A day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier is undoubtedly one of the most impressive excursions in Patagonia. At the beginning of the tour, we skirt Bay Redonda of Lake Argentino and have a chance to see Isla Solitaire. Traveling through the Patagonia valley, we may spot species such as guanacos, ostriches, foxes, and more. Afterwards we pass sites of interest like Cerro Comision, Los Elefantes, River Centinela, Cerro Frias, and many Patagonian farmhouses. Crossing the Mitre River, we enter the Parque Nacional de Los Glaciares.
After traveling twenty miles along the lakeshore through impressive forests of ñires, lengas, notros and cherry trees, we reach Curva de Los Suspiros and our first panoramic viewpoint of the Glacier Perito Moreno. Among the 356 glaciers within the park, the Perito Moreno is the most outstanding one, having a three mile long front and a height of over 180 feet above the level of the water.
As the glacier advances it crosses the Canal de los Tempanos (Channel of the Floes) and obstructs the drainage of the Rico arm, elevating the water level up to 60 feet above normal height. About every three years, the waters newly contained in the Rico arm can exert the necessary pressure to break through the ice wall and spill into the lake. The resulting roar of the cracking ice and cascading water is unbelievable!
