Discovering the glaciers of Patagonia

Straddling Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is home to the third largest ice field on the planet, after Antarctica and Greenland. Some of them can be visited for an unforgettable experience. Here is how to set out and discover Patagonia's glaciers while respecting this unique environment, which is gradually falling victim to climate change.

Exploring Patagonia's glaciers

Hiking

The easiest way to explore Patagonia's glaciers is to go hiking. The most famous glaciers are often located inside national parks, which offer numerous trails to admire them from the shore. A walk that can take 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 trekking

For a truly magical experience, many agencies offer guided glacier treks in Chile or Argentina. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide throughout, and equipped with crampons and helmets to traverse the glacier's surface and even enter certain ice cavities.

Boat and kayak

Finally, the third way to explore Patagonia's glaciers is to take a boat or kayak excursion on the icy lakes that are home to the glaciers. The first option lets you safely approach the immense wall of ice. And the second lets you navigate right up close to the icebergs floating on the lake's surface.

Explore Chile's glaciers

The Grey

Nestled in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park, the Grey glacier rests on Lake Grey, whose water comes from its melt. While there are many ways to see it, the simplest is to take a hike through the park and head to its viewpoint. If you are fit, 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 see them, you need to take a boat from Puerto Natales, crossing the Esperanza fjord and its sea lion colonies. Once there, you can explore the Balmaceda glacier and its frozen waterfall, as well as the Serrano glacier at the end of a walk along the lake shore.

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 serious expedition — it generally requires a multi-day cruise between Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Explore Argentina's glaciers

The Perito Moreno

A true emblem of Argentine Patagonia, the Perito Moreno is the most famous 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 advances continuously. Easy to reach, it offers a breathtaking view from its dedicated trail on the opposite bank. 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 the trip. The first is the largest glacier in Argentina at 870 km² and its surface is so flat that the military regularly trains there. The second lets you take an excursion onto the glacier — far less touristy than the Perito Moreno, with equally breathtaking scenery. Unfortunately, both glaciers have been melting at an accelerated rate since the early 2000s. With more than 26,000 glaciers in Chile and 14,000 in Argentina, Patagonia is now a region under threat from rising temperatures. The glaciers are melting earlier and faster each year, and struggling to reform in winter. To protect them, it is vital to raise awareness and take action against climate change.