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Tour: Minitrekking Perito Moreno

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The Minitrekking is the most complete tour to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate as it includes ice trekking , a walk along the shore of the lake in front of the glacier and through the forest, a boat tour by the south wall and the visit to the balconies . You will appreciate cracks, drains, lagoons and deep blue ice formations. During the ice trekking, you will enjoy a glass of whisky with ice from the Perito Moreno Glacier while exploring and walking on one of the most famous and beautiful glaciers in the world.

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The Minitrekking on Perito Moreno tour offers a unique opportunity to explore from El Calafate one of the most beautiful glaciers in the world. This exciting excursion takes you on a complete visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier by including the walk on the ice called Minitrekking, a boat tour in front of the southern wall of the glacier and the visit to the balconies, always accompanied by an expert guide. If you book the tour with transfer from El Calafate, we will pick you up at your hotel to undertake the 78 km journey until reaching the Perito Moreno Glacier within Los Glaciares National Park . If you do not include the transfer, you must get to Port Bajo de las Sombras, located 7 km before arriving at the glacier, where you will embark to cross the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino in a 20 minutes boat tour. Once you cross the Brazo Rico of the lake, you will get to a refuge, where the guides organize groups of up to 20 people. From there, a walk along the shore of the lake begins, with the view of the Perito Moreno from the front and with the possibility of seeing iceslides, until reaching the glacier, where you will put on the crampons necessary to walk on the ice and that will allow you not to slip. After a talk on glaciology, the Minitrekking begins, in which you can see cracks, seracs, sinks and small lagoons . The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes place on an irregular ice surface, but firm and safe. The trekking is led by experienced guides who will provide you with all the necessary equipment and safety instructions. During the ice trekking, a glass of whiskey with ice from the glacier will be offered. After the Minitrekking on Perito Moreno, you will return to the refuge walking along a path in the forest where you will be invited a hot drink and a souvenir will be delivered. Then, you will embark again to approach to the south wall of the glacier. Upon arriving at Port Bajo de las Sombras, you will be transported to the balconies located in the front of the glacier, from where you can have a different perspective of the landscape while you visit the famous balconies of the Perito Moreno. Finally, you undertake the journey back to the city of El Calafate after having walked on one of the natural wonders of the world and having explored it from different views. No previous experience is required and anyone who meets the age limits, the requirements listed on the website and has a normal physical condition can make the tour.

The schedule, order and the activities can vary depending on the organization of the day.

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Other Tours that offer Ice Trekking

Big Ice Perito Moreno

ARS$ 500000

Physically demanding tour whose main difference with Minitrekking is that it includes trekking on ice for 3 hours and 4 hours hiking in the Patagonian forest next to the Perito Moreno Glacier, allowing you to get to its center. During the Big Ice, you can see incredible blue lagoons, deep cracks, eternal drains and, occasionally, ice caves . You will enjoy a picnic surrounded by unparalleled beauty, finishing the experience with a glass of whiskey with ice from the Perito Moreno while doing the boat tour.

Minitrekking Perito Moreno 2.0

ARS$ 400000

The Minitrekking 2.0 is an excursion with more physical demand than the classic Minitrekking as it gets closer to the center of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You will visit this glacier from El Calafate doing ice trekking , a walk along the coast of the lake in front of the glacier and through the forest arriving closer to its center, a boat tour along the southern wall of the glacier and the visit to the balconies . You can see cracks, sinkholes, lagoons and deep blue ice formations. During the Minitrekking 2.0, you will enjoy a glass of whiskey with ice from the Perito Moreno Glacier while you explore it more in depth than in the classic excursion and with a higher level of demand.

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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

• 9.50 / 10 824 reviews | 9,705 travellers Spectacular, everything was very punctual and comfortable. Gustavo and José's attention was excellent, we really enjoyed this tour and the experience in general. 10 Luis Trejos
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
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About the Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park

Discover Argentina's awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier , known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Stretching nearly three miles along a striking azure lake, this majestic glacier is the planet's third-largest reserve of fresh water . Nestled in Patagonia , it's a symbol of natural grandeur slowly advancing from Chile's Torres del Paine to Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park.

