Description
It is one of the most impressive activities to take in The Glaciers National Park.
This one-day tour begins at El Calafate, early morning, with the transfer to the “Bajo de las Sombras” bay harbor, situated 22 km from the entrance of The Glaciers National Park and 8 km from the Glacier.
There, you go on board in order to reach the opposite coast of Peninsula de Magallanes, crossing the Rico Branch of Lake Argentino.
The navigation takes about twenty minutes, and the whole excursion lasts four hours, including one hour for lunch.
Once at the opposite shore and off board, specialized guides will take the group (of approximately 20 people) along a coast path that leads to the southern margin of the glacier after a 30-minute trip.
There, experts will help you put crampons under your shoes, necessary to walk on ice. Likewise, the basic technique to use them is explained, a speech about the origin of the glacier and the regional flora and fauna is given.
Then, you will begin to climb the glacier slowly, walking for about one hour, stopping occasionally just to take some pictures. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate in situ the different formations of the glacier (drains, cracks, etc.) and the varied hues of the ice that constitute a show by themselves. No words can explain the sensation experienced.
The trek is of medium difficulty, being the grounds irregular; however, they are firm and safe. Bilingual trekking guides are available for the whole trip.
On the way back, an alternative path is used through the forest, allowing a different panoramic view of the glacier. At the shelter, there is time to have a light lunch or a soup (not included but reccommended). After that, the group goes to navigate back towards the starting point. During the navigation there will be approaches to the front wall of the glacier so that you can to appreciate it’s real proportions.
There is a time to visit the catwalks before or after the navigation (it depends on the timetable chosen). In this case, it is not necessary to pay for a regular excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier (which consists of the sight of the glacier from the catwalks).
NOTE:
Warning : On account of the characteristics of the trek, people of age 65 and older, and 10 and younger are not allowed to take the excursion, nor are overweight people, pregnant women or those physically handicapped.
Smoking is not permitted at any time, either on board, in the forest, in the glacier or in the shelter.
Recommendations:
Wear trekking boots or sneakers. Rubber boots, Aprés Ski boots and heels are not permitted.
Wear thick socks, preferably woolen or cotton ones.
Wear sports clothes, or the like, long pants for both women and men, sweatshirts, a pile sweater, etc. and a waterproof jacket.
Take gloves and sunglasses.
