Perito Moreno Glacier: Footbridges and Boat Trip – Is it Worth It?

So, you are thinking of heading to El Calafate, Argentina to see the Perito Moreno Glacier? Well, very good call, it’s quite the sight. The place is truly enormous and is like, one of the most incredible natural wonders I’ve laid eyes on. I mean, really it’s a breathtaking experience, especially when you see it up close, and I want to talk about two ways to do just that, that is by using the footbridges for some views and taking a boat trip for an entirely closer perspective. I’ll get into the advantages and disadvantages, what you might expect, and whether, in fact, it’s all worth your hard-earned money.

Getting to El Calafate and Perito Moreno

Ok, first things first, El Calafate is this fairly small city that acts as the gateway to the Glaciers National Park, more or less. You’ll likely fly into El Calafate’s airport, which has fairly frequent connections to Buenos Aires, for instance. From El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier is nearly a 50-mile drive, so you’re going to need transport. Most people, that is, visitors, usually take a tour bus, which is rather easy and takes around a few hours, all things considered. Alternatively, there are taxis and remises which you may well find easier, and there are car rental options available too. Keep in mind, the Argentinian Peso sometimes goes through fairly big swings so paying in cash might be the smartest, perhaps even most economic, option. Do your homework! After getting into town, be sure to take out the right amount for what you need. As I was saying, remember, ATMs can run out, sometimes, especially during peak season.

Perito Moreno Glacier Footbridges: Views for Days

Alright, the footbridges are often the first stop for viewing the glacier, and it’s clear why, very. There is actually a series of interconnected walkways that offer multiple viewing angles, pretty diverse ones at that, all looking out at the massive wall of ice. Now, that system of trails is constructed so it accommodates every fitness level. Really, they are mostly flat and have ramps. People with strollers and wheelchairs will be just fine, honestly. Very good! Just think about all that for a moment, because the location lets you witness the enormity of the glacier, seemingly sprawling over 19 miles long and reaching almost 240 feet tall in some places. Now that’s a lot of ice. It really is awesome in the literal sense, if you pardon my language!

One very cool thing you’ll often hear is the glacier groaning and cracking, that is something, before, you know, these big chunks calve off, crashing into the lake below. When that happens, the sound can be pretty incredible! If you’re hoping to capture one of these events on camera, then very good luck, but I have an idea that, too it’s all about patience, it really is. Just stand there with your camera or phone ready and simply enjoy the sights and sounds that you are experiencing. Honestly, even if you don’t see any of the major icefalls, it’s definitely still mesmerizing, it really is. Anyway, there are multiple circuits, more or less trails, you can hike, so consider how much time you’ll be up to walking about. Most visits allow at least two hours, that is just enough to get a good feel for the place without hurrying.

Pros and Cons of the Footbridges

Well, ok, so what’s good and not so good about these glacier gazing platforms? On the good side, really the positives, is that the access is, in general, much more affordable compared to boat tours or ice trekking expeditions. Usually, the park entrance fee is required but access to the footbridges is just part of that. Another upside, as I was saying, is the flexibility it allows you. You can just explore at your own speed, stop when and where you would want to, that is without a group or scheduled timetable. In a way, photography fans may, too, prefer this, since they can take their time getting that so perfect shot.

On the not so good side, as a matter of fact, the footbridges get really crowded, really. Particularly during peak times of day when every tour bus drops off every person. So, that means finding a really, really perfect spot might take a while. Very important to realize that means obstructed views are actually a pretty frequent thing. And in contrast to getting up close on the water, or actually walking on the ice, viewing from the footbridges does often feel a bit distant, still very impressive though. Let me remind you that the Argentinian wind can pick up! So, make sure to layer your clothing. Actually, prepare for all weather; conditions can basically change rapidly, very, down there.

Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Trip: Close Encounters

So, what else is available if viewing from land just doesn’t cut it? Consider, like, doing a boat tour! I am going to let you know right away that these sailings depart regularly from a location that is near the footbridges, pretty near anyway. Honestly, the main attraction is rather getting so close to the glacier’s southern face that it seemingly fills your complete field of vision. Now, this really gives you a feel for how enormous this thing is.

Actually, from the deck of a boat, the ice walls tower seemingly overhead, that is rather offering a totally new sense of scale compared to seeing it from land. Usually, the boat slowly moves parallel to the front of the glacier, alright giving opportunities for everyone to take that good photo, too it’s almost like, be the star, it could be. The crew actually usually offers some interesting facts or stories about Perito Moreno, often providing context and historical background for this big landmark.

Pros and Cons of the Boat Trip

Well, really the best reason for going on the water is clearly how near you get to the glacier, really near, very! This basically offers an enhanced sense of scale, that makes for a far more visceral experience. Typically, from the boat, the sightlines are unobscured and there’s always a front-row experience for everybody aboard. So there, and I might also say, the boats usually tend to be much less crowded compared to the viewing platforms on shore.

Then again, of course, are a few things that aren’t so great about this tour? Obviously, boat trips cost more than the standard park entry fee and viewing platform access, basically. Also, boat rides operate on a pretty fixed timetable, so, like, your flexibility might be constrained somewhat. Actually, the biggest downside is that you are, of course, viewing the glacier together with fifty, sixty, seventy, however many other tourists! Therefore you do lose a little something compared to exploring independently.

Combining Footbridges and a Boat Trip

Very well then, can you see the footbridges and do the boat trip, too? Well, yes absolutely! In fact, that, more or less, is my highest recommendation. Very frequently tourists find time for both. First of all, arrive earlier in the day to explore those panoramic views offered by the footbridge before those big tour groups show up. Actually, after lunch, consider booking a boat excursion, just when the light is optimum for photos.

Anyway, this mixture, which seems, to me anyway, like the best way to fully enjoy Perito Moreno. Basically, you gain various vantage points, you can pace yourself, you get great memories, photos and films to take home. Doing both lets you tick all those bucket list boxes with no feeling that you missed anything! And as I was saying, there are various trekking tours offered if, for example, you desire to take things up a level! Anyway those trips usually involve hiking, naturally, across the actual glacier with crampons and expert guidance.

What to Bring

Therefore, it seems to me a good idea to be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially with those high Patagonian winds, especially if you are outside. As a matter of fact, layering up clothing can easily adapt to the changing temperatures. Anyway, take very, very sturdy footwear, especially for all the walking, actually, that is pretty much what your feet will have to do! It is, therefore, worth bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, just in case of those intense reflections from the glacial ice. Really take lots of memory for your phone/camera – I basically ran out, anyway!

Actually, something, too it’s almost essential, to bring is your refillable water bottle, and snacks – anyway, you might feel hungry, basically, with all that physical activity. In short: basically come equipped! Basically, any unplanned stop offs to get things can, actually, turn into pretty expensive purchases!

Is a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier Worth It?

Well, is a visit to this remarkable glacier actually worth it? To be honest, I am answering with a resounding yes, anyway. Perito Moreno is visually stunning, incredibly exciting, more or less mind blowing and, obviously, should appear high on any traveler’s list of amazing natural wonders to see. Anyway getting face to face with it, especially on the water, basically makes for a unique, and probably once in a lifetime, moment, too. The whole overall experience is highly enriching, very.

Oh yes, one last thing – anyway remember that your entry ticket into Los Glaciares National Park is valid for two consecutive days. In practice, this means you are very able to visit Perito Moreno on one day and then use your existing ticket, as a matter of fact, the next, basically for exploring some of the other hiking trails. Maybe you’d like to see more, actually. Therefore don’t go losing it! Ok?