Tour Highlights

Explore the wonders of Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park with our comprehensive Perito Moreno Glacier Tour . Here's what you can expect:

• Hotel Pickup : Begin your adventure with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in El Calafate at around 9 am.
• Scenic Drive to Los Glaciares National Park : Enjoy an 80 km drive through picturesque landscapes as we head towards the Glaciares National Park.
• Arrival at Perito Moreno Glacier : Reach the glacier and marvel at its breathtaking beauty. The icy cliffs, stretching nearly three miles along the azure lake, create a mesmerizing spectacle.
• Guided Glacier Tour : Accompanied by an expert guide, embark on a journey of discovery along various observation walkways. Each pathway offers a unique perspective on the glacier, while your guide shares fascinating insights into its history, the surrounding area, and the diverse flora and fauna.
• Free Time for Exploration : Immerse yourself in the landscape during your free time. Capture stunning photographs, savor a bite to eat, or enjoy a relaxing coffee as you absorb the natural wonders around you.
• Return Journey : After an unforgettable day, we’ll begin the journey back to El Calafate, arriving around 5 pm.

Optional Cruise

Extend your adventure with an optional Cruise around the Perito Moreno Glacier . You’ll experience a one-hour boat ride around the lake, offering an unparalleled perspective from close up to admire the glacier’s massive size—6 kilometers wide (3.75 miles) and up to 60 meters high (200 feet). Witness the spectacle of glacier calving, where chunks of ice break away and cascade into the sea. This highly recommended cruise adds an unforgettable dimension to your Perito Moreno experience.

Transport to the Perito Moreno Glacier

If you prefer to go on your own to the glacier and simply have free time once you arrive, we recommend checking out this transport-only option: bus to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate .

More Information

8 hours 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Hotel pickup and drop off

Transport by bus or minibus

English–speaking guide

Boat trip (depending on selection)

Not included

Admission ticket to Los Glaciers National Park: 10,000 ARS ( US$ 10.40) for Argentinian adults, 30,000 ARS ( US$ 31.30) for foreign adults and 4,000 ARS ( US$ 4.20) for Argentinian kids aged between 6 and 10; free for kids under 6 of any nationality, retired Argentinians, and individuals with a disability and the person accompanying them, of any nationality

When to book?

You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. An accompanying person is required. Accessible toilets. Free wheelchair loan service available.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Ryan's Travel S.a. Show more

Corporate name: RYAN'STRAVEL S.A.

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Will we visit the walkways in front of the glacier or those further away?

A - Once in the park, you can visit all the walkways.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

You may also be interested in.

Patagonia Glacier Cruise + Lunch

Perito Moreno Glacier Hike

Kayaking in El Calafate

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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 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 Argentina. It’s also surprisingly easy to do on a day trip from the town of El Calafate, in Patagonia’s southern 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 Tours To The Perito Moreno Glacier 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 Travel Tips For Patagonia

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 Tours To The Perito Moreno Glacier

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. That’s what I did, and 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 Travel Tips For Patagonia

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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El Calafate Balconies

Darwin Experience: Kayak in Rio Santa Cruz

Private transfer between El Calafate and Torres del Paine

Boat tour Mayo Spirit Trek

Tours in el calafate.

El Calafate is the gateway to Perito Moreno . This city, located in Patagonia Argentina is one of the main destinations in the country, being the closest to Los Glaciares National Park .

At Howlanders, we bring you closer to the glaciers so that you can enjoy them in the way that best suits you. That's why, with our tours in El Calafate , you can see them from a footbridge, walk on the Perito Moreno glacier and even kayak among icebergs . Do you feel the adrenaline?

El Calafate is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular destinations in the Argentine Patagonia, a gift of nature and a mandatory stop on the path of any adventurer.

Boat Tours in El Calafate

With the boat tours in El Calafate you will visit the Perito Moreno and sail on Lake Argentino. They are undoubtedly one of the activities you have to do during your visit to El Calafate to visit Los Glaciares National Park.

There are 4 different navigations and we will tell you about them below:

Glaciares Gourmet is the only boat tour in which you visit the 5 main glaciers: Upsala, Spegazzini, Perito Moreno, Heim and Seco . A disembark at Puesto Las Vacas is made, so you will take a half hour hike and return to the boat for lunch.

Todo Glaciares boat tour (All Glaciers)

Todo Glaciares (All Glaciers) is a very complete boat tour, in which you visit 4 of the main glaciers (including Perito Moreno) and disembark for lunch and a walk in front of the Spegazzini glacier. It has a great restaurant and walkways and viewpoints so you can stroll around.

Safari Azul (Blue Safari)

The Safari Azul is a shorter navigation, but the only navigation that allows you to get up close and personal with the Perito Moreno wall, which makes it a very popular option for travelers who do not want to do the mini trekking on top of the glacier but want to see it up close. In addition, it also includes a visit to the Perito Moreno walkways.

Mayo Spirit Trek boat tour

Mayo Spirit Trek is a boat tour that allows you to walk through more remote areas of the park. It is a combination of boat trips to access areas for short hiking trails. You sail in front of the Perito Moreno wall and disembark to visit the walkways overlooking the glacier.

