perito moreno glacier big ice trek

Perito Moreno Glacier Trek & Walkway In Argentina

The Perito Moreno glacier is a natural wonder in Argentina made of big, blue, beautiful ice. In fact, this stunning glacier covers more surface area than the entire city of Buenos Aires.

You can see this Patagonian glacier from a metal walkway that spans the edge of the lake, or there are even glacier trekking tours so you can hike on top of the ice with a local guide!

Needless to say, seeing this glacier and hiking on it is an amazing experience, and it’s very popular with tourists coming to the Los Glaciares National Park. It’s also surprisingly easy to do on a day trip from the town of El Calafate, in Argentina’s southern Patagonia region.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Perito Moreno glacier from El Calafate (with or without a tour), and how to do the glacier trek. Then, I’ll share some interesting facts about the glacier itself!

Table of Contents show 1) Where Is Perito Moreno Glacier? 2) How To Get To Perito Moreno Glacier 3) Best Perito Moreno Glacier Tours 4) Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway: What To Expect 5) Glacier Mini-Trekking Tour 6) Glacier ‘Big Ice’ Trek 7) What To Bring For Glacier Hikes 8) Entrance Fee: Los Glaciares National Park 9) Fun Facts About Perito Moreno Glacier 10) Best Time To Visit Patagonia 11) Other Patagonia Glacier Tours 12) Other Tips For El Calafate Town 13) More Patagonia Travel Tips

Getting ready to hike the Perito Moreno glacier. Epic!

Where Is Perito Moreno Glacier?

The Perito Moreno glacier is located on Lake Argentino, near the town of El Calafate, in Argentina’s famous Patagonia region.

El Calafate is a tourist friendly town with lots of comfy hotels and good restaurants, so it’s a great place to base yourself for visiting the Perito Moreno glacier and other sights in Patagonia.  

How To Get To Perito Moreno Glacier

The closest airport to the Perito Moreno glacier is the small international airport in El Calafate (FTE), which has direct flights from Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Ushuaia, and other places.

The flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate takes about 3 hours and it’s offered by multiple airlines, with pretty reasonable prices. There are two airports in Buenos Aires (AEP or EZE) and you can use either of them to fly here.

You can shop for flights to Argentina on Skyscanner.

The spectacular walkway at Perito Moreno glacier

Once you arrive in El Calafate, it’s a 60-90 minute drive to Perito Moreno glacier, depending on your pace. The road is winding when you get near the end, but it’s all paved and in good condition.

If you’re driving, you can find the location on the map here , although they’ll usually ask you to park earlier and take a free shuttle the rest of the way to the glacier since there’s limited parking.

You can get to Perito Moreno with a bus, private taxi, or rental car . The bus service is offered by multiple companies with regular departures from the bus terminal in El Calafate .

If you want to simplify things even more, there are also day tours to Perito Moreno glacier from El Calafate that handle all of the transportation for you (more on that below).

Another view of Perito Moreno glacier with the mountains in the background

Best Perito Moreno Glacier Tours

One of the easiest ways to visit the Perito Moreno glacier is with a day tour from El Calafate.

GetYourGuide has high-rated day tours to see Perito Moreno glacier from the walkway, with an optional boat cruise to see it from another angle. These tours include a bilingual tour guide and hotel pickup and drop-off from El Calafate. They’re usually shared group tours, or they also have private tours .

If you’re mainly wanting to do trekking on the ice, they have a glacier ‘mini-trekking’ tour which I used myself, and they also have the ‘Big Ice’ trek where you get to go farther and see more of Perito Moreno glacier.

If you don’t think your fitness level is good enough for hiking on the ice, they have a ‘Safari Azul’ tour that takes you to a beach in front of the glacier, where you can touch the ice and see it up close without trekking on it. Last, but not least, they also have kayaking tours and boat cruises at the Perito Moreno glacier.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway / Kayaking / Glacier Hike / Big Ice Trek

Perito Moreno Glacier Walkway: What To Expect

The most popular way to see the Perito Moreno glacier is from the metal walkway that spans the edge of Lake Argentino and its turquoise colored waters.

The views are sensational and easy to access! There’s a whole network of platforms here showing different sides of the glacier, and the walkways are divided into color coded circuits.

In my opinion, the very best views are on the red and yellow circuits. The black and green circuits don’t have much to see, although the blue circuit occasionally allows you to see some floating icebergs up close.

Above the Perito Moreno glacier

The views from the walkway are fantastic, and it feels like you’re really close to the glacier. Pictures don’t do it justice. It almost feels like you could reach out and touch the glacier!

There are photographers from the national park who can take your picture here for a small fee, or you can take as many photos as you want with your own phone or camera. Sometimes you’ll see giant condors flying overhead.

During the summer, you can witness ‘calving’ at Perito Moreno glacier, where big chunks of ice occasionally break off the edge of the glacier and fall into the lake with a crash.

It’s very impressive to see and hear, and if you’re quick with your camera you can sometimes catch it. The best time to visit is in the middle of the day if you want to see lots of this activity!

The wall of ice towers 75 meters above the lake surface!

The viewing platforms at Perito Moreno glacier are suitable for all ages. Some of the views are even wheelchair accessible, although the best spots are reached by stairs.

Most of the walking is pretty easy, and you can get to the last platforms with a relatively short stroll from the parking area. However, if you go down to the bottom platforms, nearest to the glacier, then you’ll have to go back up again afterwards, so it’s not without some effort.

A few hours at the glacier should be plenty of time for most people, although I think I could’ve stayed most of the day taking pictures. When you get done exploring all of the walkways, there’s a cafe, gift shop, and free bathrooms in the parking lot.

Massive blue ice field

Glacier Mini-Trekking Tour

One of the best things to do at Perito Moreno is hiking on the glacier itself!

A tour booking is required for this, and you’ll join a small group of 10 to 20 other travelers. They’ll give you a pair of spiky metal crampons to attach to the bottom of your shoes, and then you can walk on the surface of the ice with a professional guide, taking pictures as you go.

They run these tours daily, but they’re very popular and often sell out (especially in the summer months), so it’s a good idea to book it well in advance.

Hiking on the glacier is a must!

