Perito Moreno Glacier
El CalafateTook a 2 1/2 hour bus ride from El Chalten to El Calafate. Much different atmosphere. Calafate is much more a resort town with more amenities - similar one might experience in a ski town like Vail or Aspen. Many more tourists with families on summer vacation. Lots of upscale shops and restaurants and tourists with deeper pockets. But the main attraction and the reason we stopped her is the Ice Glacier Perito Merino. We toured the Glacier and even did a mini trek with crampons. Breathtaking sight and great experience!!!
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On our way to the Glacier
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Cramp on - Cramp off
Crampons for the Feet
The Trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier
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Crampons are required for Trekking on the glacier. Gloves are also recommended in case you fall - the ice can rip your hands up. We climbed with about 20 other people along with our 2 English Speaking Guides, Marco and Carlos. They gave us a quick orientation on how to walk with the crampons - the spikes that go over our boots.
Our guide Carlos
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Our Guide Marco
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Post Trek
After we finished the Trek our Guides gave a celebratory drink of Blenders Whiskey poured over Glacial Ice Cubes.
Next Stop - The Balcony
After the Trek we headed back to the Boat and then onto the balcony overlooking the glacier where you can view the Glacier from up close. We were amazed at how close we could get - and we were thrilled when the Glacier calved - that's when you hear a loud thud sound and part of the glacier breaks off and falls into the water.