Minitrekking is undoubtedly the most popular tour in El Calafate. It consists of a short navigation in front of the glacier wall to reach a beach. Always accompanied by a guide and equipped with crampons, you will walk on the ice of the Perito Moreno glacier for an hour and a half . In addition, if you select the option with transfers from El Calafate, you will also visit the walkways of the Perito Moreno.

The most adventurous travelers can opt for the Big Ice Perito Moreno , the most demanding version of the mini trekking in which you walk for 3 hours on the glacier.

Tours to Perito Moreno

In addition to boat tours in El Calafate or walking on the ice of the Perito Moreno , there are also other alternatives:

Kayaking in the Perito Moreno

A tour in which you will kayak in front of the Perito Moreno wall , surrounding small icebergs that have broken off from the glacier.

El Calafate to Perito Moreno foodbridges Tour

With transfer from El Calafate, it consists of a visit to the walkways of the Perito Moreno to which you can add a small navigation to be able to appreciate the glacier wall more closely.

Ready for your next trip?

Popular tours in Argentina

Main destinations in argentina, popular tours.

• El Calafate & The Glaciers

El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier

• Discover the Patagonian nature around the town of El Calafate
• Walk along the boardwalk as the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier creaks and calves into Lake Argentino.
• Take a boat cruise close enough to feel the crisp breeze from the ice on your face and tour the breathtaking glacier.
• Best time to travel: From October to April

Welcome to your 3-day tour in El Calafate - 4WD Trip to Tehuelches' Caves

• Transfer from El Calafate airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Southern Patagonia welcomes you with open arms. Upon arrival, we will bring you to your hotel and have the remainder of your day to relax or explore the surroundings.

El Calafate is a starting point for adventure-seeking travelers who chase to unearth the most spellbinding natural wonders of Patagonia, like the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the only glaciers in the world that’s still advancing. Though it’s not the only glacier in the area, it’s the one that made the city of El Calafate famous worldwide. For many years now, El Calafate has been considered the capital of the glaciers. Located at the shore of Lago Argentino (the southernmost, largest Patagonian lake) it’s also home to the Spegazzini glacier, which forms the natural border between Argentina and Chile, and the Upsala Glacier, named Glaciar del Gigante (Giant’s glacier). It’s the biggest glacier that sits at the mouth of Lake Argentino.

But there is much more to see in El Calafate than glaciers. Make the most of your free day and discover other secret gems of the region.

• 4WD trip to Tehuelches’ Caves

In the afternoon, we will pick you up at your hotel to enjoy an excursion in a 4×4 vehicle along the shore of Argentino Lake. You are entering the lands of the Tehuelches. Enjoy the sight of their ancient caves and wild paintings at the lakeshore. Explore the original landscapes of the natives, enjoy a 3-course lunch, and live the experience of eating inside a Tehuelche cave. At the end of the experience, we’ll drive you back to your hotel in El Calafate.

Mayo Trek Spirit & Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

• Meet the icy giant of Patagonia

Get ready to explore secluded glaciers, only reachable by boat, in an 8-hour day trip combining short boat trips and hikes. Start the day with a pick-up at your hotel, travel to Puerto Bandera inside Glaciers National Park, and embark on today’s first navigation.

Sail Mayo Channel and disembark on Toro Bay to hike through the Patagonian forest; your specialized guide will tell you about the vegetation of this area (very different from other kinds inside the park) and show you the millenary cherry tree and its 3-meter-in diameter trunk.

Set sail again to reach the Cerro Negro (Black Hill) and make a half-mile soft hike to the base of the hill to admire the hanging Black Glacier. Enjoy your free time in this place that not many travelers have seen, before departing for our third stop, the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

Our boat will pass by the immense icy wall -take your beanie and grab your camera, you may see a piece of ice breaking!- before stopping at Puerto Moreno.

Enjoy your free time, wander the traditional catwalk circuit that surrounds the glacier before sailing back to Puerto Bandera, and be driven back to El Calafate.

Say Hueque Tips

• Why is the Perito Moreno Glacier the main attraction in El Calafate?

Because is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Due to this phenomenon, once in a while, the glacier reaches the other side of Rico’s lake arm, forming a dam that is carved by the waters. A 16-foot vault appears, a kind of bridge between the glacier and the continental lands can be seen for a long period, until one unpredictable day, it falls and sinks into the water.  Few people in the world have been in the right time and moment to see this spectacle of nature.

