Glaciers
Over 25,000 glaciers — from the boardwalks of Perito Moreno to the remote fjords of the Southern Ice Field.
Patagonia Glaciers: Guide to the Great Ice Fields
Patagonia contains more than 25,000 glaciers, making it the most significant ice mass in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica. This page serves as the central directory for planning a glacier-focused trip, helping you navigate the vast ice fields of both Chile and Argentina.
Whether you want the accessible boardwalk experience of Perito Moreno, the multi-day trekking integration of Glacier Grey, or a remote expedition cruise through Glacier Alley, the following sections will guide you to the right experience.
Glaciers At A Glance
- Total Glaciers More than 25,000 (as of 2022/23 inventories)
- Primary Ice Fields Northern (NPIF) and Southern (SPIF) Patagonian Ice Fields
- Most Accessible Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)
- Best for Trekking Perito Moreno and Glacier Grey (Chile)
- Primary Season October to April
- Gateway Towns El Calafate (AR) and Puerto Natales (CL)
Perito Moreno
Argentina's most iconic glacier — boardwalks, boat tours, and the famous Mini-Trekking.
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Glacier Hiking
Strap on crampons and walk directly on the frozen surface of the Southern Ice Field.
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Boat Tours & Cruises
From half-day lake crossings to luxury multi-day expeditions through icy fjords.
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Perito Moreno vs Grey
Side-by-side breakdown of logistics, costs, and travel times for the two icons.
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El Calafate Hub
The gateway town for Argentine glacier country and Los Glaciares National Park.
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All Glacier Tours
Compare ice trekking options and boat-based viewing across the region.
Browse ToursThe Great Ice Fields: Northern vs. Southern
The glaciers of Patagonia are fed by two primary sources: the Northern Patagonian Ice Field (NPIF) and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (SPIF). The SPIF is the world's second-largest contiguous extrapolar ice field, spanning roughly 12,200 square kilometres across Chile and Argentina.
These frozen reservoirs feed the majority of the region's famous peaks and lakes. Understanding the difference between these two fields is the first step in deciding whether you want the accessible, high-infrastructure experience of the south or the wilder, expedition-style environment of the north.
Perito Moreno: The King of Argentine Glaciers
The Perito Moreno Glacier is the most famous ice formation in South America due to its unique combination of massive scale and ease of access. Located within Los Glaciares National Park, visitors can stand within a few hundred metres of the 70-metre-tall ice face via extensive steel boardwalks.
This is the premier location for witnessing "rupture" events, where the ice bridge collapses into the water with a sound like artillery fire. Visitors use the gateway town of El Calafate as a base, about 80 kilometres from the glacier.
Perito Moreno vs. Glacier Grey
Verdict
Choose Perito Moreno for a dedicated, high-impact day trip. Choose Glacier Grey to integrate your glacier experience into a multi-day trek.
Glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park
Beyond Perito Moreno, the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers dominate the northern reaches of Lake Argentino. The Spegazzini Glacier reaches heights of up to 135 metres above the water line. These glaciers are best experienced via full-day boat navigations from Punta Bandera.
Remote Glaciers of the Aysén Region
For a more rugged experience, the glaciers of the Aysén region in Northern Patagonia are accessed via the Carretera Austral. The San Rafael Glacier meets the sea in a remote fjord, while Queulat National Park hosts the dramatic "Hanging Glacier" that suspends itself over a cliff edge.
Ways to Experience the Ice
The most immersive way to experience Patagonia's glaciers is through ice trekking. These guided tours allow you to strap on crampons and walk directly on the frozen surface. Options range from 90-minute "mini-treks" to "Big Ice" expeditions exploring deep crevasses, blue lagoons, and ice caves.
For comfort without the physical demands, glacier boat tours provide close-range viewing from catamarans or kayaks. Multi-day expedition cruises navigate Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel to reach the most remote ice formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many glaciers are in Patagonia?
There are more than 25,000 glaciers spread across the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields and surrounding cordilleras in Chile and Argentina.
What is the most famous glacier in Patagonia?
The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is the most famous due to its massive size, accessibility, and its history as one of the region's most stable ice masses.
Can you visit Patagonia glaciers in the winter?
While some glaciers like Perito Moreno remain accessible year-round, many glacier boat tours and hiking excursions in Torres del Paine only operate during the main season from October to April.
Which glaciers can you visit in Patagonia, Chile?
The most popular glaciers in Chile include Glacier Grey in Torres del Paine, the San Rafael Glacier in Aysén, and the hanging glaciers of Queulat National Park.
Do you need a guide to see Patagonia glaciers?
While you can see glaciers like Perito Moreno from public boardwalks, any activity involving walking on the ice or specialized boat navigation requires a certified guide and tour.
Is the water in Patagonia glacier lakes safe to drink?
While many glacial streams in remote areas are safe to drink, you should always check local park guidelines as some areas may have contamination from wildlife or human traffic.
Ready to Explore the Ice?
Start planning your glacier experience with our detailed logistics guides.