For those who doesn't know, including myself before this trip, a glacier is large mass of moving ice, like a river of ice. It is actually compacted snow, which was accumulated for thousand of years. We went to Perito Moreno, which is the most popular one because of easy access.
Day 1
Unfortunately due to the nightmare to get down there (airplane mechanical problems shortening our trip to 1 single day), we had to gave up of my trekking over the glacier as it takes the full day and I didn't have that time. However, we were still able to take the half day tour and see the glacier.
Once we got to the glacier park, we took a boat tour (which is unnecessary) and then walked along a pass walk, which is much more interesting and got us much closer to the glacier. Once there, we could listen to the impressive sound of the ice hitting the water! By the end of the day usually there's a lot of ice falling from the huge walls and that's beautiful. The glacier is 60m height and intimidating. The most astonishing thing is the deep blue in between the ice rocks. It looks like someone had poured colorant in the walls... There's some optic laws to explain it, but the beauty is beyond scientific explanation. If nothing else, the view of the glacier was worth the short trip to get there.
Day 2:
The following day the weather didn't help so we just hanged out in the village, walked around the lake and ate some awesome homemade alfajores. However, weather allowing, one should try the Seven Glaciar tour, to see all the other glaciers and trails close the city.
Patagonia Food:
El Calafate is specifically known for the lamb barbecue. I didn't try it, but tried a lamb and spinash lasagna instead at this restaurant called Quidu. No regrets at all, it was delicious. And Argentinean wine to pair, always...
Where to stay:
America der Sur hostel. It was recommended by a friend and I totally reiterate her recommedation. Clean, safe, comfortable, reasonable location and great staff. I booked all the tours through the hostel staff, which was really convenient as the hostel takes credit cards, whereas the local companies and bus drivers usually take cash only.
