Post 101: "Iceberg, right ahead!" (Hiking Perito Moreno Glacier)

Fellow adventurers,

The Perito Moreno glacier is 3 miles wide with an average height of 40 feet.  It spans 19 miles in length, with depths as deep as 548 feet, and continues to grow as opposed to melt.  Today we headed into the Los Glaciares National Park to visit this expansive glacier.  The 1 hour bus ride from El Calafate towards the National Park was clear and sunny as we drove along the aquamarine waters of Lago Argentina.  In the distance, a rainbow was spread across the sky, which could only mean one thing; rain.  When we transferred on to the boat, we learned from the captain that it was the first day in the month it had rained.  Just our luck.

Upon approaching the glacier by boat, we were amazed by the grandeur of it.  Photos we had seen beforehand did not do it justice.  Jagged peaks arose from the water, white as snow with streaks of black or deep blue.  When we arrived at shore, we were told by our guide Martin the itinerary for the day. Our lunches were left behind in a hut before we walked along through a forest towards a beach at the sloped end of the glacier.  On the beach, our guide informed us of scientific information regarding the glacier. Our group moved on to where crampons (metal spikes which attach to the sole of shoes) were put on our hiking boots before beginning the trek onto Perito Moreno.

The ascent up the glacier began, with the crunching sounds of ice being crushed below our feet.  A short distance up, Martin explained that we must wear gloves the entirety of the hike, may only walk in a single file, and could not stop for photos when not designated to do so as a group.  He also explained how to properly walk with the crampons in order to prevent injury.  With that said, while not in any way challenging, the hike then went atop slopes and past deep, blue gorges of rushing streams.  As a group, we could take photos, ask questions and occasionally sip the fresh water.  The weather changed frequently, and we found ourselves always adding and taking away a layer of clothing.  At the end, Martin surprised us with Jameson over glacier ice, and alfajores before we left the glacier and removed the crampons from our boots.

Through ancient forests alongside the glacier we walked back towards the hut for lunch.  A short boat ride later, we were back on the bus to ride up the mountain to where various newly constructed boardwalks were.  The walkways took you to several different high points and low points in elevation, and points of north and south to enjoy varying views of the majestic glacier.  All throughout our time on and around the glacier, we could hear rumbling sounds coming from it as chunks broke off.  We were even fortunate enough to see the force of a heavy chunk of ice crash into the water. This is a slowly expanding glacier.

On our return to El Calafate, we returned the hiking boots we rented and then spent the remainder of the evening grocery shopping, packing, and overall mentally preparing ourselves for our one week stay of hiking throughout Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile, in which we were to leave for the following day.  We will update within the next day of our time there.

June y Gavin