Glacier mini-trekking at Perito Moreno

According to the company, the glacier mini-trekking tour is suitable for ages 8 to 65 years old. You don’t have to be very fit to hike on the glacier, although they list obesity and some other health problems as a possible disqualifier.

The trekking guides that conduct these tours are from a company called Hielo y Aventura, and they’ve been running the glacier tours for more than 30 years without any major safety incidents. The guides are bilingual, so they speak good English and Spanish.

It’s a full day tour (up to 10 hours) since it includes driving to the national park, crossing the lake by boat, attending a short safety briefing, fitting the crampons and safety helmets, hiking on the glacier, and other activities, and then returning to El Calafate afterwards.

At the end of the tour, before leaving the glacier, they gave us complementary whiskey tumblers to drink with ice from the glacier. Fun! All in all, the Perito Moreno glacier trek is an amazing experience and you shouldn’t miss it!

Book Now: Glacier Mini-Trekking Tour

Surreal landscape

See the tiny people?

Glacier ‘Big Ice’ Trek

If you want to do even more hiking on the glacier, there’s a ‘Big Ice’ trek that goes longer and farther than the normal trek.

Compared to the mini-trekking tour, the ‘Big Ice’ trip gives you twice as much time on the glacier, so you can see more of the unique landscape, and you’ll have more time to take pictures. The tour groups are also smaller and more personalized, which is a bonus if you don’t want to go hiking with a bunch of people.

The Big Ice trek is harder, so it’s only recommended for people who are fit and ages 18 to 50 years old. It’s also more pricey. For me personally, I was happy with my decision to do the normal trek, but I’m sure I will be back at Perito Moreno someday, and then I definitely plan to do the Big Ice trek!

If you’re not a frequent visitor to Argentina and you think this may be your only chance, then it might be worth it to spring the cash for the Big Ice tour. I’m sure it’s the experience of a lifetime!

Book Now: Big Ice Glacier Trek

What To Bring For Glacier Hikes

• Outerwear: It can be very windy at the glacier, so you’ll want to bring a jacket and probably a warm winter beanie hat just in case.
• Gloves: This is a requirement for the glacier trekking tours. The reason for this is because if you happen to fall on the ice and catch yourself, the ice can be sharp enough to cut your bare hands. If you don’t have a pair of gloves, they can loan you some when you get there. I wore fingerless gloves so I could still work my camera, and that was fine.
• Footwear: Any shoes or hiking boots will work. When you trek on the glacier, crampons are provided with the tour and they can fit them to any shoe size.
• Backpack: This can be very helpful for holding any snacks, drinks, and other items you bring with you for the Perito Moreno glacier trekking tour.
• Camera: The glacier is so photogenic. A lens with a little bit of zoom is ideal, but just about any camera setup will do great here.

Waiting for the boat

Entrance Fee: Los Glaciares National Park

Perito Moreno is part of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, so there’s a fee you have to pay to enter the park. This applies whether you’re visiting the walkway or doing other activities in the park like glacier trekking, kayaking, or boat cruises.

You can find the current park fee on the Argentina national parks website . However, if you visit two days in a row then the second day price is discounted by 50 percent. Just remember to keep your ticket so you can show them.

The park fee is something paid separate from your bus tickets or tour price, and you can pay with cash (pesos) or credit card when you reach the entrance of Los Glaciares National Park. I paid with a foreign credit card and that was fine.

You can also buy park tickets in advance on the Argentina national parks website , but it’s entirely in Spanish and the site is very glitchy. I was never able to get it to work. No worries though, because the park tickets are unlimited and never sell out, unlike the tours.

An advance booking is not required for the national park tickets, and visiting the walkway is free aside from the park entrance fee. The only thing you need to book in advance is the glacier trekking or other special activities if you plan to do them.

Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina

It’s easy to visit Perito Moreno glacier on a day trip from El Calafate

Fun Facts About Perito Moreno Glacier

• How big is it? The glacier is 30 kilometers long (almost 19 miles), and it covers a total area of 250 square kilometers (100 mi²), making it bigger than the Argentine capital city of Buenos Aires. The wall of ice towers over Lago Argentino, with an average height of 75 meters (250 ft) above the surface of the lake.
• Why is it blue? Pure glacier ice is blue because it’s so dense and compressed, with the air bubbles squeezed out from the ice. As a result, it reflects the blue colors of the light spectrum, and a beautiful blue color reaches our eyes. It’s a lot different from the frozen water you get out of the freezer.
• What is the source? The glacier is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which is the world’s second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field, and one of the world’s biggest reserves of fresh water.
• How did it get its name? The Perito Moreno glacier was named after a 19th century Argentine explorer, Francisco Moreno, who was influential in the Patagonia region. ‘Perito’ in Spanish is a title of respect that means ‘expert’ or ‘specialist.’
• Is there more than one Perito Moreno in Argentina? Yes. Somewhat confusingly, there’s a national park named Perito Moreno in Argentina, but it’s located far away from this glacier. There’s also a town named Perito Moreno, but it’s located almost 700 kilometers from the glacier. This threw me for a loop one time when I was buying bus tickets from El Calafate. The Perito Moreno town, glacier, and national park are three very different places! If you’re looking for Perito Moreno glacier on a map, you can find it here .
• Is the glacier melting or shrinking? Unlike most glaciers around the world, Perito Moreno is not shrinking. This glacier is unusual because it’s actually advancing and moving forward by up to 2 meters (6 feet) per day, although the overall mass stays in balance because of the chunks of ice it loses from calving and ruptures.
• What is the rupture? Because of its constant advance, the Perito Moreno glacier sometimes forms a dam at the edge of Lake Argentino, blocking off the southern arm of the lake (Brazo Rico) and causing the water level to rise and put tremendous pressure on the glacier. Eventually, this leads to a spectacular rupture of the glacial dam, and huge chunks of ice fall into the lake. The rupture happens every 3 to 5 years, but it’s completely unpredictable, so you would be lucky to witness it!
• What is calving? Calving is when big chunks of ice occasionally break off the edge of the Perito Moreno glacier and fall into the lake with a crash. On a good day, this can happen as often as every 30 minutes, and afternoon is the best time to see it. It’s an amazing sight!
• What is the UNESCO status? The Perito Moreno glacier is part of Los Glaciares National Park, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. This is because of its outstanding natural significance and beauty.
• How hard is it to get to Perito Moreno glacier from El Calafate? It’s easy to get to Perito Moreno glacier from anywhere in the town of El Calafate. You can get there with the bus, take a private taxi, rent a car , or book a tour .
• How can you hike on the Perito Moreno glacier? There’s a glacier mini-trek or a ‘Big Ice’ trek . The Big Ice hike is longer and better, but it’s harder and more expensive. Most people will probably be happy with the mini trek. It’s a fantastic experience.

Floating icebergs on the lake

Best Time To Visit Patagonia

The best time to visit Perito Moreno glacier is in the spring, summer, or fall. The summer months run from December to February, and these months have some of the longest days and best hiking weather, but they’re also more popular and expensive.

The shoulder months of March, April, and November can also be great, although the temperatures may be a bit cooler. All of the pictures in this travel guide were taken in mid-March, which seemed just about perfect to me.

It’s possible to visit the glacier during the winter, but a lot of the tours like glacier trekking and kayaking don’t run at that time, so you’ll be more limited in what you can do. Boat cruises still run, and the glacier is still spectacular. The park is also less crowded and prices are cheaper than normal, so that’s one upside of visiting in the winter.

There’s really no best time of day to visit the glacier. It’s fantastic at any time of day. You may be able to avoid some of the crowds in the morning or late afternoon, although the best lighting for photographs is generally around late morning or early afternoon. The glacier can be backlit by the sun in the evening, so that’s not ideal for photos.

If you want to witness the calving activity where big chunks of ice fall into the lake with a boom, the best time is near the middle of the day, when the temperatures are warmest. Any time in the afternoon is great for that.

It looks like another planet

Other Patagonia Glacier Tours

If you want to see more glaciers in El Calafate and the Patagonia region, check out the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers! These ones are only accessible with a boat tour .

The Spegazzini glacier is notable for being the highest glacier in the national park. Its ice towers over the surface of the lake by a whopping 135 meters (440 feet)! In the same area, you can also see the hanging glaciers of Dry, Heim Sur, and Peineta.

Alternatively, you can hike to Lake Frias , which is a lake filled with floating icebergs, and there you can see the Dickson, Cubo, and Grande glaciers. It’s a great way to witness some of Patagonia’s less known glaciers!

GetYourGuide has high-rated tours that visit these glaciers on a day trip from El Calafate, with the boat cruise and other transportation included. You can find out more in the links below.

Book Now: Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers / Lake Frias Tour

Other Tips For El Calafate Town

• Hotels: There are a bunch of comfortable hotels and hostels in El Calafate town. Check out Calafate Hostel for a budget option, Kau Yatun Boutique for midrange, and Xelena Hotel for high end.
• Restaurants: The town has lots of good places to eat. A nice breakfast option is Pietro’s Cafe , and for dinner check out La Tablita or Isabel Cocina al Disco .
• Credit Cards: Most places in town accept credit cards, but some may be cash only. Bring enough cash just in case. The ATMs in town are not very reliable.
• Money Changers: You can find money changers (‘cambio’) in El Calafate with good rates. I changed US Dollars to Argentine Pesos at the Arte Indio souvenir shop near the town center.
• WiFi: The hotels and restaurants in El Calafate usually have fast, reliable WiFi. I was able to find great WiFi everywhere I went in town.
• Cell Service: With T-Mobile roaming, I had good cell service/phone reception from Claro in El Calafate town. Staying in touch with home is no problem at all here.
• Supplies: There are plenty of grocery and convenience stores in El Calafate, as well as shops where you can buy or rent tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, jackets, and all kinds of other equipment for camping and hiking. I’m sure it’s more pricey than bringing your own gear, though, so do that if you can.
• Safety: Argentina is a pretty safe country overall, and the Patagonia region is especially safe. Generally you don’t have to worry about crime in El Calafate. Just practice normal precautions. Don’t leave cash in your room, or valuables in your car.

More Patagonia Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Perito Moreno glacier walkway and trekking tours in Patagonia, Argentina.

Don’t forget to check out my blog post for the amazing Mount Fitz Roy hike and Laguna De Los Tres, in the nearby town of El Chalten. I also wrote a separate guide for the Iguazu Falls in Argentina.

Happy travels!

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The Big Ice in Perito Moreno  is a physically demanding tour, differing from the Minitrekking by  including a 4-hour walk on the ice . It allows you to visit the center of the Perito Moreno Glacier while appreciating unique ice formations, in addition to adding a  3-hour trek through the forest next to the glacier . If you book the excursion with transfer, you will be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate at 7:00 a.m. to undertake the 78 km journey to reach the  Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park.

The first activity will be to visit the footbridges of the glacier for 1 hour, and then go to  Puerto Bajo de las Sombras  from where we will embark to cross the  Brazo Rico of the Argentinian Lake . After 20 minutes of navigation in front of the Perito Moreno, we will arrive at the south coast of the lake. When disembarking, with the mountain guides, the Big Ice itself begins, approaching the Perito Moreno through a path in the forest. Sometimes, we will walk on the moraine, which is a hill formed by glacial material.

The trek along this mountainous path lasts 1 hour and a half until you reach a spectacular viewpoint. There, the crampons are placed to be able to walk on the ice without slipping and the Perito Moreno is accessed. Once on the glacier, a 4-hour ice walk is made, in which incredible blue lagoons, deep cracks, eternal sinkholes, and surprising ice caves will be observed, which will make you feel in the center of this mass of ice. You will be able to enjoy a unique picnic surrounded by  incomparable natural beauty . After the 4 hours of trekking on the ice, the return to civilization is undertaken by taking the same path through the forest that was traveled on the way there after having made one of the most spectacular treks in the world. To finish the Big Ice, they will embark again and, this time, they  will approach the south face of Perito Moreno  where they will be able to enjoy a measure of whiskey with ice from the glacier. After this unique moment on board, you will return to ‘Puerto Bajo de las Sombras’ and return to the city of El Calafate at 7:00 p.m.

Big Ice without transfer: Passengers must arrive at Puerto Bajo Las Sombras at the indicated time. We recommend going early to the walkway area and then heading to the port to begin navigation and trekking on the ice. The transfer can only be added more than 7 days in advance of the chosen date.

Big Ice with transfer: The passenger will be picked up at the hotel where they are staying and at the end of the tour they will return to the same place. If you are not staying in a hotel or hostel, a meeting point will be assigned to begin the tour.

To Consider

• Duration: 12 hours (pick up times for hotels may vary by 1 hour).
• Difficulty level: Medium/hard
• Age: 18 to 50 years old in good physical condition.
• Tour not suitable for pregnant women, people with knee or back problems, obesity [BMI greater than 30], people with heart problems, stents, bypasses, pacemakers, anticoagulants, or people with recent operations or disabilities.
• Recommendations: Bring a small backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, a coat, gloves, trekking boots (essential) and food.
• Includes: 4-hour ice walk. Walk in the forest for 3 hours. Navigation in front of the glacier. Glass of whiskey with glacier ice. Bilingual guide. Crampons, helmet.
• Not included: Meals, drinks. Entrance to the National Park. It can be obtained in advance click here .

See terms and conditions

BIG ICE'S TOUR ROUTE

PHOTO GALLERY

4-hour trek on the glacier.

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Compare with similar tours.

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Glaciar Perito Moreno Tour

Glaciar Sur Pioneros

Minitrekking

Safari Azul

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Big Ice y Glaciar Perito Moreno Tour.

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Big Ice y Glaciar Sur Pioneros.

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Big Ice y Minitrekking.

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Big Ice y Safari Azul.

WhatsApp us

• +54 9 11 3414-7333
• [email protected]

From USD: 490

Big ice trekking on perito moreno glacier from el calafate, why choose this excursion.

• All necessary equipment is provided
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Walk over the glacier with a scenic beauty

The Big Ice is designed for fans of trekking, exploration, and challenges.

Easy cancellation.

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have english speaking guides.

Perito Moreno Glacier is a stunning natural wonder located in the Patagonian Andes. You will experience the breathtaking beauty of this glacier up close with our Big Ice Trekking Tour . Explore the magnificent ice formations and walk on top of the glacier with experienced guides and all necessary gear provided. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Patagonia and create unforgettable memories on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Join us for an exciting journey to Perito Moreno Glacier , and witness the power of nature in all its grandeur.

The tour begins with a pick-up from the agreed meeting point in El Calafate. You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride in our buses, and a bilingual tourist guide will provide you with insights about the breathtaking landscape you’re about to explore.

Upon arriving at the “Bajo las Sombras” Port, which is only 7km from the Glacier, you’ll embark on a ship to cross the Brazo Rico . After a short 20-minute voyage, you’ll step onto the opposite shore.

We organize small groups, typically with up to 10 people , to ensure an intimate experience. Your glacier adventure commences from the southern moraine, and in just over an hour, you’ll reach a magnificent viewpoint, granting you access to the glacier. Here, o ur guides will equip you with crampons, harnesses, and helmets to begin your journey.

Once you’re on the glacier, your perspective transforms: you’ll witness blue ponds, deep crevices, colossal glacier mills, enchanting ice caves, and the unparalleled sensation of being within the glacier’s heart.

Accompanied by our experienced mountain guides, you’ll explore the most unique glacier in the world for approximately three and a half hours . Throughout the hike, our guides will share their knowledge about the ice and its surroundings, enabling you to grasp the glacier’s dimensions and relish the views of nearby mountains, including Cerro Dos Picos, Cerro Pietrobelli, and Cerro Cervantes. Additionally, you’ll have a half-hour break to savor your lunch atop the pristine ice, surrounded by unparalleled beauty.

As you return to the moraine, you’ll embark on another one-hour walk to reach the port, where you’ll take a boat that navigates remarkably close to the southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This journey allows you to reconnect with “civilization” after experiencing one of the most spectacular ice treks worldwide!

The tour also includes a guided visit to the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park . There, you’ll relish the incredible panoramic landscape of the glacier and stroll along self-guided trails.

What is Included

• All necessary equipment
• Boat ride near the glacier
• 24/7 Support via Mail, Phone, or WhatsApp
• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel (can be included in the booking process)
• Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park (can be included in the booking process)
• Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park Add an entrance fee to one of Patagonia's most beautiful National Parks and enjoy many different glaciers!
• Transfers from/to your hotel Add pick-up and drop-off at your hotel!
• Cancellation Policy

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

If the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again, we indicate that in certain specific cases, the term may differ from this general policy) b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

Is this tour available on Dec 24, 25, 31, or Jan 1?

Please check with us.

Does this tour have any age restrictions?

This activity is only for people from 18 to 50 years old.

Is this tour available for people with reduced mobility?

No. Due to the level of effort and difficulty present in this activity, is not suitable for persons with the following conditions:

• Overweight.
• Physical or mental disability that affects attention, march, or coordination.
• Peripheral or central cardiovascular diseases, use of stent, by-pass, pace-maker, or other prostheses.
• Use of anticoagulants or varicose veins degree III (tick and multiples).
• Respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, emphysema).

What happens after booking?

After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions.

If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and send you the voucher before your excursion begins.

Difficulty?

Medium/High.

What should I bring to this activity?

Comfortable and warm clothing. Raincoat jacket, long waterproof pants, waterproof hiking boots, sunglasses, backpack (40lts), sunscreen, gloves, hat.

Water bottle and food for the day. The company does not have food and beverage sales service.

• Feel the white ice of the glacier!
• Unique trekking challenge!
• What's Included

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Once you’ve filled out the booking form, you’ll be directed to PayPal to complete your tour payment. You also have the option to pay with your credit card even if you don’t have a PayPal account.

What Happens After Booking?

After you’ve successfully completed your booking and payment, you’ll promptly receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours , you’ll receive the voucher required for your participation in the activity.

If you’ve reserved an activity for the next day , there’s no need to worry. We’ll ensure that you receive the voucher before your activity begins.

Do I Need to Print my Voucher?

No, printing is not necessary. You can simply show your voucher on your mobile device , and it will be sufficient for check-in or participation in the activity.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions?

Certain activities may impose age or health restrictions for the safety of participants .

These restrictions will be clearly outlined in the activity details. We encourage you to review this information before making a booking. If you have any concerns or require clarification, don’t hesitate to contact us.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

Edible Adventure Travel

A food based travel blog | tasting the world less travelled, perito moreno glacier hike in el calafate – big ice with hielo y aventura.

• by jasonmullin
• Posted on November 28, 2019 April 12, 2021

Patagonia is known for its rugged and jagged peaks. Iconic peaks like Fitz Roy and wondrous geological formations like those of National Parque Torres del Paine. With that comes hiking among these, getting lost in the best way possible and capturing these mountains for yourself. El Calafate on the Argentinian side of this dramatic mountain range, is known for a part of this. Even more so though, when people think of El Calafate, their mind goes directly to Glacier Perito Moreno. Sure there is viewing platforms everyone visits and they are nothing short of amazing, but take it one step further. The Perito Moreno Glacier Hike is really what you should be thinking about.

El Calafate

El Calafate is a small city that reminded me largely of a resort town. One main ‘downtown’ strip that floods during peak season with a few branches off of this. Ultimately, it kind of is just that. It is surrounded with serene grassland landscape. Perfect for hiking in summer months. Crystalline blue lakes beckoning for a kayak, all with a backdrop that one could fall in love waking up to. Also, on a side note, this town has a berry named after it. It’s got to be good!

While this is all unmistakably breathtaking, it all takes a backseat once you experience the calving of one of the worlds only growing glaciers. The sheer size is tremendous as it creeps forward through the valley with slow, but unstoppable force. The ice blue colour captivating, rippled across the surface disappearing into crevasses. Stunned in silence, the thunderous booms like canon fire from a naval battle echoes as it calves and your eyes scramble to find the source. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to take this to some next level action?

How to Get There

Only a short 3 hour bus ride across the border from Puerto Natales in Chile. This largely depends on how smooth the immigration building is running. My experience was quick and painless in the morning, but this can vary.

In the opposite direction it is approximately 3 hours from El Chalten as well.

There is an airport on the outskirts of town and flights are quite reasonable when I booked. I flew north to Buenos Aires in a short few hours, while on a bus this would take nearly 2 days and still be fairly expensive..

Where to Stay

I can obviously only speak for the hostel that I stayed in. America del Sur was what I would consider a boutique hostel. It had a resort-y vibe to it like I would picture a ski chalet. I say picture, because I’ve never stayed in a ski chalet. Clean, spacious rooms with lockers and bathrooms is really all I ever hope for. The staff were friendly and helpful willing to assist in booking tours and tickets. Upon check in, a senior staff member sat down with me and a map thoroughly explaining the area and its offerings without any prompting. I can only imagine how tedious this must get constantly, but it was done passionately, attentively and with a smile. A large restaurant area along with a well equipped kitchen, you need not fear hunger. If for any reason you do, get the BBQ that is offered nightly. It was a crazy amount of great food, that I seriously struggled through (and I can eat a lot). Did I mention the beautiful view from the back patio! All in all, I highly recommend America del Sur.

Address: America del Sur Hostel Calafate, Puerto Deseado 153, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

There are cheaper hostels in the area and if a hostel isn’t your cup of tea, there are ample hotels as well. Be sure to book ahead to some degree as it is not the largest town and can fill up during the high season.

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike – Big Ice with Helio y Aventura

Imagine the coolest thing you’ve done. Well, it might be as cool as this, but the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike is cool on a literal and figurative level. Ha ha, I know, hilarious.

Picked up early in the morning gathering the crew for the day, the start of the tour is simply getting to the glacier itself. Beating the crowds of the hundreds that flock here each day on the buses, the viewpoint platforms are quiet. Without the chattering and noise pollution of the masses, it makes the enormity that much more real and the creaking and groaning sounds that much more audible. I mean, it’s impossible to miss the thunderous calving anytime.

An hour was spent here perusing over the face of the glacier, gazing over the majesty of it all. My eyes darted back and forth trying to catch a multiple ton chunk of ice crash to the icy waters below. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time to walk around all of the boardwalks and trails. Returning by bus or car on another day is required if you choose to do so. Myself, I was more than excited to get the Perito Moreno Glacier Hike started. This was the real hike I came for.

It was a short boat ride across the lake over to the briefing point followed by a 30 minutes hike along the side of the glacier. My anticipation was rising with every step. Luckily, El Calafate berries littered the trail side along the way keeping me occupied. Finally, we reached the point of entry onto this prehistoric piece of ice.

Onto the Ice

Geared up, I had never before worn crampons and these ones did look a touch archaic. The extra pounds reminded me of putting training weights around my ankles when I was younger and trained for soccer. Heavy metal spikes that could do some serious damage with some kung fu action. Jokes aside, I was amazed how well they gripped the ice, even if it did require walking slightly awkward at first.

Taking our first steps on the glacier was like stepping into a time machine and emerging in an ice age. The ice was vast and seemingly endless travelling back into the mountains beyond what the eye could see. There was an odd, unexpected warm breeze blowing across the top of the ice, like a tropical breeze off the ocean. Closing your eyes, you could mistake where you were.

Moving at a surprising speed of approximately 2 meters a day, this would never really be noticeable to the naked eye. Erratic rocks would ride the slow wave of flowing ice for kilometers, years before being deposited at the edge of the glacier. The guides said they could only tell themselves by markers they would set no longer matching with recognizable points.

Over the course of our large 3.5 hour loop, the ice would transform in minutes from rough and stern to stunning and curvaceous. Melt water carved channels, fast flowing. Some creating caverns with waterfalls, while others dropped into an abyss making its own path of least resistance.

Across the surface was a feeling of longing to explore this vast, insurmountable beauty. It was an alluring beauty that was severely laced with danger and an angry bite if one did not tread lightly. Staring out for that final moment, I descended reaching the edge and somewhat happily removed the metal teeth from my boots.

Time to Switch to Whiskey

On the return walk, I found myself constantly glancing to the side. Desire to be back on the ice, the El Calafate berries no longer kept my attention. The boat ride back to the bus was an extended one. We approached the glacier within a safe distance just in case of an unexpected calving. This gave a true perspective of just how high the walls really were. Even though you know it is absolutely massive, it can be hard to sometimes truly realize it from the viewing balconies.

