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Spanning 250 square kilometers, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a massive wall of blue ice rising up to 74 meters above Lake Argentino. As one of the few advancing glaciers on Earth, it constantly shifts, allowing you to watch colossal ice chunks calve directly into the freezing waters.
Find Guided ToursThe Perito Moreno Glacier is an active ice formation in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina's Santa Cruz Province. Situated 78 kilometers from El Calafate, the glacier spans over 250 square kilometers and stretches 30 kilometers in length. It descends from 2,100 meters in the Andes Mountains down to Lake Argentino at 180 meters above sea level. At its terminus, the glacier presents a front five kilometers wide, with ice walls rising 60 to 74 meters above the water and extending to a total depth of 170 meters.
The ice mass began forming roughly 18,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. It is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest freshwater reserve. Its brilliant blue color results from extreme ice density, which absorbs all light wavelengths except blue. Unlike most global ice masses, Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers on Earth still actively advancing, maintaining a stable condition over the last 50 years.
The history of the glacier is closely tied to 19th-century border disputes. British Chilean Navy captain Juan Tomás Rogers was the first non-indigenous person to record sighting the ice mass in 1879, originally naming it Francisco Gormaz. Rudolph Hauthal later referred to it as Bismarck.
Following the 1881 Boundary Treaty between Chile and Argentina, Lieutenant Iglesias of the Argentine Hydrographic Institute officially named it Perito Moreno in 1899. This title honors Francisco Moreno, an Argentine scientist who mapped the region and defended the country's borders. Recognizing its scientific value and anomalous dynamic behavior, UNESCO declared the glacier a World Heritage Site in 1981.
Discover the full history and cultural significance on our About page.
Four kilometers of steel walkways face the glacier's eastern edge. These multi-tiered platforms allow you to safely observe the massive 60 to 74-meter-high ice walls from various angles. If you sit quietly, you can hear a thunderous cracking roar seconds before colossal blue icebergs crash into Lake Argentino below.
A 20-minute boat ride across Rico Lake brings you to a specialized crampon station. Professional guides lead an hour-and-a-half hike directly on the glacier's surface. You will navigate around deep blue crevasses and small meltwater pools to see the intricate formations of this 18,000-year-old ice mass up close.
Board a scenic catamaran for a one to one-and-a-half-hour cruise across the freezing waters of Lake Argentino. The boat brings you right up to the glacier's five-kilometer-wide front terminus. This vantage point provides a clear, water-level view to photograph the dense, brilliant blue ice and intricate surface patterns.
Paddle a double kayak through the frigid waters of Lago Argentino. Navigating around floating chunks of ice brings you incredibly close to the towering glacial face. This provides an unparalleled perspective of the 170-meter-deep glacier from the water line, far removed from the crowds on the main viewing decks.
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Free Cancellation 14h The optimal time to visit Perito Moreno Glacier is from December to March during the southern hemisphere summer. This period provides the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, and full access to all daily ice trekking excursions.
Operating as a shoulder season, these months provide a balance of manageable weather and fewer crowds. Park hours extend starting September 1, and prices are generally lower than peak summer.
This peak season features the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. All daily excursions, including the Minitrekking and Big Ice treks, are fully operational during these months.
This shoulder season is characterized by beautiful autumn colors across the landscape. Visitors benefit from reduced crowds and lower prices, though temperatures begin dropping as winter approaches.
Weather conditions are extremely rigorous, with temperatures dropping to -2°C and limited daylight. Ice trekking excursions are completely unavailable, and heavy snowfall can temporarily close park access roads.
Opening hours vary by season. From September 1 to April 30, the park operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last admission at 6:00 PM. During the peak months of December and January, hours frequently extend until 10:00 PM. The winter season runs from May 1 to August 31, with reduced hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and a final admission at 4:00 PM. The park remains open year-round except for closures on December 25 and January 1.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Adults | ARS 45,000 (approx. $31 USD) / ARS 50,000 starting June 1, 2026 |
| Argentine National Residents | ARS 15,000 / ARS 25,000 starting June 1, 2026 |
| Argentine Students | ARS 7,000 / ARS 15,000 starting June 1, 2026 |
| Santa Cruz Provincial Residents | ARS 5,000 / ARS 8,000 starting June 1, 2026 |
| Retirees, Pensioners, and People with Disabilities | Free (with valid proof or CUD) |
General entry tickets are available at the entrance booth or online and do not require advance reservations. A two-day promotional pass provides a 50% discount on a second entry if used within 72 hours of the first visit. Specialized excursions like Minitrekking and Big Ice hikes require separate, advance bookings as they frequently sell out.
For complete schedules and ticket prices, visit our Hours & Fees page.
The glacier is located approximately 78 kilometers from El Calafate, which serves as the primary transport hub. Visitors can reach the park entrance by traveling west along Route 11 using buses, rental cars, or private taxis.
