El Calafate: Safari Azul Los Glaciares Trekking Tour

Exploring the El Calafate: Safari Azul Los Glaciares Trekking Tour

If you’re dreaming of a true Patagonian adventure, this Safari Azul Los Glaciares Trekking Tour offers a carefully balanced mix of boat rides, scenic walks, and close encounters with the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. Starting from El Calafate, this full-day experience costs around $266 per person and lasts about 8 hours. Guided in both English and Spanish, it’s designed to give travelers an authentic, memorable look at one of the most awe-inspiring parts of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park.

What we love most? First, the chance to touch the glacier’s ice, which makes the experience feel surprisingly intimate. Second, the variety of terrains—from forested paths to rocky shores—keeps the day dynamic and engaging. A potential consideration? The tour involves some walking on uneven terrain, so good footwear and a bit of stamina are helpful. This experience suits those who enjoy a mix of adventure and scenery, especially travelers keen to see the glacier from both afar and up close.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Close-Up Glacier Contact: Touch and admire the glacier’s incredible blue hues.
• Scenic Boat Ride: Cruise on Lago Rico for stunning views that are hard to beat.
• Diverse Terrain: Trek through forests, sandy shores, and rocky paths.
• Guided Tour: Get expert insights from knowledgeable guides.
• All-Day Experience: Combines transportation, sightseeing, and a picnic with panoramic views.
• Good for All Ages: Suitable for ages 6 to 70, with low-intensity walking.

The Journey Begins in El Calafate

We start the day in El Calafate, a charming town that serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a real time-saver and means you won’t have to worry about directions or transportation. The tour guides are praised for their expertise and timeliness—something many travelers appreciate, especially when trying to make the most of limited time.

The drive to Bajo Las Sombras Port takes about an hour, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic Patagonian steppe as the landscape transitions from town to wilderness. The journey itself sets the tone—expect wide-open vistas, rugged terrain, and a sense of anticipation for what’s ahead.

Sailing in Front of the Perito Moreno Glacier

Once at the port, it’s time to hop on a boat cruise across Lago Rico. This 20-minute ride is a highlight—sailing right in front of the glacier, you’ll notice the intense blues and whites of the ice walls and the whimsical shapes that the ice has carved.

The boat trip isn’t just a way to get closer; it’s also an opportunity to appreciate the immensity of the glacier from the water. Several reviewers describe this as “amazing” and “something you can’t get from the boardwalks alone”. You’ll love the way the glacier’s surface catches the light, revealing textures and hues that are almost surreal.

As you cruise past, guides sometimes point out features on the ice walls, which further enhances the experience. And for those of us who love a good photo op, this leg of the journey provides plenty of chances to capture spectacular landscapes.

Trekking to the Glacier and the Unique Terrain

After disembarking on the opposite shore, you’ll trek for about 30 minutes, always with the glacier’s southern wall in view. The terrain varies between sandy shores, rocky patches, and lush forest sections—an adventure in itself.

The path includes slopes, some stairs, and uneven ground, so wearing good waterproof shoes is essential. The reviews resonate with how well-organized and safe the guides keep the group, even when navigating the stones and slopes.

One of the most memorable parts? The chance to touch the glacier’s surface. You’ll get right up close to the ice, which is a rare privilege. The blue and white ice feels surprisingly cold and, in some spots, whimsically shaped, making every moment a picture-perfect memory.

Guides like Leandro and Diego have been praised for their expert advice on how to navigate the ice and best views, making sure everyone is safe and informed. Reviewers mention that this part of the tour exceeded expectations, with some saying it was the highlight of their trip.

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Lunch with a View and Rest at the Footbridges

Following the trek, you’ll take a bus to the famous footbridges, where you’re given about two hours to enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in panoramic views of the glacier. This break is cherished by travelers—many describe it as a peaceful moment to sit back, eat, and reflect on the stunning landscape.

From here, you’ll see the glacier from different vantage points, appreciating its size and power. The views are often described as breathtaking, and many reviews commend the well-planned timing that allows for ample photo opportunities.

Scenic Return and Patagonian Steppe Views

On the way back to El Calafate, the bus ride offers a different perspective—this time of the Patagonian Steppe. The landscape is vast, open, and dramatic, adding a sense of scale and solitude to the experience.

Some travelers note that the timing of pickup can vary; one review mentioned a slightly delayed pickup but appreciated the overall smooth coordination. It’s worth arriving 10 minutes early to ensure a seamless start.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Certainly. With positive reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 and over 100 reviews, this tour is clearly popular. The value is highlighted by the inclusion of transportation, a boat cruise, guided trekking, and scenic views—all packed into a manageable 8-hour day.

Many guests praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, which elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing. The close contact with the glacier and the variety of terrains make this more than just a typical bus tour. It’s an interactive, memorable way to experience one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a hands-on glacier experience without the need for difficult hikes. It’s suitable for anyone aged 6 to 70, with low physical intensity but some uneven terrain. It’s also ideal for those who want a full-day of diverse scenery—boat rides, walks, and panoramic views—without sacrificing comfort or safety.

If you’re short on time but want a thorough taste of the glacier’s majesty, this tour offers a well-organized, authentic encounter. However, if you’re hoping for a walk on the glacier itself, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as this tour stops short of that experience.

The Sum Up

The Safari Azul Los Glaciares Trekking Tour provides a rich mix of scenery, adventure, and expert guidance. It’s a great option for travelers who want to touch the glacier, sail close to it, and walk through varied landscapes—all in one well-paced day. The touch of ice and scenic boat cruise are standout features that make this tour memorable.

The guides’ knowledge and friendliness consistently earn praise, and the overall organization ensures you get the most out of your day. The inclusion of scenic breaks and panoramic viewpoints helps you appreciate the glacier’s size and beauty from multiple angles, creating a well-rounded experience.

This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers wanting an authentic, close-up view of Patagonia’s icy marvels. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of gentle trekking, scenic cruising, and photography. With its excellent reviews and balanced itinerary, it offers solid value for a full-day adventure in one of Argentina’s most breathtaking natural parks.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making logistics simple. The tour also includes bus transportation within the park.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 20 minutes, providing a close-up view of the glacier from the water.

Can I touch the glacier?
Absolutely. Part of the tour involves trekking to the glacier’s ice wall, where you have the chance to touch and admire its surface.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, rain gear, sunglasses, a water bottle, a packed lunch, waterproof shoes, and a waterproof bag.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is recommended for ages 6 to 70, with low physical intensity but some uneven terrain.

How long is the total walking?
Expect about 3 hours of walking, split into two main segments of approximately an hour and a half each.

Is the tour flexible with timing?
Pickup times are confirmed the day before and can vary, so arrive about 10 minutes early. The tour runs between 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

Can I buy my park entrance ticket in advance?
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the park or online via the official National Parks website.

Does this tour include walking on the glacier?
No, it stops at the glacier’s edge for close-up views and touching the ice but does not involve walking on the glacier itself.

In sum, this tour offers a genuine, well-rounded Patagonian experience—touching glaciers, sailing past ice walls, and walking through diverse terrains—all in a day that promises both adventure and awe.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby