When Job complained about his own existence, the Most High answered him from a whirlwind with a series of questions incomprehensible to mankind. One of them was: "Have you entered the treasures of the snow, or have you seen the treasures of hail, which I have reserved for the time of anguish, for the day of war and battle?"
Today it is known that Job is the oldest book in the Bible and one of the oldest in history. But it is also known that the greatest treasure that humanity has is in the glaciers: the largest reservoirs of fresh water on Earth; and that any war that arises in the future will aim at water instead of another resource.
That is why the immensity of the glaciers has always occupied and amazed the human being. That is why going to the privileged places on the planet where you can see these giant treasures is one of the greatest experiences you can have in life.
To face the treasures of ice and enjoy them, traveling to El Calafate, in the region of Patagonia Argentina, is from all points of view the best option. This city of just over 21,000 inhabitants is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, and offers all the possibilities to complete unforgettable walks.
Founded in 1927 by the Argentine government itself to guarantee the presence of the population in that part of Patagonia, El Calafate, or simply Calafate, as many prefer to say, it has gradually become the city that watches over the treasure, and the best The way to guarantee preservation is tourism.
In fact, that is a consciousness that has been held since the early 40s of the last century, when the transformation of physical space began to attract tourists with the construction of the Los Glaciares National Park Intendance.
But it was not until 1970 when tourists from all over the world began to travel to El Calafate to know the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier, and until 2000 when most of the modern and varied hotels offered by the city were built.
Consequently we speak of a young city that knows its own importance and all that it can offer visitors. On that last we will make a count below so that those who travel to El Calafate know what to do in that beautiful corner of the world.
Visit the Perito Moreno glacier
This will be the most important thing about going to El Calafate. In fact, getting to the city and not going to see the Perito Moreno Glacier is like not going anywhere. It is possible to appreciate it from the catwalks that are arranged right in front of him, but a better experience is definitely to take what is known as a 'safari' and navigate around this UNESCO world heritage site.
It is 80 kilometers from El Calafate and is, according to the majority of tour operators in the world, one of the main natural spectacles of the entire American continent. Sailing near ice walls of up to 60 meters rethinks the human condition in the way that only nature can do at its best.
On this visit, tourists will be able to see and understand the entire phenomenon of glaciers: how the ice blocks rush into the water, how the level of Lake Argentino is maintained 35 meters higher given the space occupied by the giant. From the beginning of the tour you can see the peculiar vegetation and the contrast between ice and warm.
Walk on the Perito Moreno glacier
Yes, uploading is also possible. The most daring visitors can without any problem trekking on the park's quintessential glacier and contemplate from there all the splendor of what is being stepped on and of immense Argentine lake.
Cruise on icebergs
Ice floes float around the boat while nature is perceived as a whole as a single living being that watches the visitor. This 70 kilometer wide and 50 meter high glacier divides the border between Chile and Argentina in a unique way in the world, but it is also attractive because the cruise trips made to it are always accompanied by expert guides who give Lots of unprecedented information. This is a trip for the whole family that mixes the deeply wild with the comfort of a good cruise on an unforgettable day.
Kayaking around the glacier
Bypassing the ice blocks in a small personal boat and living from the surface of Lake Argentino all the magic of the gigantic Upsala glacier, is one of the most beautiful options for those who visit El Calafate.
This relaxing and intense day is completed with a visit to a beautiful snow park at Estancia La Anita, where a series of strikes triggered in one of the most tragic episodes in Argentine history, which was documented in the book (later film) "Patagonia rebelde".
4x4 excursion
Between October and April it is possible an excursion outside the traditional roads to reach El Balcón del Calafate and see the Argentinian lake in all its splendor and also look at the condors flying over the place as guardians of the sacred. These types of tours are made in 4x4, but allow people to walk short trips of great interest.
Rafting in Chaltén
The rapids are an amazing and fun experience anywhere in the world, but much more attractive when done on the Las Vueltas river, in Chaltén. After a transfer from El Calafate, the enthusiasts of this activity can enjoy absolutely white waters that come from the glaciers themselves.
It is an all-day walk that is not exclusive to experts, because rafting is an activity that is learned fast and that in the Las Vueltas river is not especially difficult.
Mountain Bike Adventure
It is a descent that is among the most requested activities by tourists. This adventure is so well organized that every certain amount of space there are scheduled stops where they offer snacks to cyclists. That way you can understand that El Calafate has much more than ice to offer.
Days go by and those who went to El Calafate are still thinking to try to find the logic to that variety that seems absurd to the brain but to the hopeful spirit. There are destinations that are made to be enjoyed and not to be understood.
Source: Revista Buenos Aires Day&Night
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