This rare glacier in Argentina is on the forward march

Where is Perito Moreno Glacier?

Believe it or not, this natural wonder isn’t actually in Perito Moreno – it’s over 500km south of the town. Instead, the vast glacier sits tucked away in the southwest of Argentine Patagonia at Los Glaciares National Park. Teeming with 600,000 hectares of glacial lakes, rugged mountain peaks and Magellanic forests it’s no surprise the National Park has taken pride of place on the UNESCO World Heritage List for so many years.

What makes Perito Moreno Glacier so special?

Glaciers form when large amounts of snow accumulate in an area quicker than the rate it melts, leaving behind a large mass of frozen ice. Over millennia this becomes so compacted that an ice river is formed, leaving these beautiful glaciers dotted around the world.

Whilst most glaciers in the world retreat, Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is one of the few that is advancing. This means as the glacier grows in size, cracks and crevasses appear at the terminus, resulting in chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the ice field below. Covering an area of over 250 square metres, as these dense masses of ice move from the glacier, they slowly carve into Lake Argentino depositing large icebergs.

Scattered with boardwalks and viewing platforms along the glacier perimeter, you’ll get close enough to the action to hear ruptures of ice collapsing into the water. Whilst there are many glaciers in Argentina, Perito Moreno Glacier is by far the most spectacular and unique.

When is the best time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier?

The weather in Patagonia has a reputation for being quite unpredictable, but every inch of land here is beautiful come rain or shine. The best time of year to visit is between November and March as you’re sure to catch glimpses of the summer sun and higher temperatures, but our all-time favourite month has to be February. This way you can avoid the large crowds, get the best views of the glacier, and enjoy the plethora of other activities close by.

Where can you stay?

A day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier is well within reach while staying at your luxury hotel in La Anita Valley, Eolo.  Perfectly positioned between Los Glaciares National Park and El Calafate city, we’ll simply arrange a short drive or transport you via boat in the morning. Eolo itself is built in the style of a traditional Argentinean ranch and boasts a huge 10,000 acres of property, however it still plays home to many modern comforts like grand floor-to-ceiling windows. After a strenuous day of hiking and kayaking, your stylish suite is the perfect place to return and enjoy an Argentine cocktail with sweeping sunset views over the valley.

What other excursions can you do on a trip here?

The blue hues of Perito Moreno Glacier aren’t the only things to see in Los Glaciares National Park and from your surroundings at Eolo hotel. Tell us what you like and tell us what you don’t, and we’ll tailor your Patagonian trip to suit your perfectly. These are just some of our suggestions:

Ride on horseback through Mount Frías

Whilst staying at Eolo Hotel, you can take advantage of its 10,000-acre property and ranch facilities by heading out on horseback to master the Argentinian terrain. Take in the sweeping panoramic views as you climb up the slopes of Mount Frias, getting acquainted with the Patagonian Gaucho lifestyle. It will leave you with lots to talk about over dinner.

Hike across Perito Glacier

Laying eyes on Perito Moreno Glacier is a given, but hiking atop the ice is an unmissable experience. Accompanied by an expert guide, we’ll kit you out with crampons and a crash course, before taking to the ice to walk through the glacial moraine passing by cyanic glacial ponds and streams. Looking for something romantic? Give us the nod, and we’ll arrange a picnic full of your favourite foods at the halfway point.

Birdwatch amongst the forests

Alongside an expert birder, venture out on the grassland near Eolo Hotel and discover Argentina’s incredible flora and fauna. You’ll get the chance to observe a wide variety of native birds to the area, including Andean condors, eagles and flamingos. Whilst out roaming the countryside, you’ll stumble upon other local wildlife like hares, armadillos, skunks – learning each of their role in the Patagonian food chain.

Kayak in the icy water below

For something a little more bespoke – and adventurous – we’ll arrange an exclusive kayaking experience in the fresh meltwater below Perito Moreno Glacier. After a comprehensive safety briefing, take to the water and enjoy a unique perspective of the ice towers above. As you paddle towards the glacier, keep an eye out for pockets of ice crashing into the water ahead. But don’t worry, we’ll keep you at a safe distance to enjoy the sheer beauty of an advancing glacier.

Looking for something extra special?

Then you’re in the right hands. Our Black Tomato ‘Blink’ service is perfectly suited to Patagonia.

We’ve been bringing clients to this corner of the world for years, and in December 2020 we arranged an unforgettable experience for a group of intrepid US travellers in Argentine Patagonia. Centred around a luxury Blink camp along the Collon Cura River, we arranged an entirely private solar eclipse viewing to see out the year. Private chefs, traditional asado barbeques, and deep stone hot-tubs with a view – watch their story here.

So, for your trip to Patagonia we’re dreaming up something like this. How about the rugged Patagonian Desert? Here, we’ll prop up igloo domes with panoramic curved windows for stargazing and style it with elegant Patagonia décor. From here, the world is your oyster. Spend some time before or after your camping experience in bustling Buenos Aires, wild San Martín de los Andes or even venture across to Uruguay and Chile.