The most accessible wonder of Patagonia — the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few advancing glaciers (it actually grows), with a 5km-wide, 60m-high ice face that regularly calves enormous pieces into Lago Argentino with thunderous explosions. Free boardwalk viewing (bus from El Calafate, 45 min, ~USD$10). Minitrekking: 1-hour ice walk with crampons (~USD$80). Big Ice: full-day 6km glacier trek (~USD$150). The glacier at sunrise or sunset is extraordinary.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
A Bariloche grill restaurant known for Patagonian lamb and mountain views. a reliably good parrilla experiences in the Lake District — pair the cordero with a local malbec.
What Stands Out
- One of the world's few advancing glaciers — still growing while almost all others retreat
- 5km wide, 60m high: the scale is impossible to comprehend until you're standing before it
- Free boardwalk viewing: no booking required, multiple levels and angles
- Minitrekking (1 hour on ice): the minimum experience, includes crampons and guide
- Big Ice (full day): the most immersive, walk deep into the glacier interior
- Calving: ice chunks the size of buildings fall with no warning — spectacular and humbling