A surprise treat was being poured as everyone watched the ridges of the glacier pass by. What do people do after a great day? A celebration worthy experience? A sad time getting through a tough moment? Hell, or just because. A drink obviously. Well, this day was all of those things. A phenomenal day. Celebrating many people’s first glacier walk, while it was slightly sad it was coming to an end.

The staff passed around whiskey, but no ordinary whiskey. Special with a chipped chunk of Perito Moreno itself. A grand cheers while I sipped away reflecting on this wondrous day.

Click the link to book and check out other tours offered by  Hielo y Aventura .

Address: Av. del Libertador 935, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

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A Complete Perito Moreno Glacier Overview (Trekking, Boardwalks & More)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 18, 2023

The Perito Moreno Glacier of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina is one of the top highlights to visit during your time in Patagonia.

Located just outside the town of El Calafate, lays this magnificent 100 square mile glacier that can be experienced in a variety of ways.

Whether you want to enjoy the views from the boardwalk, head on a glacier trek, or take part of a boat cruise & kayak. There are plenty of options to go about a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier.

Read on to learn more about the Perito Moreno Glacier and how to plan your trip to this one of a kind place.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Background & Facts

During my travels, I have been to a variety of glaciers big and small around the world. But none have compared to the experience at Perito Moreno Glacier. Not only is it a beautiful site to take in, but it also has some fascinating facts.

Below is a quick background about the glacier and what it entails:

Name : The glacier is named after the Argentinian explorer – Francisco Moreno , who began the exploration of the region in the 1800s. The word “perito” translates to proficient / expert, so he became better known as Perito Moreno over the years.

Size : When it comes to size, Perito Moreno Glacier is a big one. It measures in around 100 square miles / 250 square km in area . From one end to the other, it is about 19 miles / 30 km in length, and 3 miles / 5 km in width.

Growth : Unlike most other glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno is actually growing in size . If you head to glaciers in other parts of Patagonia and the world, you will find many of them are shrinking.

Rupture : A phenomenon that happens every several years is called a rupture . This is when the glacier reaches the shore of the lake (Lago Argentino) and creates an ice dam between Canal de Los Tempanos & Brazo Rico. Eventually the pressure created by the water will cause a huge rupture in the glacier as large chunks of ice continuously fall off. The cycle then repeats itself over the course of the next several years.

Ice Fields : The glacier is also one of 48 glaciers that jut out of the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields . The Ice Fields are one of the largest contiguous pieces of ice in the entire world. If you want to view the Ice Fields, head to the Huemul Circuit in El Chalten for a once in a lifetime trekking experience.

In general though, there are three main ways to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier for yourself. These include:

• Walking the various boardwalks on the shores of Lago Argentino
• Taking part of a glacier hike on the glacier itself
• Viewing the glacier from the lake as part of a boat or kayak tour

This guide will go through it all, so you can get a better idea of what works best for your visit.

2) Perito Moreno Glacier Map

In the next several sections I will be talking through all the various walking/hiking opportunities to take part of at Perito Moreno.

The map below should help you better understand the boardwalks & glacier hike options that I will be talking more thoroughly about in the next few sections.

3) Perito Moreno Boardwalks

I will start off talking through the various boardwalk walking trails of Perito Moreno .

If not interested in a glacier trek or boat/kayak tour, then walking the boardwalks is how you will get to experience the glacier during your trip.

Note : during the glacier treks & some boat/kayak tours, you will have time to also walk the boardwalks. This will be on a tighter schedule but the option is there for you.

Altogether there are five boardwalk walking trails to choose from at Perito Moreno. You can choose just one, combine a few, or head on all five of them.

Throughout these boardwalks you will find viewpoints, seating areas, and some staircases all around the routes. Some of the boardwalks will be right against the water near the glacier, while others will be a bit more set back as you get a wider view of Perito Moreno.

Below is a map of the boardwalks to better familiarize yourself with the area:

• Name : Paseo Central
• Length : 600 meters
• Duration : 1:00 hrs
• Difficulty : Easy

From the parking lot / visitor center, the first route you will come across to the main boardwalk that focuses in on the central part of the glacier. You will pass by a main viewpoint area before heading down closer to the waterside.

• Name : Paseo Accesible
• Length : 565 meters
• Duration : 0:30 hrs
• Difficulty : Very Easy

Going hand in hand with the Paseo Central route is the accessible route that is handicap friendly. This wont go down to the waterside, but it will go to a main elevated viewpoint area.

If you are doing the first route above, you are essentially doing the this one as well.

• Name : Circuito Inferior
• Length : 1,100 meters
• Duration : 1:15 hrs
• Difficulty : Challenging

After visiting the central portion of the boardwalk, you can head over to the left along the Circuito Inferior circular route.

This will take you all along the left hand side of the glacier with plenty of viewpoints all throughout. You can then loop back around more towards the central section.

• Name : Sendero Del Bosque
• Length : 570 meters
• Duration : 0:45 hrs
• Difficulty : Moderate

Instead of looping back on the Circuito Inferior trail, you can also decide to head on the Sendero Del Bosque trail back to the parking lot area. This will have different views as you are walking through some trees, but it does switch things up a bit.

• Name : Sendero De La Costa
• Length : 1,117 meters
• Duration : 1:30 hrs

Lastly is the Sendero De La Costa, which focuses on the right hand side of the glacier. This was also one of my favorite parts of the Perito Moreno boardwalks.

The trail continuously makes its way along Lago Argentino as you get views of the glacier and the larger lake all in view. During my time in this area, I was the only one on the boardwalk here, which made it that much more special.

The trail does go on for a while, but you can decide to go as far as you want before turning back around.

4) Glacier Trek: Minitrekking & Big Ice

While the boardwalks are one way to experience the glacier, hiking on the glacier itself will be a while different type of experience.

There is one company (Hielo & Aventura) that is allowed to bring groups onto the glacier and they offer two different tours – Minitrekking & Big Ice. Both tours leave from El Calafate town center, where you will hop on a bus and be taken care of for the remainder of the day.

Learn More : Check out the Perito Moreno Minitrekking overview and Perito Moreno Big Ice overview to learn more about each one

Perito Moreno Minitrekking

Minitrekking on Perito Moreno will give you a chance to walk along the ice closer to the front of the glacier. The experience on the ice will last about one hour but you will get much more out of your day.

