Day 1: Perito Moreno Glacier in a Day
Los Glaciares National Park — First Views
Depart El Calafate early (7–8am) for the 80km drive to Los Glaciares National Park. Most hostels arrange shared minibus transfers (ARS 15,000–25,000 return) or you can rent a car. The first glimpse of the glacier from the approach road is staggering — a 5km-wide wall of jagged blue ice rising 70 metres above Lago Argentino. Pay the park entry (ARS 25,000 for foreigners) and head straight to the boardwalks.
Boardwalks & Ice Calving
Spend two to three hours on the extensive boardwalk network — multiple platforms at different levels offer views of the glacier's northern face, southern face, and the Canal de los Témpanos where icebergs drift. The sound is extraordinary — deep groans, cracks like gunshots, and thunderous roars when house-sized chunks calve into the lake. The lower balconies put you closest to the ice wall. Pack layers — wind off the glacier is fierce.
El Calafate — Patagonian Lamb
Return to El Calafate by 6–7pm. Dinner on Avenida Libertador — the main strip lined with restaurants and bars. Try cordero patagónico (Patagonian lamb roasted over an open fire) at La Tablita or Casimiro Biguá (ARS 18,000–28,000). The lamb is slow-roasted for hours on a crucero (iron cross) and served with roast potatoes. Pair with a Patagonian Pinot Noir from Bodega del Fin del Mundo.
