A Morning at Perito Moreno Glacier

PatagoniaArgentinaEl CalafateLos GlaciaresNational Park

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Our morning hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways Trail near El Calafate was nothing short of spectacular. At 2.9 miles in length, this moderate trail offered breathtaking views of one of Patagonia’s most famous natural wonders. Though the weather was cloudy, with occasional light rain, the dramatic scenery more than made up for it.

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The First Glimpse of the Glacier

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As we set off along the walkways, the first view of the Perito Moreno Glacier stopped us in our tracks. Towering ice walls stretched across the horizon, their brilliant blue hues standing out against the gray sky. Even in the cloudy weather, the glacier had an almost otherworldly glow, making every step along the trail feel like an adventure.

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A Trail with Many Perspectives

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One of the best things about the walkways was how they provided different vantage points of the glacier. Some sections led us closer to the water, where we could see chunks of ice floating in the lake, while others climbed higher, giving us a panoramic view of the entire icy expanse. The sound of ice cracking echoed through the air, a reminder of the glacier’s constant movement.

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A Small Visitor Among the Ice

Rufous-collared Sparrow Rufous-collared Sparrow

While the glacier was the star of the hike, we were delighted to spot a Rufous-collared Sparrow along the trail. Perched on a railing, it seemed unfazed by the cool, misty air, happily hopping about and singing its sweet song. It was a small but welcome reminder of the wildlife that calls this rugged landscape home.

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The Power of Nature

Glacier Glacier

As we walked, we couldn’t help but be in awe of the sheer power of the glacier.

Glacier Glacier

Every so often, we would hear a deep, thunderous rumble—a sign that a piece of ice had broken off and crashed into the water below. Witnessing this natural process in real time was both humbling and exhilarating.

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The Rain Adds to the Atmosphere

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When the light rain began to fall, it added an extra layer of beauty to the experience.

Glacier Glacier

The misty air gave the glacier a mysterious quality, and the raindrops created tiny ripples in the lake’s surface. Instead of dampening our spirits, the rain made the hike feel even more immersive, as if we were truly part of the landscape.

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A Peaceful Pause

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Midway through the hike, we found a quiet spot to take in the view. Standing there, listening to the distant cracks of ice and the occasional birdsong, we felt completely present in the moment. It was the kind of peaceful, awe-inspiring experience that makes hiking in Patagonia so special.

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The Final Stretch

Glacier Glacier

As we made our way back, the rain began to ease, and we took our time enjoying the last few viewpoints. The glacier’s ever-changing patterns and textures seemed different from every angle, and we marveled at how dynamic this icy giant truly was.

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Even after miles of walking, we felt like we could have stayed and watched it for hours.

Glacier Glacier

Conclusion

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Our morning on the Perito Moreno Glacier Walkways Trail was an unforgettable experience.

Glacier Glacier

Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, the glacier’s beauty and power made it one of the highlights of our trip. As we left, we knew this was a place we’d never forget—a true wonder of Patagonia that left us in awe at every turn.

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Length: 2.9 (miles)
Difficulty: moderate
Date of the hike: 2025-02-21