A minitrekking itinerary will look something like this:

• Bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Port
• 20 minute boat ride to glacier hike kickoff point
• 3 hours hiking to & from glacier with 1 hour on the glacier itself
• 30 minute boat road back to port in front of glacier walls
• 1 hour to visit the walkways
• Bus from Perito Moreno to El Calafate

Expect the full day experience to last around 9-10 hours altogether.

Note that this is by far the most popular option when it comes to El Calafate / Perito Moreno tours. If you want to take part of this experience, I would advise to use the link below to reserve your spot!

Book Today → Perito Moreno Glacier Minitrekking

Perito Moreno Big Ice

While the minitrekking glacier hike is a great way to get a feel for walking on Perito Moreno, the Big Ice experience will be even better.

Instead of just 1 hour on the ice, expect to spend closer to 3 hours on the glacier. This will get you further along the glacier with even more views and more highlights along the way.

The Big Ice itinerary will look something like this:

• Bus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno
• 2 hour hike to the glacier
• 3 hours hike on the glacier
• 2 hour hike back to kickoff point

Since there is more hiking involved here, expect the day to be closer to 12 hours altogether.

Book Today → Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice

5) Boat & Kayak

Your last main option here is to take part of a boat or kayak ride along the glacier walls as part of a guided tour.

Each Perito Moreno tour may be a bit different with its offerings, but these options will have you getting up close and personal to the glacier itself.

Below are some of the top options to choose from depending on your overall interest level:

Walkways & Boat Cruise

This is a great option if you want to take advantage of walking the boardwalks & hop on a boat cruise in the water. It will give you the chance to see the glacier from both the land and the lake.

The tour linked below allows for two hours exploring the boardwalks & then an additional hour on the boat tour.

• Book Today -> Perito Moreno Walkways & Boat Cruise
• Private Tour Option -> Perito Moreno Private Tour

*Note that if going on your own to the glacier, you should be able to join a boat cruise on the spot (and not need to sign up for a whole tour)

If you want a more active experience, kayaking the waters right underneath the glacier is a perfect option to go for. The kayaking portion of the day will last 90 minutes & then you will have additional time to walk among the boardwalks after.

• Book Today -> Perito Moreno Kayak

6) How to Get to El Calafate

Before getting to the glacier, you first must make your way to the town of El Calafate.

El Calafate is the home base for many highlights around the area. Whether you are visiting the glacier, taking part of Los Glaciares National Park boat tour, or just enjoying some nearby hikes,  El Calafate is the place to stay.

Getting to El Calafate can be accomplished in a few main ways depending on your overall trip:

You will find an airport just outside the town center (FTE). Here you can find flights coming in from various Argentinian cities such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Ushuaia , among others. Once landed, you can take a taxi or shared van into the town center.

Depending on your Patagonia route, you can also decide to get to El Calafate by bus. The station is located around 20 minutes from the town center, but very may well be within walking distance of your hotel.

Check out Busbud for the latest schedules that connect El Calafate to places such as El Chalten and Puerto Natales (where you can hike the O Circuit in Torres del Paine ).

You can also rent a car for your trip to Patagonia. This will give you the chance to go about your itinerary at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Feel free to check out Rentalcars.com for a variety of car rental options for your trip.

Important note : there is also a town in Argentina called “Perito Moreno”. This is not the location of the glacier, and hence can cause quite the confusion. Get yourself to El Calafate and you should be good to go.

7) Where to Stay in El Calafate

El Calafate is a beautiful Patagonian town built to cater for tourists, who fly from all over the world to visit Perito Moreno.

You will find hotels within walking distance to town center and also some that are further out from town. If taking part of a tour (like to Cerro Frias ), most of them do pick people up directly from hotels.

Below you can find some highly rated and reviewed hotel options to choose from during your trip to El Calafate. During high season, top options can sell out.

I would recommend booking your accommodation as soon as you know your dates:

• Mirador del Lago Hotel
• Calafate Parque Hotel
• Lagos Del Calafate
• Xelena Hotel & Suites (luxury)
• Calafate Hostel (budget)

Learn More : Check out this Patagonia Itinerary that can better help you put together a complete trip to the region, including Perito Moreno Glacier.

8) How to Get to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

Once situated in El Calafate, it is then time to begin the journey to Perito Moreno Glacier. From town center, you can expect the drive to take just around 90 minutes.

The entrance gate to the National Park is located around 1 hour into the drive, where you will show / buy your entrance tickets. Once all set, it is another 30 minutes towards the parking lot.

Below are the main ways to get yourself from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier. Note that if joining a tour, you won’t need to worry about logistics since transport is usually taken care of.

Bus to Perito Moreno Glacier

One of the most cost-efficient ways to head to Perito Moreno Glacier is by bus. You will find departures in both directions run by a few different companies .

While it may not be as convenient as driving yourself or taking a taxi, you should still have the flexibility to choose from a solid set of options.

One of the main companies running busses back & forth is called Caltur, who run two round trip routes per day:

• Option 1 : 9:00AM Departure / 4:00PM Return
• Option 2 : 1:00PM Departure / 7:30PM Return

You can expect round trip bus tickets to be around $40 USD, with busses leaving from the main terminal in town.

As previously mentioned, renting a car in Patagonia is certainly an option to consider . During my travels around the world, I loved having the flexibility to always be on my own schedule and not needing to worry about logistics.

This will give you the chance to head there right at opening time before crowds of other tourists arrive. Having the boardwalks all to yourself will be a beautiful experience to take in.

If you don’t have a car and are not keen on taking the bus, a taxi is another easy and convenient option to consider . You can find taxis in town or have your hotel set one up for you.

This way you will have transportation to the glacier, spend as much time as you would like, and then return back with your driver.

Depending on how many hours you spend there, expect it to cost anywhere around $100 USD. While a bit more on the expensive side, it can be worth it if splitting among several people.

The cheapest and most risky of options is to hitchhike your way from town to Perito Moreno Glacier. While this is not something I did during my time there, I saw plenty of people trying to do so.

Simply make your way to outside of town, on the road leading to the glacier. Write up a sign and hold it out, and hope that someone makes some room for you in their car.

