Imagine standing on a vast, shimmering glacier with jagged ice formations stretching as far as the eye can see. This is exactly what you get with the Big Ice Trek and Walkways tour near El Calafate, in Argentina’s stunning Santa Cruz Province. For $1,023 per person, this 10-hour adventure combines a boat ride, guided glacier walks, and a tour of the Los Glaciares National Park‘s scenic walkways.

What we love most about this experience is its focus on up-close exploration of one of the world’s most iconic glaciers—Perito Moreno. The fact that you’re walking directly on the ice, equipped with crampons and safety gear, offers an authentic and thrilling encounter with nature’s frozen masterpiece. Plus, the scenic boat trip along the glacier’s south face gives you a fresh perspective that photos alone can’t capture.

A potential consideration is the physical demand of the trek, which involves walking on uneven, icy terrain for over three hours, partly with crampons. This tour is best suited for those with good mobility and stamina.

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers who seek more than just viewing a glacier from afar. If you’re comfortable with outdoor activities, don’t mind a full day of walking, and want to learn about glacial ice firsthand, this tour is an excellent choice.

Key Points

Authentic ice trekking allows you to walk directly on the glacier’s surface.
The boat trip offers a unique water-level perspective of Perito Moreno.
The tour includes guided walks of Los Glaciares National Park’s walkways.
Small groups (up to 10 people) ensure a more personal experience.
High difficulty level—requires good physical condition and proper gear.
Includes equipment like crampons, helmets, and harnesses for safety.

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Introduction to the Experience

The El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier BIG ICE Trek and Walkways tour lets you explore one of the planet’s most captivating natural wonders in a way few ever get to. At the heart of this adventure is the opportunity to walk on the glacier itself, an experience that’s both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding. The tour kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup in El Calafate, where a bilingual guide will provide insights into the landscape you’ll encounter.

Within a comfortable bus, you’ll head to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO-listed site with dramatic mountain scenery and, of course, the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. The highlight? A guided trek on the ice, where you’ll explore the glacier’s jagged surface for over three hours. During this time, guides will explain the different types of ice, help you navigate the uneven terrain with crampons, and reveal the glacier’s secrets.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of water, ice, and land. First, a boat will ferry you to the glacier’s southern face, providing unforgettable views of towering ice walls and deep crevasses from the water. Then, back on land, you’ll walk the glacier walkways, gaining a broader perspective of the entire ice field.

Finally, the return journey includes a walk back to the port, followed by a boat cruise close to the glacier’s face. This full-circle approach makes for a comprehensive eye-opening day—all in just 10 hours.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Transportation

The experience begins with a hotel pickup in El Calafate, where a small group of up to 10 travelers boards a comfortable, bilingual bus. The small group size makes the journey more intimate, and the guide’s commentary helps set the scene with background on the region’s geology and history.

Guided Walkways of Los Glaciares National Park

First stop is the walkways of Los Glaciares, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the glacier from different vantage points. The walkways are paved and accessible, offering excellent opportunities for photos and acclimatization to the environment before the more demanding ice trek.

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Boat Trip to the Southern Face of Perito Moreno

Next, you’ll board a boat that takes you close to the southern face of Perito Moreno. This water experience is a highlight, providing a different perspective on the glacier’s immense walls and snow-dusted peaks. Several reviews have praised the boat ride for its “breathtaking views” and “peaceful journey,” adding a relaxed moment to the day’s action.

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The Ice Trek: Walking on the Glacier

The core of the tour is the guided ice trek on the glacier. Starting from the glacier’s moraine, guides will help you don crampons, helmets, and harnesses for safety. The terrain is uneven, with deep crevasses, ice formations, and translucent blue ice—“like walking inside a frozen cathedral,” as one traveler put it.

The guides are experts, eager to share insights about glacial formation, ice colors, and the glacier’s movements. During the trek, you’ll explore various corners of the glacier, often stopping for photos and explanations. Expect to walk for roughly three and a half hours on the ice—so good footwear and physical stamina are essential.

