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 visited for an unforgettable experience. Here is how to explore the glaciers of Patagonia while respecting this unique environment, which is increasingly threatened by climate change.
Visiting the glaciers of Patagonia
Hiking
The simplest way to discover the glaciers of Patagonia is to go hiking. The most famous glaciers are often located within national parks, which feature numerous trails from which to admire them from the shore. A walk that may even let you witness the ice melting at the end of the austral winter. Whether hiking or on an excursion, it is essential to set out with clothing suited to the climate.
The glacier excursion
For a truly magical experience, many agencies offer guided walks on the glaciers of Chile or Argentina. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide throughout, and equipped with crampons and helmets to trek across the glacier's surface and even enter certain ice cavities.
By boat and kayak
The third way to discover the glaciers of Patagonia is to take a boat or kayak excursion on the ice-cold lakes that shelter the glaciers. The first option lets you safely approach the immense wall of ice, while the second allows you to navigate right amongst the icebergs floating on the lake's surface.
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 waters are fed by its meltwater. While there are many ways to observe it, the simplest is to take a hiking trail through the park to its viewpoint. For the more athletic, 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 lakeshore.
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 unaffected by climate change. Reaching this giant of ice requires a real expedition — it generally involves 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 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. Easily accessible, it offers a breathtaking view from the dedicated walkway 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 the visit. The first is the largest glacier in Argentina at 870 km2, and its surface is so flat that the military regularly train on it. The second offers a glacier excursion far less crowded than the Perito Moreno, with equally stunning scenery. Unfortunately, both glaciers have been retreating at an accelerated rate since the early 2000s.
With more than 26,000 glaciers in Chile and 14,000 in Argentina, Patagonia is a region now seriously threatened by rising temperatures. The glaciers are melting earlier, faster, and struggling to reform in winter. Protecting them requires awareness and decisive action against climate change.
