Upsala Glacier

Although Upsala isn’t as famous as Perito Moreno, it is actually a much larger glacier – at least for now. Upsala has recently gained notoriety as one of the fastest retreating glaciers, a phenomenon scientists attribute to global warming and environmental change. Once one South America’s largest glaciers, Upsala now shrinks at a rate of two hundred meters per year. Images of the valley showing the difference in ice cover over the years are truly shocking. The best way to visit Upsala is on the way to Estancia Cristina. The boat, which departs from Puerto Bandera, weaves through the hunks of ice that have broken off from Upsala to give guests an up-close look at the vanishing glacier. Guides at Cristina also lead hikes and horseback excursions to ridges that overlook the ice fields.