Perito Moreno Glacier, the ice giant of Patagonia
?? During our motorcycle road trip in South America, after tackling the famous “73 malditos,” known among bikers for their difficulty under certain weather conditions, we arrived at the Perito Moreno Glacier. Located in Argentine Patagonia, this glacier is one of those places where, despite the heavy tourist presence, you simply have to stop. It is among the most spectacular and famous glaciers in the world. Its surroundings are perfectly arranged to offer breathtaking views. It belongs to the “Los Glaciares” National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
?? Its dimensions are impressive: about 30 km long, 5 km wide, and up to 60 m high above Lake Argentino. Unlike most glaciers around the world, Perito Moreno is stable, even slightly advancing, while many others retreat due to climate change. The glacier moves forward about 2 meters per day, and massive chunks of ice regularly collapse into Lake Argentino, creating a thunderous roar and a spectacular natural show. Visitors can enjoy viewpoints from walkways, boat or kayak excursions, and even trekking on the ice with crampons.
?? Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia is immense, covering about 7,000 km². It contains 48 major glaciers, the most famous being Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Viedma. Except for Perito Moreno, most glaciers are difficult or expensive to access, which helps preserve their tranquility. In addition, the park includes hundreds of smaller glaciers and secondary ice fields linked to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third-largest reserve of fresh water in the world (after Antarctica and Greenland). This enormous water reserve has begun to attract interest, with billionaires from around the world purchasing vast tracts of land in these remote Patagonian mountains.
?? The name Perito Moreno comes from Francisco Pascasio Moreno, an Argentine explorer, geographer, and naturalist. The word perito means “expert” in Spanish. Moreno was recognized as a leading specialist on the Andes and Patagonia. He played a key role in the scientific exploration of Patagonia in the 19th century and in defining the borders between Argentina and Chile (a delimitation that still raises tensions today). In tribute to his work, the spectacular glacier was named Glaciar Perito Moreno.
?? Moving slightly away from the crowded glacier area, the park is an exceptional place to observe wildlife in its natural environment. Visitors may spot mammals such as the Magellanic fox, the guanaco (a relative of the llama), a local otter species, and the endangered Andean deer known as Huemul. Birdlife is abundant as well, with condors, Andean ducks, and various raptors soaring above the landscape.
?? Attention: It is important to distinguish between the village Perito Moreno and the Perito Moreno Glacier. The village of Perito Moreno (a small town in the province of Santa Cruz, northwestern Patagonia) is located about 600 km north of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier itself is near the city of El Calafate, much further south. Highly touristic, accommodation here is more expensive than elsewhere, though options are plentiful. Entry to the park is subject to a fee, with rates published on the official Argentine National Parks website. Be aware that prices differ for locals and foreign visitors.
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