some ice for a refreshing whisky drink!
3️⃣ Return: Removing the crampons felt like a relief, but it took a while to adjust to the weightlessness. The bad weather made me long for warmth. The return trip takes you through a forest, adding a serene touch to the end of the adventure.
❗️❗️ After the trek, it’s time to rest and refuel. Bringing instant noodles ♨️ is a great idea, as there’s hot water available! Watching the Koreans enjoy their meal made me a bit envious!
👉 By 2 pm, we wrapped up the trek and hopped on a bus to see the panoramic view of the glacier. Walking the yellow boardwalk is sufficient, offering the most complete and spectacular views. Photos 6-7 were taken there, despite the windy, rainy, and cold conditions—so make sure to stay warm.
This marks the end 🔚 of an unforgettable day, with a return to the hotel around 4 or 5 pm.
In summary, it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. If the weather is favorable, the ice takes on an even more mesmerizing blue hue. Visiting during the summer months would likely enhance the experience even further. For those with a good level of fitness, venturing to the larger ice formations and exploring the ice caves is a must.
