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Perito Moreno Glacier

Perito Moreno Glacier Tours from El Calafate

4.4 (438 reviews)

Explore the massive ice formations of Los Glaciares National Park with a guided trip from El Calafate. Choose from simple round-trip bus transfers, extensive walkway explorations, or immersive boat and ice-trekking tours.

💵 Tours starting from $61
🔄 Free 24-hour cancellation available
🗣️ Bilingual expert guides included
🚢 Boat and ice trek options
Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate Free Cancellation
4.8 (294) ⏱ 8h

Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate

Explore the Perito Moreno Glacier via its network of walkways and a one-hour boat ride along the 80-meter ice walls.

Perito Moreno boat tour from El Calafate: Glaciares Gourmet Free Cancellation
4.5 (98)

Perito Moreno boat tour from El Calafate: Glaciares Gourmet

See five major glaciers on a full-day Lake Argentino cruise featuring a forest walk and an onboard Patagonian lunch.

Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour from El Calafate Free Cancellation
4.5 (30) ⏱ 12h

Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour from El Calafate

A 3.5-hour trek across the Perito Moreno Glacier, exploring ice lagoons, moraines, and Patagonian forest trails.

Round Trip Ticket-Bus to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate Likely to Sell Out
3.6 (5) ⏱ 6h

Round Trip Ticket-Bus to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

Explore Perito Moreno Glacier's walkways at your own pace with round-trip transport from El Calafate Bus Station.

Day Tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate Free Cancellation
5.0 (4) ⏱ 7h 30min

Day Tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

View the Perito Moreno Glacier from accessible boardwalks and explore the surrounding Patagonian forest with a guide.

Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate
4.3 (4)

Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

Watch massive ice blocks crash into the water on this full-day trip to Patagonia’s Perito Moreno Glacier.

Perito Moreno walkways + Boat Tour (optional) from El Calafate Free Cancellation
3.5 (2) ⏱ 8h

Perito Moreno walkways + Boat Tour (optional) from El Calafate

Explore the walkways of Los Glaciares National Park to witness the Perito Moreno Glacier and its crashing ice walls.

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour with Boat Navigation from El Calafate Free Cancellation
5.0 (1) ⏱ 8h

Perito Moreno Glacier Tour with Boat Navigation from El Calafate

Walk the Perito Moreno trails and sail past its ice walls on a guided small-group tour from El Calafate.

Private Tour of Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate Free Cancellation
⏱ 7h

Private Tour of Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate

A 7-hour private tour of Perito Moreno Glacier featuring three hours on the walkways and an optional boat excursion.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Perito Moreno Glacier — from practical tips to personal highlights.

L
Lucas M. Brazil, Jun 2026
4.5

"Booked the basic round-trip bus ticket. It was exactly what we needed—cheap, on time, and gave us about 4 hours to explore the boardwalks at our own pace. We brought our own sandwiches and had a picnic while watching the ice calve. Perfect day."

J
James T. UK, Jun 2026
5.0

"Did the Big Ice Trek and it was the highlight of my Patagonia trip. Hiking on the ice for almost 4 hours was exhausting but the blue crevasses are mind-blowing. They are super strict on the age limit (checked my passport twice), so be aware of that."

E
Emma R. Australia, Mar 2026
4.6

"Great guided tour of the walkways. Our guide pointed out where the ice was most likely to break, and we managed to catch a massive calving event on video! Only downside was the pickup logistics—we had to walk 15 mins to a meeting point because we stayed in an Airbnb."

M
Maria K. USA, Dec 2025
4.9

"The walkways are absolutely incredible! We booked the tour that included the 1-hour boat navigation, and getting that close to the 70-meter ice walls was unreal. Our guide was super knowledgeable about the glacier's history. Just remember to bring cash for the park entrance fee!"

H
Hans W. Germany, Oct 2025
4.7

"The Glaciares Gourmet cruise was worth every penny. Seeing Upsala and Spegazzini before finishing at Perito Moreno gave such great context to the size of the ice field. The lunch provided was excellent, and the boat was very comfortable despite the freezing wind outside."

