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Foreign adults pay ARS 45,000 (about $31 USD) to access the glacier. Gates open daily at 8:00 AM from September through April, and shift to 9:00 AM during the winter months.
Los Glaciares National Park operates daily, with hours shifting based on the season. Summer visitors from September through April enter between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, while winter access from May through August shrinks to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Park gates close two hours before the official closing time.
| Day | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday (Sep 1 – Apr 30) | 08:00–20:00 | Last admission 18:00. December and January hours extend to 22:00. |
| Monday–Sunday (May 1 – Aug 31) | 09:00–18:00 | Last admission 16:00. |
The park closes completely on December 25 and January 1. Winter weather between June and August occasionally forces temporary road closures due to heavy snowfall. Verify current road conditions with local El Calafate authorities before driving to the glacier during these colder months.
Foreign adults pay ARS 45,000 (about $31 USD) to enter Los Glaciares National Park for the 2025-2026 season. Rates increase to ARS 50,000 starting June 1, 2026. Argentine nationals, provincial residents, and students pay significantly lower tiers. Excursions like boat cruises and ice treks cost extra and sell out weeks ahead.
| Category | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Adult (2025-2026) | ARS 45,000 (~$31 USD) | Increases to ARS 50,000 on June 1, 2026 |
| Argentine National Resident | ARS 15,000 | Increases to ARS 25,000 on June 1, 2026 |
| Santa Cruz Provincial Resident | ARS 5,000 | Increases to ARS 8,000 on June 1, 2026 |
| Argentine Student | ARS 7,000 | Increases to ARS 15,000 on June 1, 2026 |
| Retirees & Pensioners | Free | Proof of status required |
| People with Disabilities | Free | Requires CUD or equivalent documentation |
A two-day promotional pass cuts the second consecutive day's entry fee by 50% if used within 72 hours of the initial visit.
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View All ToursDecember through March delivers the warmest weather, maximum daylight, and daily operations for all ice trekking excursions. Tour buses flood the boardwalks between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM during these summer months. Arriving right at the 8:00 AM gate opening guarantees empty steel walkways and soft morning light for photography.
| Period | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning (08:00–10:00) | Low | Independent travelers arriving by rental car can photograph the glacier face without obstruction and hear the ice crack in total silence. |
| Mid-day (10:00–15:00) | High | Highway coaches from El Calafate fill the parking lot, packing the multi-tiered viewing platforms and the small nearby restaurant. |
| Late afternoon (15:00–18:00) | Moderate | Space opens up on the lower balconies as the main wave of guided groups boards their buses to return to town. |
| Evening (18:00–20:00) | Low | Temperatures drop rapidly around the ice during the final two hours of park operation, requiring a windproof jacket and thermal layers. |
Walking the four kilometers of steel boardwalks requires two to three hours. Adding a catamaran cruise extends the trip to a half-day, while participating in the Minitrekking or Big Ice excursions demands six to ten hours. Heavy snowfall from June to August shuts down all ice trekking, restricting winter visits entirely to the main viewing platforms.
Arrive at the park gates between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM to beat the tour buses. Walking the metal boardwalks in the soft morning light guarantees solitude. Wait until midday, and you share the viewing platforms with hundreds of other visitors.
Request the promotional pass at the entrance booth if you plan to return. This ticket cuts your second entry fee by 50%. You must use the discount within 72 hours of your first visit.
The massive ice field generates its own freezing microclimate, dropping temperatures rapidly even in December. Wear thermal layers, a beanie, and a heavy windproof jacket. Rain turns the metal grating walkways slick, requiring sturdy hiking boots with heavy traction to prevent falls.
Tour operators strictly enforce age restrictions for glacier walks by checking passports before departure. Minitrekking accepts ages 8 to 65, while the seven-hour Big Ice trek limits entry to ages 18 to 50. Fall outside these brackets, and guides will deny boarding without a refund.
Splitting a $55 to $150 USD daily car rental among four people matches the cost of individual bus tickets from El Calafate. Driving Route 11 lets you stay until the park closes at 8:00 PM in summer. Pack your own lunch to eat on the outdoor benches instead of paying premium prices at the crowded parking lot restaurant.
Foreign adults pay ARS 45,000 (about $31 USD) for the 2025-2026 season. On June 1, 2026, this rate increases to ARS 50,000. Buy a two-day promotional pass to get a 50 percent discount on your second consecutive day, provided you use it within 72 hours of the first entry.
Summer hours run from September 1 to April 30, with gates open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and last admission at 6:00 PM. Winter operations from May 1 to August 31 narrow access to 9:00 AM through 6:00 PM. The park closes completely on December 25 and January 1.
General park entry does not require advance reservations. You can purchase these tickets at the entrance booth or online. Specialized activities like Minitrekking, Big Ice hikes, and glacier cruises frequently sell out weeks ahead and demand prior booking.
Walking the main multi-tiered steel boardwalks takes 2 to 3 hours. Adding a one-hour catamaran cruise across Lake Argentino extends a half-day visit to 4 or 5 hours. Participating in the Minitrekking or Big Ice experiences requires dedicating 6 to 10 hours for a full-day trip.
Park rangers strictly prohibit drone use throughout Los Glaciares National Park. Standard cameras with zoom lenses like 40-150mm capture the deep blue crevasses well from the viewing decks. Domestic pets are also banned to protect local wildlife.
Tour operators cap Minitrekking participants at ages 8 to 65 and restrict the demanding Big Ice trek to ages 18 to 50. Guides enforce these limits rigorously by checking passports before departure. Anyone outside these brackets will be denied entry without a refund.
Round-trip taxi fares run between $75 and $130 USD, while renting a car costs $55 to $150 USD per day. Regular highway coaches leave the El Calafate terminal around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM, charging $25 to $35 USD each way. Heavy snowfall between June and August can temporarily close these 80-kilometer access roads.
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