Patagonia Photography: Perito Moreno Glacier

At the furthest end of the South American continent Patagonia host a wide variety of amazing photography locations. From blue glaciers, to mountain peaks and marine and terrestrial wildlife; the Patagonia Photography opportunities are abundant, rich and diverse for landscape, wildlife and nature photographers. The Perito Moreno glacier is one of the great Patagonia sites we visit during Photo Tours South America Patagonia photo tour.

Millions of years ago, this rough and semi arid ecosystem witnessed a drastic change with the sudden extinction of the dinosaurs. Paleontological digs are very common in Patagonia. They tell the story of earth’s ancient inhabitants, where giant dinosaurs roamed the land of what we now call the American continent. A testament of this can be found at the museum of Carmen Funes, in the province of Neuquén where,  the largest specimen of the dinosaur ever recorded (the Argentinosaurus), is on display.

People from all over the world travel to Patagonia due to its beauty and unique topography. This is in part due to its magnificent peaks which create the longest continental mountain range best known as the Andes. The mountains extend for over 4,300 miles and journey from the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego all the way into western Venezuela.

Patagonia’s weather is defined by the Andes elevation. It functions as a barrier to the wet Westerlies winds that blow relentlessly from the South Pacific ocean. Tales about the ferocity of the Patagonian winds abound and are not to be taken lightly. Its wind gusts has been known to bend car doors as well as light posts.
The Andes mountains also delimit the border between the countries of Argentina and Chile, which share the Patagonia region, as well as some of very photogenic and unique national parks.

Perito Moreno Glacier:

The Perito Moreno glacier is by far one of the most exciting destinations in Patagonia.

Loved by all Patagonia photography enthusiast, the glacier is located near El Calafate, in the Argentinean province of Santa Cruz.
Contrary to many glaciers around the world, the scientific community has recorded the expansion of the Perito Moreno glacier in recent decades, despite global warming.

Ice breakups are a spectacle not to be missed and they usually occur during the summer months.

Glacier’s observation deck is close to the waters of Lago Argentino. This scenic spot faces the lake and allows for a direct view of the ice giant just steps from land.
The glacier can also be accessed by foot and water.

Many reputable companies organize boat expeditions around Lago Argentino. This is a perfect way of exploring the area for photographers.  The park has many precious spots that can only be reached by water.

Whilst both the deck and water excursions are well worth the journey to this location alone, the activity that in my opinion tops everything else, has to be the trek on top of the ice mass. It’s not everyday you have the chance to walk into a glacier!
The surface and some of its ice formation can be reached on ice walking treks which provide for fantastic photos. This is an absolute incredible adventure.

Tip: Leave the tripod at the hotel, It might be difficult to carry a lot of equipment on the icy adventure.

Patagonia Photography Tip:

Clothing is important! bring shoes and clothing appropriate for ice walking. During summer, the abundance of water due to the higher temperatures might create very slippery paths.

I hope you’re planning a trip to South America. We organize a Patagonia photo tour which not only visits the Perito Moreno glacier but the other Patagonia locations perfect for more Patagonia photography.

Please consider joining us in our upcoming photo tour. We are local to South American and to Patagonia. All our staff is bilingual and are very passionate about their own photography. If you are planning a photography trip to South America, contact us.