Argentina · Trekking

Perito Moreno Ice Trek: Minitrekking with Walkways and Boat Ride

10 Hours Round trip from El Calafate Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Walk on the surface of the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier
  • 02 Cross the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino by boat
  • 03 Explore ice formations, crevasses, glacier mills, and small ponds
  • 04 Learn about glaciology and the glacier’s rupture phenomenon from bilingual guides
  • 05 Enjoy panoramic glacier views from the walkways with selected options
  • 06 Full-day experience from El Calafate in Los Glaciares National Park

Discover one of Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonders on a full-day adventure to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Travel from El Calafate to the glacier area, cross the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino by boat, and get up close to the glacier’s striking southern wall.

With certified bilingual guides and the necessary equipment provided, step onto the ice for a guided mini-trek across the glacier. Along the way, see crevasses, glacier mills, small ponds, and ever-changing ice formations while learning about glaciology, local flora and fauna, and the unique rupture phenomenon of Perito Moreno.

If you select the option with transfers, the experience also includes time at the Perito Moreno walkways, where you can enjoy panoramic views and explore the self-guided trails overlooking the glacier.

At the “Bajo las Sombras” port, you’ll board a boat for a 20-minute crossing of the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino, arriving at the opposite shore directly in front of the glacier’s impressive southern wall.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Perito Moreno Glacier With transfers

After picking up passengers from various hotels, we’ll head out along Provincial Route No. 11 toward Los Glaciares National Park. This extraordinary natural area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The park features breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes, and forests—with the snow- and ice-covered Andes to the west and the arid Patagonian steppe to the east.

Bajo las Sombras Port

At the “Bajo las Sombras” port, you’ll board a boat for a 20-minute crossing of the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino, arriving at the opposite shore directly in front of the glacier’s impressive southern wall.

Important note: For those who have chosen the option without transfers, this is where you will meet your guide who will give you all the necessary instructions.

Perito Moreno Glaciar

Once on the ground, a short 20-minute walk begins with a talk about glaciology along the shore of the lake towards the glacier.   Once on the ice, the guides put on each participant a pair of crampons and give them instructions on how they should walk on the ice. In the about 1:30 hour walk on the glacier, you will be able to appreciate a wide variety of ice formations as well as cracks, glacier mills and small ponds.  The trekking difficulty is moderate. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular, but firm and safe. You will get information about flora and fauna and about the particular phenomenon that only takes place in the Perito Moreno Glacier and that eventually produces its rupture.

After the ice-trek and a 20-minute boat ride back to the port. If you choose the option with transfers the tour includes a visit to the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park .  There, you will be able to enjoy the amazing panoramic landscape of the Glacier and to walk along some of the self guided trails.  If you choose the option without transfers, the walkways are not included. You should go by your own.

In the afternoon, after visiting the walkways and enjoying the beautiful views of the Glacier, we will be returning again to our hotels in El Calafate.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from El Calafate 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Guided mini-trek across El Perito Moreno Glacier
  • All necessary equipment
  • Navigation
  • Professional Spanish-English guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
  • Walkways Perito Moreno (if option selected)

What's Not Included

  • Lunch (you can bring your own)
  • Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park.
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Maximum age is 65 due to age restrictions on the operator's insurance
  • Sports shoes or trekking boots and warm wool or cotton socks are highly recommended
  • Comfortable sportswear, long trousers, warm sweater or pile, water or windproof jacket, sun glasses, sun block and gloves are recommended
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Pickup time may vary between 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM according to availability.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Places are not confirmed if full information is not provided.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Please provide a copy of your child's passport in order to confirm the age of your child. If not, you will have to pay the adult fee. Places are not confirmed if full information is not provided.
  • The Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included. The National Park fee can only be pay at the entrance of the park with Argentinian Pesos  Prices subject to change without notice. Payments with credit card are not allowed. 
  • The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel. 
  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. Office number: (Mon to Fri from 9 to 18 Hs) Emergency mobile: (After office hours)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
El Calafate, AR
Tour start
El Calafate, AR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in El Calafate.

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