Patagonia - El Calafate

After five days in Torres del Paine National Park, we made our way back to Argentina where we stayed two nights in El Calafate located near Los Glaciares National Park.

On the drive out of Torres del Paine, Alex noticed flamingos in one of the lakes and we stopped to take a few pictures. Although I had read they live in the area, this was the first time we had seen them!

The most popular destination in El Calafate is the Perito Moreno Glacier. Perito Moreno is 3 miles wide, 19 miles long and covers 121 square miles in total. The glacier is also part of the Southern Patagonian Icefield, the world's third largest reserve of freshwater. The Perito Moreno Glacier is actually one of the few glaciers in the world that continues to grow and expand. We decided to book an ice-trekking tour so we could get up close and personal on the glacier.

The tour started by taking a boat across the water to the glacier where we split into two groups (Spanish-speaking and English-speaking) and were provided with helmets and crampons. It did not take long to walk up onto the glacier and we spent an hour following the guide up and around the ice. The ice was so clear and so blue and it was amazing to see all the glacier formations up close.

The guide also took us into an ice cave which felt like we were underwater.

In addition to the trekking tours, Perito Moreno Glacier has an extensive set of boardwalks that offer some amazing viewpoints of the glacier. After the ice-trekking tour, we spent time walking along the boardwalks admiring the views.

Hotel: Design Suites Calafate

Restaurants: La Zorra & Cerveza Patagonia

Treats: La Churreria (churros)