S
Sarah L. Canada, Jul 2025
4.8

"We opted for a private tour since we had a group of four. Having our own vehicle meant we beat the massive tour buses and had the viewing platforms almost to ourselves in the morning. The metal walkways get pretty slippery though, so wear good boots."

What to Expect on Your Perito Moreno Glacier Tour from El Calafate

A trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate offers a front-row seat to one of Patagonia's most dynamic natural wonders. Whether you are walking the extensive steel boardwalks or strapping on crampons to hike directly across the ice, the sheer scale and thunderous calving of this advancing glacier will leave you speechless.

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The Walkway Network

Wander along four kilometers of multi-tiered steel boardwalks and viewing platforms. This extensive trail system allows you to safely view the massive ice wall from various heights and angles.

⛴️

Glacier Cruises

Board a catamaran and glide across the freezing waters of Lake Argentino. These boat tours bring you incredibly close to the towering 74-meter-high ice walls for unparalleled photos.

⛏️

Ice Trekking

Strap on crampons and walk directly on the glacier's surface. Choose between the standard Minitrekking or the demanding Big Ice trek to explore deep blue crevasses and meltwater pools.

🧊

Ice Calving Events

Sit quietly on the boardwalks and listen for the thunderous cracking sounds. You can frequently witness massive chunks of blue ice breaking away and crashing into the lake below.

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Curva de los Suspiros

Experience your very first breathtaking glimpse of the glacier at the 'Curve of Sighs.' This famous roadside viewpoint is the perfect spot for initial panoramic landscape photographs.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning your glacier excursion requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding ticket inclusions and physical requirements. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.

Park Entrance Fees

Most tours do not include the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee. For the 2025-2026 season, foreign adults must pay ARS 45,000 (about $31 USD) in cash or local currency at the gate.

Tour Types Available

Options range from basic round-trip bus transfers to comprehensive guided tours. You can also book premium experiences like the Glaciares Gourmet cruise or intense ice trekking adventures.

Strict Age Limits

If you want to walk on the ice, strict safety limits apply. Minitrekking is only for ages 8 to 65, while the strenuous Big Ice trek is strictly restricted to ages 18 to 50. Passports are checked.

Book Treks Early

Specialized activities like ice hikes and premium boat cruises have limited daily capacities. They frequently sell out weeks in advance during the peak summer months of December to March.

Pickup Logistics

Tour operators typically only pick up from traditional hotels with reception desks. If you are staying in an Airbnb or private rental, you will be assigned a central meeting point in El Calafate.

Dress for the Microclimate

The massive ice field creates its own chilly, unpredictable microclimate. Always dress in layers, including a windproof jacket, thermals, and a beanie, even if it feels warm in El Calafate.

Cancellation Policies

Most guided tours and boat cruises offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. However, basic bus transfer tickets are often final sale with no refunds available.

Which Perito Moreno Glacier Tour from El Calafate Is Best for You

Round Trip Bus TransferWalkways + Boat CruiseBig Ice TrekGlaciares Gourmet CruisePrivate Glacier Tour
Tour Type Independent travelers on a budgetFamilies and casual sightseersAdventure seekers aged 18-50Seeing multiple glaciers in one dayCouples and groups wanting flexibility
Best For 6 hours8 hours12 hoursFull day7 hours
Duration $61$69 - $150$800$255$98
Price From

Plan Your Visit to Perito Moreno Glacier

Los Glaciares National Park adjusts its operating hours based on the season. The park is closed only on December 25 and January 1.

  • Summer (September 1 - April 30): Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Last admission is at 6:00 PM. During peak months like December and January, hours may be extended until 10:00 PM.
  • Winter (May 1 - August 31): Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last admission is at 4:00 PM.

Arriving right at opening time is highly recommended to experience the boardwalks without the heavy crowds that arrive on mid-morning tour buses.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is located approximately 78 kilometers west of El Calafate. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your mode of transport.

  • Bus: Regular coaches depart from the El Calafate Bus Terminal daily. Tickets cost $25 - $35 USD one way. Most leave around 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM.
  • Rental Car: Renting a car ($55 - $150 USD/day) offers the most flexibility. The drive along Route 11 is fully paved and incredibly scenic.
  • Taxi/Remis: You can hire a taxi for the day for $75 - $130 USD round trip. The driver will wait for you at the park while you explore.

