The most stunning Glacier in the world
Trip Start
Sep 07, 2011
1
156
289
Trip End
Sep 06, 2012
Where I stayed
What I did
Perito Moreno, Patagonia, Argentina
Friday, April 13, 2012
Had a chill out day in the hostel. Didn't do much apart from book my flight to Ushuaia and then my flight from Ushuaia to Bariloche. If I caught the bus to Ushuaia, it would take 18 hours and the flight was 1 1/4 hours. No brainer really!
13th April
Today, Becky and I booked to do a mini trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate. It is supposed to be one of the most stunning glaciers in the world. So far I have seen 3, so let's see how it compares!
We were picked up from the hostel around 8 am and by the time we picked up all the other passengers, we were on the road about 9 am. It took about 1 hour to drive there and we had to stop for all of us to pay the park entrance fee before heading on towards the glacier. It was quite amusing as just as we were getting close to the glacier (which was still out of view), they put on some dramatic music to hype it up before we turned the corner and saw the glacier in full view. I have to say I was completely gobsmacked. It was absolutely huge.
We got dropped off at the viewing platform first where we spent about 1 1/2 hours walking around and just starring at this magnificent wonder. I was speechless and to be honest, I do not know how to describe it in words.
The glacier itself is 5 kms wide from the face of it where it meets the Argentino Lake. At it's highest peak, it reaches 70 metres above the water and underneath it reaches 180 metres and touches the lake bed. It is utterly incredible. It stretches around 30 kms back up the slopes into the mountain ranges, where it connects to many other glaciers which I cannot remember the distance it covers but it is 100's of kilometres.
Whilst we were on the boardwalks, we kept hearing this massive cracks, like thunder and it was cracks forming in the glacier, and every so often, small pieces (huge to us but small in comparison to the glacier) would fall off into the lake below and make these massive waves. It was an incredible sight to see.
Becky and I sat and had our lunch there (along with a cup of hot chocolate that I bought) before we had to get back on the coach at 12.30 pm to be taken down to the port to hop on the boat to take us across to the other side where we would being our trek on the glacier.
The boat ride took about 20 minutes and it took us up to about 200 metres away from the Glacier. Here you could really see the true beauty and size of the thing. In some places it was higher than a 20 storey building. I do not think I will ever see something so incredible for the rest of my life!
We got over to the other side where they gave us a quick talk about the glacier and what we were going to do whilst trekking on the glacier. After putting on a crampons, we were then split up into groups and led onto the glacier. As I had hiked up the glacier in New Zealand, I could remember how to walk on the crampons so found it quite easy. Others found it a little difficult at first, but soon got used to it.
It was an amazing 1 1/2 hours walking around the glacier and seeing all the cracks and crevices and holes that have formed within it. It was pretty damn cold there so I was glad I had wrapped up warm with layers.
When we were nearing the end of the hike, there was a little surprise waiting for us. They had set up a table with two bottles of whiskey, plenty of glasses and ice from the Glacier. A nice touch to end off an amazing day and also to warm your cockles!!!!
After giving back the crampons and hiking back through the forest, we finally got back to the boat. As we were sailing back, one of the guides told us to watch the small tunnel that had formed as he had noticed a crack that was not there earlier on. Within a couple of minutes, part of the tunnel collapsed into the lake, which was awesome. The noise is tremendous. It really does sound like a huge crack of thunder going off!
We finally got back onto the coach and were taken back to the hostel. I feel asleep on the coach as it was lovely and warm and had got a little cold after sweating a bit on the glacier.
It was definitely an early night last night as we were exhausted. Not from the hike, but being out in the cold all day.
I have to say that I am definitely loving Patagonia and the wonders it holds!!!
Comments
Great photos sounds fantastic xx
Absolutely stunning Lucy. Keep up the good work on the photos.
How long are you and Becky travelling together for. I hope you have each other for a while as that has worked out well. Glad you have found a new mucker. x