Straddling Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is home to the third largest ice field on the planet after Antarctica and Greenland. Some of these glaciers can be observed for an unforgettable experience. Here is how to set out and discover the glaciers of Patagonia while respecting this unique environment, gradually threatened by climate change.
Visiting the glaciers of Patagonia
Hiking
The simplest way to explore Patagonia's glaciers is to go hiking. Indeed, the most famous glaciers are often located in national parks. They are home to numerous trails for admiring them from the shore. A walk that may lead you to witness the ice melting at the end of the austral winter. For hiking or on excursions, it is essential to set out with clothing suited to this climate.
Glacier excursion
For a truly magical experience, numerous agencies offer you the chance to walk on the glaciers of Chile or Argentina. You will be guided by an experienced leader for this supervised adventure. And you will be equipped with crampons and helmets to traverse the surface of the glacier and even enter certain ice caves.
Boat and kayak
Finally, the third way to explore the glaciers of Patagonia is to take a boat or kayak excursion on the icy lakes that shelter the glaciers. The first option allows you to approach the immense wall of ice in complete safety. And the second lets you navigate right up close to the icebergs floating on the surface of the lake.
Explore the glaciers of Chile
The Grey
Nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, the Grey glacier rests on Lake Grey, whose water comes from its melt. While there are many ways to observe it, the simplest is to enjoy a hiking trail through the park to reach its viewpoint. If you are sporty, the John Garner Pass offers an exceptional vantage point over the vast expanse of the glacier.
The Balmaceda and Serrano
The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers are located in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. To observe them, you need to take a boat from Puerto Natales. And cross the Esperanza fjord and its colonies of sea lions. Once there, you can then discover the Balmaceda glacier and its frozen waterfall, as well as the Serrano glacier at the end of a walk along the shores of the lake.
The Pia
Located in the north-west of the legendary Beagle Channel, the Pia glacier is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere and one of the few relatively spared by climate change. To explore this monster of ice, you need to plan a true expedition. It generally requires a multi-day cruise between Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
Explore the glaciers of Argentina
The Perito Moreno
A true emblem of Argentine Patagonia, the Perito Moreno is the most well-known glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Covering an area of 254 km2, it is the third largest glacier in Argentina and the only one that continuously advances. Easy to access, it offers a breathtaking view from its dedicated trail on the opposite shore. Boat excursions and glacier treks are also available.
The Upsala and Viedma
Close to the Perito Moreno, the Upsala and Viedma glaciers are well worth a visit. The first is the largest Argentine glacier at 870 km2, and its surface is so flat that the military regularly train on it. The second offers a glacier excursion far less touristy than that of the Perito Moreno, with equally incredible scenery. Unfortunately, both glaciers have been experiencing accelerated melting since the early 2000s.
With more than 26,000 glaciers in Chile and 14,000 glaciers in Argentina, Patagonia is today a region threatened by rising temperatures. The glaciers are melting earlier and earlier, faster and faster, and are struggling to reform in winter. To protect them, it is imperative to raise awareness and take action against climate change.