The optimal time to visit the glacier is during the southern hemisphere summer, from December to March. During this window, the weather is warmer, daylight hours are long, and all excursions (including ice trekking) operate daily.

For those looking to avoid peak crowds, the shoulder seasons of October-November and April-May are excellent alternatives, offering beautiful autumn colors and slightly lower prices.

It is best to avoid the winter months of June to August. Temperatures can drop to -2°C, daylight is limited, access roads may close due to snow, and ice trekking tours are completely unavailable.

The main viewing area of the Perito Moreno Glacier is partially accessible for visitors with limited mobility.

  • Walkways: The park features a well-maintained network of trails and ramps. There is an elevator that brings wheelchair users directly to the main viewing deck.
  • Parking: A dedicated accessible parking lot is located closer to the entrance for convenience.
  • Restrictions: Adventure activities like the Minitrekking and Big Ice hikes are completely inaccessible due to the physical demands of walking on uneven ice. Additionally, seniors over 65 are not permitted on any ice treks.

While the national park is well-maintained, facilities near the glacier are somewhat limited, so preparation is key.

  • Food and Drink: There is a small restaurant and snack bar near the main parking lot. However, the food is quite expensive and seating is limited. It is highly recommended to pack your own lunch and water to enjoy a picnic on the outdoor benches.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at the main visitor center and near the lower parking lot.
  • Shelter: There are a few covered areas along the boardwalks to escape sudden rain, but you will mostly be exposed to the elements.

To protect the fragile Patagonian ecosystem, Los Glaciares National Park enforces several strict rules:

  • No Drones: The use of drones for aerial photography is strictly prohibited throughout the park.
  • Stay on the Path: Visitors must remain on the marked boardwalks and trails at all times. Touching the glacier is illegal unless you are on a licensed guided trek.
  • No Pets: Domestic animals are not allowed inside the park to protect native wildlife.
  • No Camping: Wild camping is strictly forbidden within the park boundaries. You must return to El Calafate for lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the park entrance fee included in the tour price?

Generally, no. Most tours do not include the Los Glaciares National Park entry fee. For the 2025-2026 season, foreign adults must pay ARS 45,000 (about $31 USD) at the gate.

Can I walk on the glacier if I am over 65 years old?

No, strict safety regulations prohibit anyone over the age of 65 from participating in ice trekking tours. The Minitrekking is for ages 8-65, and the Big Ice trek is strictly for ages 18-50.

Do I need to book my Perito Moreno tour in advance?

Yes, especially if you want to do the Minitrekking, Big Ice hike, or a premium boat cruise. These activities have strict daily capacities and frequently sell out weeks in advance during summer.

What should I wear to visit the glacier?

You should dress in multiple layers, as the glacier creates a chilly microclimate. Bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, thermal layers, gloves, a beanie, and sturdy walking shoes with good grip.

Will I see the glacier calve during my visit?

It is highly likely. The Perito Moreno is a very active glacier. If you spend a couple of hours walking the boardwalks, you will almost certainly hear the cracking and see chunks of ice fall into the lake.

How far is the glacier from El Calafate?

The glacier is located approximately 78 kilometers west of El Calafate. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on whether you take a bus, taxi, or rental car.

Can I bring a drone to photograph the ice?

No, drones are strictly prohibited everywhere inside Los Glaciares National Park. Park rangers actively enforce this rule to protect local wildlife and maintain the natural peace.

Are there places to buy food at the glacier?

There is a small restaurant near the main parking lot, but it is expensive and gets very crowded. Most tour operators recommend packing your own lunch and snacks to eat on the boardwalks.

Is the Perito Moreno Glacier retreating due to climate change?

Unlike most glaciers worldwide, Perito Moreno is not retreating. It is one of the few glaciers on Earth that is still actively advancing, maintaining a stable state over the last 50 years.

Will the tour pick me up from my Airbnb?

Most tour operators only provide pickup from traditional hotels with a reception desk. If you are staying in an Airbnb or private rental, you will be given a central meeting point in town.

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