Of course, you can also mix and match several of the above. Taxi to the glacier and bus back, or bus to the glacier and hitchhike back. No matter what there are plenty of options to consider.

As mentioned, you can also do a glacier hike or take part of kayak/boat tours. By taking part of these options, transport will already be taken care of for you.

As part of the price of the tour, a bus or van will come pick you up at your hotel in the morning and then drop you off at day’s end (or give you a specific meeting spot in town).

Learn More : Check out this complete overview of how to get to Perito Moreno Glacier

9) How Much Does it Cost

The entrance fee for Perito Moreno Glacier costs around $25 USD for a single day ticket .

You can also opt for a two day pass which will give you 50% off on the second day of a visit. The use of the 2 nd day can be made up to 72 hours after the first entry.

Note that I did not include the price in ARS and mentioned “around” $25 USD. This is due to the constant devaluation of the Argentinian Peso.

So, you will consistently be seeing the local price changing over time. Due to this, it is easier to speak in USD, where you will find a ticket to be between $25-$30 give or take.

Most tours do not include the entrance ticket in the tour price. You can save time by just purchasing tickets online beforehand, or pay in cash at the entrance.

10) Best Time to Visit

When deciding when is the best time to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier you will to consider two main aspects – time of year & time of day:

Time of Year

From a time of year perspective, the best time to visit Patagonia in general will be during its summer months between December and February . During this time you will have long days and calmer overall weather.

Visiting in the shoulder months of October, November & March, April are not bad choices either. You will have fewer tourists around and will still have the chance for some optimal weather days.

Time of Day

The entrance gates to Los Glacieres National Park are open from 8:00AM – 6:00PM from September to April, and 9:00AM – 4:00PM from May to August. While the gates close at 6PM/4PM, you can stay for an additional two hours past closing time.

If going about a tour, you will be stuck to whatever schedule they lay out for you. However, if just visiting the boardwalks, you can pick and choose when to head there and back.

For the most peaceful times, I would recommend an early morning visit to the boardwalk. This will give you the chance to enjoy the boardwalks without the crowds.

It will also give you ample time to walk as much of the boardwalks as you would like and find some spots that are not frequented by others.

If you visit in the afternoon, it gives you a better chance to see ice breaking away from the glacier. This is due to the sun warming up the glacier throughout the day. While you still can experience some ice breaks in the morning, they are known to more frequent in the afternoon.

11) Weather & Forecasts

Not only will you need to think about time of year and time of day, but you also will need to consider the Perito Moreno weather forecast.

Patagonia is well known for its unpredictable and overcast weather, even during its summer season. As you are planning your trip, you very well may want to add extra buffer days in each place you visit to account for this weather.

I would recommend checking out Meteoblue or Windguru for up to date weather forecasts of the glacier itself.

You are looking for clearer days, so you can enjoy the full landscape of the glacier out in front of you. While it is hard to get a perfectly clear day, you want to at least avoid those heavy clouds and rain that can make their way to the area.

12) Patagonia Packing List

Hiking in Patagonia is all about layers and proper footwear. Since the weather can turn very quickly, you will want to be prepared for all types of conditions.

In general, I found layering to be the upmost important part of a trip. On all day hikes in Patagonia, I brought along the following layers:

• Hiking Shorts
• Hiking Pants
• Short Sleeve Shirt
• Long Sleeve Shirt / Sun Hoodie
• Mid Layer Fleece
• Puff Jacket
• Packable Rain Jacket

While layers are important so will be your footwear. You want to be sure to bring appropriate waterproof hiking shoes along with solid hiking socks as well.

Additional day hike recommendations include:

• Hiking Backpack & Rain cover
• Water Bottle & Nutrition
• Portable Charger
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Packing List : Be sure to check out the Hiking Packing List guide I put together that will go through all of it and more.

13) Frequently Asked Questions

To finish up this guide to the Perito Moreno Glacier, I figured I would answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Can You Walk on Perito Moreno Glacier?

Yes, you can walk on Perito Moreno Glacier but only as part of a guided trek (Minitrekking or Big Ice). There is no option to go about a glacier hike on your own, so be sure to sign up in advance to reserve your spot on the ice.

Why Should You Visit Perito Moreno Glacier?

When it comes to the world’s glaciers, Perito Moreno is surely one of the top accessible ones to visit. You will get to experience one of the most beautiful glaciers in all of Patagonia in several unique ways.

Getting the chance to take in the views from a far and also walk on the glacier ice itself will be some of the best memories of your trip.

What Can You Do at Perito Moreno Glacier?

I would say there are 4 main things to do at Perito Moreno Glacier:

• Walk along the 5 boardwalk routes that line the shores opposite the glacier
• Head on a glacier hike that will take you onto Perito Moreno glacier itself
• Enjoy a boat ride in Lago Argentino to view the glacier walls from up close
• Make your way onto a kayak to paddle your way through the waters and see the glacier from a new perspective

Whatever you choose here, you certainly cannot go wrong!

How Long Should You Stay in El Calafate?

In my opinion, I would recommend 3 days in El Calafate for an everyday visitor . This will give you the chance to take advantage of some of the best that the area has to offer. In addition, it does give you some extra time in case the weather doesn’t always cooperate.

A three day itinerary could look something like this:

• Perito Moreno Day
• Los Glaciares National Park Glacier Boat Tour
• Enjoy El Calafate / buffer day / Perito Moreno boardwalks*

*If you opt for a glacier hike on your first day you will just have an hour on the boardwalks. You can opt to head back to the glacier for a second time to just focus on the boardwalks and spend hours walking and relaxing along the various paths.

Is Perito Moreno Glacier Worth It?

Without a doubt a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier is well worth the visit. When it comes to glacier experiences, this is going to be on the top of the list.

Whether you are just walking the boardwalks, heading onto the glacier itself, or going on a boat/kayak tour, a visit to Perito Moreno will be one of the top experiences out there.

There is a reason why people add El Calafate to their Patagonia itinerary in general. Perito Moreno is that reason. So, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and you have a fantastic time down in Patagonia!

That about wraps up a guide to the world renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them in below.

Also don’t forget to check out the other Patagonia itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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