Return Walk and Final Boat

After the ice adventure, you’ll walk back to the port, where a boat awaits to take you close to the glacier’s south face again. This final cruise offers an up-close view of the ice cliffs, with chances to see ice calving—large chunks breaking off into the water.

Return to El Calafate

The day concludes with the bus ride back to your hotel, tired but filled with incredible memories. The entire experience is designed to be seamless, with transportation, gear, and guides all included.

What to Expect on the Glacier

Walking on Perito Moreno is nothing short of otherworldly. The ice is hard yet surprisingly textured, with deep blue hues in the crevasses. Guides emphasize safety, giving instructions on how to walk with crampons, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable navigating the icy surface. The blue ice, which looks like frozen sapphire, is a visual treat and a testament to the glacier’s age and density.

The guides are also eager to share their knowledge about glacial dynamics, making the experience educational as well as thrilling. You’ll learn about how glaciers form, their slow movement, and the impact of climate change on these giant ice blocks.

The Experience of the Boat Trip

The boat ride to the glacier’s south face offers a different perspective. From the water, you see the glacier’s towering walls from below, which is quite different from the view from the walkways. Many travelers describe this as a peaceful, almost meditative experience, with the chance to spot icebergs calving into the water—an impressive display of natural power.

The boat’s proximity to the glacier also allows for detailed photographs of the ice’s textures and formations, often described as “otherworldly” by visitors.

The Walkways and Scenic Views

The walkways are a must-do for those who want a broader context for the ice field. From these vantage points, you’ll see the glacier’s scale and how it interacts with the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for photos, and guides typically share stories about the history of the glacier and park.

While the walkways are accessible and less physically demanding than the ice trek, they add valuable perspective—highlighting the glacier’s vastness and beauty.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurers who don’t shy away from physical activity and want an authentic ice experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy being outdoors, walking on uneven terrain, and learning from expert guides.

However, it’s important to note that the physical difficulty is rated high—so you’ll need good stamina and proper gear. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with certain health conditions like cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, active day that combines stunning scenery, close-up glacier encounters, and a taste of local natural history, this experience will deliver.

Price and Value

At just over $1,000, this is a premium experience. The cost reflects the inclusion of equipment, transfers, guides, and boat rides. Considering the uniqueness of walking on a glacier, it offers excellent value for adventure lovers.

The small group size enhances personalization, and the expert guides’ knowledge adds depth to the experience. Keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks, as the company does not sell them—so plan accordingly.

The Sum Up

For travelers craving a hands-on glacier experience, this tour offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty. It’s suited for those in good physical shape who want to enjoy the icy majesty of Perito Moreno. The boat rides, guided walks, and glacier trek come together to create a day that’s both thrilling and enriching.

While it’s not for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or health concerns—the experience provides a rare opportunity to walk on a glacier and witness its grandeur firsthand. The combination of water, ice, and mountain scenery makes this a memorable highlight of any trip to El Calafate.

If you’re after a challenging outdoor adventure that rewards you with breathtaking views and authentic glacier encounters, this tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is only suitable for people aged 18 to 50 years old due to its physical demands and safety requirements.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring warm clothing, waterproof gear, hiking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, water, food, a backpack, and gloves. Rain gear is recommended, especially in unpredictable weather.

Does the tour include park entry fees?
No, the entrance fee to Glacier National Park is not included and must be paid separately at the park entrance.

What is the difficulty level of this tour?
It’s rated as high difficulty because you need to walk for at least 7.5 hours, partly on ice with crampons, which requires good physical capacity.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for individuals with cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, recent surgeries, or severe vertigo. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments should avoid it.

How long is the ice trek?
The guided glacier walk lasts about three and a half hours, exploring various sections of the ice.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, making it a relatively flexible booking.

In summary, this Big Ice Trek and Walkways tour offers a premier chance to experience Perito Moreno Glacier up close and personal. It combines scenic boat rides, expert-led glacier walking, and panoramic views, appealing to the adventurous and curious traveler alike. Prepare well, dress warmly, and get ready for a day that might just redefine your idea of “ice-cold adventure.”