The end of your 3-day tour in El Calafate

• Transfer from your hotel to the airport

At the appropriate time, we will drive you to the airport where you’ll take your flight to your next destination.  This is the end of your tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier and the city of El Calafate.  Don’t be discouraged! You can return whenever you want (we will welcome you with open arms) or…

Continue your trip towards the North area of Argentina, to the beautiful Salta region or the wine area in Mendoza. We have still a lot to offer!—Check out these trips to Argentina .

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• Prices in US Dollars.
• Valid until April 2025 (ask for prices at Christmas and New Year).
• Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
• Flights are not included in the price but can be arranged on request.
• 2-night accommodation in El Calafate
• Daily Breakfast
• Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
• Bilingual guide (English / Spanish)
• National Park entrance fees
• International or domestic flights
• Travel / Medical Insurance –  Follow this link to get a free quote  (only available for U.S. Travelers)

ESTIMATED COST FOR THE FLIGHTS ON THIS TRIP: Local flights cost from $150 per person per segment. We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.

Customize Your Adventure:

Share your trip plans, and we’ll tailor it to your needs and budget.

We deeply care about our planet, just like you do. When you book with us, you’re not only fulfilling your travel dreams but also leaving a positive impact on the destination you’re about to discover. We are proud to plant 10 trees in damaged zones of Patagonia for every traveler. It feels good to do it right.  Let’s move beyond sustainable!

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We have been remiss in writing to thank you and your team at Say Hueque for organizing our two weeks in Argentina. We had a fabulous time. All of the tours and especially the tour guides were excellent. Our hotels were perfect as well. We especially want to mention Ramiro Garcia, who was our tour guide and driver for our five days in Salta. We were surprised that we had a private tour. We couldn’t have picked a better guide. He was a perfect host and showed us so much of your beautiful country.

Thanks for making our trip to Argentina special and memorable. We have passed along your name to several people thinking about adding Argentina to their travel plans.

Thank you and the entire team for making our trip a wonderful experience. The accommodations were terrific. The tour guide in Santiago was particularly wonderful. Can't say enough about Patagonia Camp. The staff, yurt experience and natural beauty made the camp experience truly memorable.

Thank you again

PS what a great idea to plant trees.

We’ve been home almost a week now. Hard to believe our adventure is now just a memory. But what a great one! Hats off to the two of you for your huge efforts and contributions to making our vacation such a success.

With sincere thanks, Linda

We (my wife and I) just arrived back in Norway after a 3 week long tailer made trip to Argentina. I will just express my gratitude towards your staff who helped us make this trip a success.

They were extremely professional and helpful during the planning of our journey and during our stay in Argentina. We have travelled a lot around the world and used many different agencies to help us plan the journeys. But our experience with Say Hueque is the best so far. Immediate and nice response to our questions/suggestions and during the roundtrip everything went 100% as planned. Extremely well organized. We have already decided to come back to explore more of your country - hopefully in cooperation with Say Hueque!

All the best

I wanted to express our gratitude for your exceptional assistance in planning our recent trip to Argentina and Chile. The experience exceeded all expectations, and we are incredibly thankful for your recommendations that played a significant role in creating lasting memories for our family.

Here are some highlights from our trip that we wanted to share: Glacial trek, Aldebaran Hotel - a unanimous favorite for its post-trek relaxation and rejuvenating massages, El Chalten hikes and the New Year's Eve dinner

We had an incredible journey, and your contributions made it truly special.

Thank you once again for your excellent planning and support. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Best regards

My brother and I had a fantastic time in Patagonia and are so grateful for everything you did to make this such an amazing trip!! The itinerary you put together for us was perfect and we especially enjoyed the Laguna de los tres hike and big ice trek on the Perito Moreno glacier. Thank you so much for squeezing us into all the activities and accommodations. We are already looking forward to coming back and I've attached a few pictures of us :).

The trip was absolutely fantastic. We had such a great time! The guides were all knowledgeable and enthusiastic and a lot of fun to spend the days with. I want to give personal recognition to the tours/groups in Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdes, and the jeep tour on day 1 of Rio de Janeiro. Thank you for your hard work and support for setting up this trip. The Vamos app is also fantastic and really helped throughout the trip!

I hope to keep in touch for any future trips!

Gracias y saludos a todos!

The most remarkable aspect of the expedition was, undoubtedly, the breathtaking wildlife. The landscapes were a sanctuary to an array of unique creatures. Majestic whales gracefully breached the icy waters, while adorable penguins waddled along the shores, seemingly unfazed by our presence. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat was an experience that words cannot fully capture. It's a memory that will forever be etched in my mind.

the service on the cruise was exceptional. The crew’s knowledge and passion for the region were evident in their informative lectures and their willingness to share their expertise. They ensured our safety while also going above and beyond to make our journey comfortable and memorable.

