Perito Moreno Glacier
Glaciar Perito Moreno · Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
A living glacier still advancing: the thunderous spectacle of ice crashing into the lake
Know before you go
- Don't leave the walkways to approach the glacier (falling ice is dangerous)
- follow your guide when ice trekking
- don't take ice away.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
A tongue of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, 30 km long and 60 m high, it is one of the few glaciers in the world still 'advancing'; every few years an 'ice bridge collapse' sends tens of thousands of tonnes of ice into Lake Argentino — a force of nature to see once in a lifetime. Walkways, ice trekking and boat trips let you experience the glacier's blue from many angles; to Argentines it is the jewel of 'the end of the world'.
Local customs
- The national park requires a ticket (about USD 45)
- ice trekking must be done with a group and crampons
- Patagonia is windy, so dress warmly.
Religion & beliefs
- A natural wonder
- no religious affiliation.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Argentina: even small amounts of drugs can mean prison
- Stay away from drugs of any kind
- Possessing even a tiny amount of drugs
Can lead to a long prison sentence.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Argentina travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't leave the walkways to approach the glacier (falling ice is dangerous)
- follow your guide when ice trekking
- don't take ice away.
Locals appreciate DO
- Argentines recommend combining a 'big boat trip + walkways'
- they appreciate visitors who wait patiently and quietly for the ice to fall
- Patagonian lamb and Malbec wine are the most popular tastes.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Best October–April (southern summer) |
|---|
Travel tips
- October–April (the southern summer) is best. Ice trekking (mini-trekking) costs about USD 200 — be sure to book ahead
- the walkways are free (included in the park ticket)
- it's about 1.5 hours from El Calafate
- allow 2 days.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
There's no food on the glacier walkways, only simple meals at the visitor centre
Must-try
- Patagonian roast lamb
- Argentine asado
- Empanada
Patagonian roast lamb (cordero patagónico), Argentine barbecue, empanadas, trout, calafate-berry desserts / ice cream (legend says if you eat it, you'll come back)
| Where to eat | Parrillas and restaurants on the main street of El Calafate, the café at the glacier visitor centre |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Leave no trace in the national park; don't feed birds or foxes |
| Typical price per person | The Argentine peso fluctuates a lot — roughly CNY 150–280 a meal (check on the day; the gap between the 'blue dollar' and official rates matters) |
| Tips | Roast lamb is cooked to order at dinner in town and takes time, so book first; calafate jam makes a good souvenir. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Ccarosio · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0
Luca Galuzzi (Lucag) · CC BY-SA 2.5
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Argentina National Parks Administration information
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