Explore Perito Moreno Glacier: Whisky Tasting and Hiking Adventure in Argentina
Traveling halfway around the world to Argentina 🇦🇷 is an adventure that immerses you in a breathtaking expanse of blue ice. The Perito Moreno Glacier, standing at a towering 20 stories high with its mesmerizing blue hue, is a sight that will leave you in awe. If you’re fortunate, you might witness massive chunks of ice 🧊 breaking off and crashing into the lake, creating a magnificent and romantic spectacle, as if the glacier itself is breathing and pulsating with life in this frozen wonderland.
📅 Time: October
📍 Location: Perito Moreno Glacier, nestled within the stunning Glacier National Park in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.
🚀 Travel Tips: Book a flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate; although the tickets can be pricey, the experience is absolutely worth every penny!
DAY 1⃣️: Exploring the charming town of El Calafate
🚗 Transportation: Arrive at 6:00 PM and take a 30-40 minute shuttle to your hotel. The hotel offers a convenient shuttle service to the city center, so be sure to ask about it!
🛍️ Leisure: Despite its small size, with just one main street, El Calafate is brimming with shops offering a wide array of handicrafts.
Many places accept US dollars in cash or by card, making shopping a breeze!
🍖 Food: Don’t miss out on the succulent lamb from the south, a grilled meat feast that will tantalize your taste buds!
🌿 Impressions: The town is clean, beautiful, and its charming style often gives the illusion of being in Northern Europe.
DAY 2⃣️: Minitrekking 2 on the glacier (with Spanish and English guides)
🎫 Booking: Hielo & Aventura is the only official organization providing activities for different levels of physical demand. It’s highly recommended to include transportation for easy pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
🚌 Route: The journey from your hotel to the port takes about two hours, where you’ll board a boat for the glacier trek.
Along the way in the national park, keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife such as eagles, hares, and llamas. There’s a 3-kilometer trail near the port that offers stunning photo opportunities from various angles, gradually bringing you closer to the glacier.
🎡 Activities: Enjoy a 3km scenic trail, a round-trip boat ride (each 20 minutes), a walk to the glacier entrance (each 50 minutes), and approximately 2 hours of trekking on the ice.
❄️ Impressions: Minitrekking 2 is a newly designed route, offering a more satisfying experience than Mini but less strenuous than BigIce, making it the perfect choice. Trekking with crampons and sipping whiskey on the ice 🥃, the experience is truly unforgettable.
📌 Notes:
1. 🛋️ Flights: For the ultimate scenic experience, choose the right side of the plane for your outbound journey and the left side for your return. This way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lake and a breathtaking sunset!
2. 🛫 Airport: When flying into Buenos Aires, opt for Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) over Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).
AEP is much closer to the city center, making your trip more convenient and enjoyable.
3. 🏨 Hotel: Enhance your stay by booking a lakeside hotel. Imagine savoring your breakfast with a serene lake view as your backdrop—pure bliss!
4. 🧳 Essentials for the glacier: Don’t forget to pack a sturdy hat to shield against the strong winds and unpredictable weather.
Sunglasses are a must, as the glare from the glacier can be intense. Bring gloves to protect your hands from the rough ice, a windproof jacket to keep you warm, quick-dry waterproof pants, and non-slip sports shoes for secure footing on icy terrain.
5. 🏞️ If time permits: On your second day, venture into El Chaltén, a true hiker’s paradise.
Here, you can marvel at the majestic Mount Fitz Roy, the iconic symbol of Patagonia. If you have extra days and a US visa, extend your adventure to the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, just across the border!