This cruise to Antarctica was an incredible expedition. Adventure, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters were the main stars. Luckily we enjoyed a smooth sail through the Drake Passage, so we could admire the astounding wildlife, and the outstanding service made this journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exceeded all expectations. If you seek an adventure that stirs the soul and leaves an indelible mark, an Antarctic cruise is an absolute must.

El Calafate

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El Calafate - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires - Iguazú Falls

Buenos Aires - Calafate - Chaltén - Ushuaia - Torres del Paine

Buenos Aires - Perito Moreno Glacier - Chaltén - Ushuaia

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Glaciares Gourmet

Glaciares Gourmet experience offers the most exclusive service in Los Glaciares National Park  from El Calafate, crossing the waters of the Argentinian Lake aboard the  ‘María Turquesa’  Cruise and visiting the  Upsala, Spegazzini and Perito Moreno glaciers .  It is the only navigation that allows you to visit the three main glaciers of the national park in the same day , combining it with a walk through the forest on the Spegazzini Canal. ‘Glaciares Gourmet’ proposes to cross the waters of the  ‘Lago Argentino’  sailing in front of walls of more than 50 meters high, deep blue ancient ice and majestic icebergs, allowing you to enjoy nature in all its magnitude. What differentiates this excursion from other similar ones is that it offers a one hour  walk in the forest inside the Spegazzini Canal , a visit to the Upsala, Spegazzini and Perito Moreno glaciers in the same day and an additional lunch is offered on board with a menu of the Premium Lounge.

The ship has capacity for 200 passengers  distributed in two rooms (the Main deck with capacity for 180 passengers and the  Premium deck with capacity for 16 passengers ) and is aimed at those travelers who seek personalized attention and excellent service on board. The Premium lounge is equipped with its own kitchen, toilet and private sun deck, characterized by offering a four-course tasting menu presented by the chef on board. The cruise allows you to comfortably contemplate the majesty of the glaciers and landscapes, from its four exterior sun decks. If you book ‘Glaciares Gourmet’ with transfer from your hotel in El Calafate, we will pick you up from 7:00 am. to go to ‘Puerto Punta Bandera’. There, the navigation begins in the direction of the iceberg barrier of the ‘Upsala Canal’, to cross it and go to the Spegazzini Glacier, which is the highest in the country, where it will descend in ‘Puesto de las Vacas’. Here the engines of the ‘María Turquesa’ Cruise are silenced and an interesting walk coordinated by the team of guides takes place. Once back on the boat, the navigation towards the Perito Moreno Glacier is undertaken while the gourmet lunch is offered on board for the passengers who sail on the Premium Deck. After visiting this third glacier, the return to the port of ‘Punta Bandera’ is undertaken, to then return to your hotel in El Calafate.

Gourmet Glaciers with transfer: The passenger will be picked up at the hotel where they are staying and at the end of the tour they will be returned to the same place. If you are not staying in a hotel/hostel, a meeting point will be assigned to begin the pick up.

Gourmet Glaciers without transfer: Passengers must arrive at the Punta Bandera Port at the indicated time. The transfer can only be added more than 7 days in advance of the chosen date. Check route here .

Box Lunch Menu: Chicken sandwich / snacks / drinks. Premium Menu: Country terrine / northern humita soup / lamb shoulders with olive tapenade, black beans and ground vegetables / alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Adaptation of the menu for vegetarians and celiacs with prior notice.

To Consider

• Duration: 10 hours (pick up times for hotels may vary by 30 minutes).
• Difficulty level: EASY.
• Age: Tour suitable for all ages
• Recommendations: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable and warm clothing, hat, waterproof jacket, gloves, trekking boots or shoes with laces.
• Includes: Box Lunch (sandwich, snack, sweets, drink) or VIP lunch, depending on the option chosen. Navigation in front of the Upsala Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier. Disembarkation in Glacier Bay. Bilingual guide throughout the tour.
• Not included: Entrance to the National Park. It can be obtained in advance Click Here

See terms and conditions

GLACIARES GOURMET'S TOUR ROUTE

PHOTO GALLERY

Navigation in Upsala, Spegazzini and Perito Moreno.

Special offer

Compare with similar tours.

Compare with excursion

Mayo Spirit Trek

Moreno Spirit

Safari Azul

Todo Glaciares

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Glaciares Gourmet y Mayo Spirit Trek.

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Glaciares Gourmet y Moreno Spirit.

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Glaciares Gourmet y Safari Azul.

Below you will find the main differences between the excursions. Glaciares Gourmet y Todo Glaciares.

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