📍 Los Glaciares National Park, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Regular highway coaches and local operators depart daily from the main bus terminal in El Calafate. The most frequent morning schedules leave between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, returning around 4:00 PM. An afternoon alternative departs at 1:00 PM and returns at 7:00 PM. This public transit route spans 80 kilometers.
Renting a vehicle provides flexibility for visitors wanting complete control over their schedule. Drivers follow the well-maintained and scenic Route 11 for 80 kilometers directly to the park. This method allows you to arrive before the morning tour groups or stay late until the gates close. Sharing the expense among four people makes it highly economical.
Taxis can be hired for the entire day directly from agencies or hotels in El Calafate. The driver takes you the 80 kilometers to the glacier and waits at the park for several hours while you explore. It is a highly comfortable and direct transport method. The overall price becomes quite reasonable when split among three or four passengers.
Public buses operate the 350-kilometer route from Puerto Natales in Chile to El Calafate. Travel times frequently exceed six hours due to potential delays at border control queues. Private day tours are available starting at $110 USD. However, spending the night in El Calafate is highly recommended to prevent a rushed schedule at the glacier.
For detailed transport options and routes, visit our Directions page.
Plan to reach the park gates between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This timing allows you to explore the four-kilometer boardwalk network in solitude before tour buses arrive. You will also secure the best morning light for photographing the 60-meter-high ice walls.
The massive ice field generates a freezing microclimate that causes temperatures to drop rapidly. Wear thermal layers, gloves, and a windproof jacket even during the summer months. Sturdy hiking boots are essential because the metal viewing walkways become highly slippery when wet.
If you plan to split your activities across multiple days, ask for the promotional entry pass at the gate. This ticket provides a 50% discount on your second consecutive day. You must use the second entry within 72 hours of your initial visit to qualify.
Tour operators strictly enforce age restrictions for walking on the glacier and will check your passport. The Minitrekking excursion is limited to visitors aged 8 to 65. The demanding seven-hour Big Ice trek is strictly restricted to individuals between 18 and 50 years old.
The national park has one small restaurant near the main parking lot, but the food is expensive and seating is heavily limited. Pack your own food and water before leaving El Calafate. You can eat your lunch on the outdoor benches while watching the glacier.
Park rangers strictly prohibit the use of drones anywhere inside Los Glaciares National Park to protect local wildlife. Attempting to fly one is completely forbidden. Instead, pack a standard camera with a 40-150mm or 12-100mm zoom lens to capture detailed photographs of the ice patterns.
Located just north of El Calafate, this reserve features a 3-kilometer trail spanning five distinct natural environments. It hosts nearly a hundred bird species and provides excellent opportunities to view Chilean flamingos in the late afternoon.
This modern museum delivers essential scientific context regarding the history and dynamics of Patagonian glaciers. Touring the exhibits before heading to the national park significantly enriches your understanding of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
These archaeological caves contain ancient rock paintings that provide factual insights into the region's past. Taking an English-speaking guided tour serves as a solid introduction to the early human history of Patagonia.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Perito Moreno Glacier — from practical tips to personal highlights.
For the 2025-2026 season, the entry fee for foreign adults is ARS 45,000 (about $31 USD), which increases to ARS 50,000 starting June 1, 2026. If you plan to visit two days in a row, you can purchase a promotional pass that provides a 50% discount on the second consecutive day.
During the summer season from September 1 to April 30, the park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last admission at 6:00 PM. In the winter from May 1 to August 31, hours shift to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with final entry at 4:00 PM.
The glacier is located 80 kilometers from El Calafate, requiring about a 1.5-hour drive. You can take a daily bus from the terminal for $25 to $35 USD one way, hire a round-trip taxi for $75 to $130 USD, or rent a car for $55 to $150 USD per day to drive along Route 11.
Walking the four kilometers of main boardwalks takes 2 to 3 hours. A half-day visit of 4 to 5 hours provides enough time to walk the trails and add a 1-hour boat cruise. If you plan to participate in a guided ice trek, you will need a full day of 6 to 10 hours.
You need to dress in multiple layers, including a windproof jacket, thermals, gloves, and a beanie, as winter temperatures can drop to -2°C. The metal boardwalks frequently become slippery when wet, so wear sturdy hiking boots or running shoes with excellent traction.
The main viewing area is partially accessible, featuring ramps and an elevator that brings visitors directly to the main viewing deck. There is also a dedicated accessible parking lot closer to the entrance. However, adventure activities like the 1.5-hour Minitrekking or 7-hour Big Ice treks are completely inaccessible for wheelchair users.
General park entry tickets do not require advance reservations and can be purchased at the entrance booth upon arrival. However, specialized activities with limited daily capacities, such as the 1.5-hour Minitrekking or the 7-hour Big Ice hike, frequently sell out and must be booked weeks in advance.
Yes, tour operators strictly enforce age limits for all ice trekking excursions and will check passports for verification. The Minitrekking excursion is limited to individuals aged 8 to 65, while the demanding 7-hour Big Ice trek is restricted to adults aged 18 to 50.
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