Things To Do
in Perito Moreno
Perito Moreno is a town located in the province of Santa Cruz in Argentina. It is known for its proximity to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, a popular tourist attraction in the region. The town offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, boat tours, and ice trekking on the glacier.
Perito Moreno also has a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Witness the magnificent ice formations and listen for the sound of ice calving into the water.
Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the viewing platforms. Afterward, take a boat ride on Lago Argentino for a closer view of the glacier.
Head back to El Calafate for dinner. Try some traditional Argentine cuisine in one of the local restaurants.
Take a hike along the designated trails that offer stunning lookout points of the glacier. The fresh morning air and beautiful scenery set the perfect tone for the day.
Continue exploring the trails at your leisure, taking in the breathtaking views. Capture some memorable photographs of your adventure.
Relax with a casual dinner in town. Share stories of your day with fellow travelers or locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
- Unique opportunity to witness a dynamic glacier that is still advancing.
- Accessible for various activities such as trekking, boat tours, and ice climbing.
- Rich biodiversity around the area, including a variety of flora and fauna.
- Cultural experiences available, including insights into the indigenous communities and local history.
- Can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, which may detract from the experience.
- Weather conditions can be unpredictable, making visits challenging at times.
- Accessing remote areas may require long travel times and additional planning.
- Entry fees for national parks can be relatively high for some travelers.
- Environmental concerns regarding climate change affecting glacier stability.
Best Activities in Perito Moreno
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier with guided tours that provide crampons and necessary gear for a unique adventure.
Take a boat tour to get up close to the towering icebergs and stunning views of the glacier from the water.
Explore the serene waters of Lago Argentino by kayak, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and possible wildlife sightings.
Discover the diverse landscapes and trails available in Los Glaciares National Park, suitable for various skill levels.
Observe local wildlife, including Andean condors, guanacos, and various bird species within the national park's habitats.
Join a photography tour to capture stunning shots of the glaciers, lakes, and unique flora and fauna in the area.
Explore designated self-guided trails that offer spectacular viewpoints of the Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding landscapes.
Places to Visit in Perito Moreno
Visit one of these nice places.
This viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the Perito Moreno Glacier, allowing visitors to capture the grandeur of the ice formations and surrounding landscape.
A series of elevated walkways that provide multiple vantage points for photographing the glacier from different angles, perfect for close-up shots of the ice.
Taking a boat trip allows you to get up close to the glacier's towering walls, providing excellent opportunities for dramatic photos of calving icebergs.
Scenic spots along the shore of Lake Argentino offer beautiful reflections of the glacier and the Andes mountains, enhancing photo compositions.
Visiting during sunset provides a magical lighting backdrop, perfect for capturing the glacier’s blue tones illuminated by the golden sunset.
Food in Perito Moreno
Perito Moreno Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try Argentine barbecue featuring a variety of meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork, grilled to perfection. Head to Asador Perito for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
This Patagonian-style roasted lamb dish is a local delicacy. Sample delicious Cordero Patagónico at La Tablita, a renowned restaurant known for its traditional Patagonian cuisine.
Savor these savory turnovers filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, or vegetables. Don't miss out on the delectable empanadas at Comedor Mi Viejo.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market offering a wide range of local produce, artisanal goods, and authentic street food. Indulge in freshly cooked choripan, a popular Argentine street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Perito Moreno and throughout Argentina, it is customary to greet people with a warm handshake, and close friends may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Being polite and approachable reflects respect for local customs.
When dining with others, it's important to wait for the host to start before eating and to keep your hands on the table (but not elbows). If invited to someone's home, bringing a small gift, like wine or dessert, is considered a kind gesture.
While social situations may not be extremely strict regarding time, it is still respectful to arrive on time for formal events. For social gatherings, arriving a little late is typically acceptable, but try not to be excessively late.
Safety
Tipping in Perito Moreno
Ensure a smooth experience
In Perito Moreno, Argentina, tipping is generally appreciated but not obligatory. A tip of around 10% in restaurants is common if service is satisfactory. In bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is also customary. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest peso or adding a small tip is common practice. In tourist areas, services may expect tips due to the international clientele.
Payment methods in Perito Moreno typically include cash and credit/debit cards. Cash payments in Argentine Pesos are preferred for smaller establishments and local markets, while credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. It is advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions, as some places may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a delightful time to visit Perito Moreno, with mild temperatures and blooming flora. Expect fewer crowds and the opportunity to see the glacier as the ice starts to melt, leading to spectacular calving events.
Summer is the peak travel season in Perito Moreno. Visitors can expect warmer temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and longer days. Popular activities include hiking, boat tours, and viewing the dynamic glacial activity. However, it can get crowded.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors. It is a quieter time for tourism, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. Visitors can still enjoy trekking and boat tours, along with more opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Winter is the off-peak season and offers a unique perspective of the glacier, with a frosty landscape and fewer tourists. Temperatures can drop below freezing, but activities such as snowshoeing and ice trekking allow for a different kind of adventure.
Perito Moreno at Night
Hiking in Perito Moreno
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast national park that offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and majestic mountains.
A popular hiking trail that leads to a breathtaking viewpoint of Mount Fitz Roy and its turquoise glacial lake.
Known as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén features multiple trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
This challenging hike rewards adventurers with panoramic views of the Fitz Roy massif and surrounding landscape.
A challenging trek that leads climbers and trekkers to a remarkable view of the iconic Cerro Torre peak.
Aiports
How to reach Perito Moreno by plane.
Located approximately 85 kilometers from Perito Moreno, this airport serves the city of El Calafate and is a gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park.
Located around 570 kilometers from Perito Moreno in the city of Tucumán, this airport provides domestic and a few international flights.
Located approximately 1,300 kilometers away in Buenos Aires, this airport primarily handles domestic flights but also connects to some international destinations.
Also located in Buenos Aires, approximately 1,350 kilometers from Perito Moreno, it is the main international airport in Argentina, serving numerous global destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic group, primarily of Spanish and Italian descent.
Includes groups such as the Mapuche and Tehuelche, traditionally inhabit the region.
People of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, present in smaller numbers.
Includes smaller populations from various Latin American countries.
Small groups from various backgrounds contributing to the diverse cultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport among both genders, often played on grass or artificial turf.
Widely loved throughout Argentina, soccer has a strong following in Perito Moreno, with many local teams.
A popular sport in schools and community leagues, gaining increasing popularity.
A growing sport in the region with several clubs and local competitions.
Given the area's natural landscapes, trail running is a favored outdoor activity among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Perito Moreno.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-centric, many restaurants in Perito Moreno offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and flavorful lentil stews. Look for 'ensalada' (salad) and 'verduras' (vegetables) on the menu.
Travelers requiring gluten-free options can enjoy dishes like grilled fish, quinoa salads, and risottos offered by accommodating eateries in Perito Moreno. Inform the staff about your dietary needs for a customized dining experience.