From El Chalten and Mount Fitz Roy, the journey continued to the neighbouring town of El Calafate. The distance was only 220 km (around 137 miles) which is short by Patagonian standards. Argentina is a big country.
This area is very touristy. The positive, of course, are many great restaurants in addition to all the necessary services. This great infrastructure is there to accommodate the main attraction which is the Perito Moreno Glacier.
It is one of the few glaciers in the world which is still growing. At least, it is not shrinking. The glacier is particularly famous because its (glacial) tongue ends in Lago Argentino and blocks off/dams up the southern arm of the lake. This dam breaks periodically and, at such time. the lake flows back together. This back-and-forth has gone for a long period of time.
Unfortunately, we were not at the glacier at such a time, but this did not detract from the fascination of this ice field.
We were at the viewpoint very early so that we could enjoy Perito Moreno undisturbed. At some point, we realized that a few buses must have arrived in the meantime, as we could suddenly hear all kinds of languages.
It was time to set off. For us, we are now heading towards Tierra del Fuego.
We will always remember the beauty of the area. The enclosed pictures don’t really do it justice but is the best we can do.
FRANK KLAUS
Adresse :
Hugenottenallee 171 aNeu-Isenburg,
63263 Hessen
Germany