A Detailed Look at the Private Full-Day Perito Moreno Tour from Buenos Aires
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Imagine zooming across the skies or flying directly from Buenos Aires to see one of the world’s most spectacular glaciers—Perito Moreno—all in one day. At $490 per person, this privately guided trip promises a full immersion into the icy grandeur of Santa Cruz Province. You’ll visit Los Glaciares National Park, enjoy different viewpoints of the glacier, and have the chance to add a boat tour. A few notable perks? The guide, Leo, was praised for his knowledge, making complex natural phenomena understandable and engaging. Plus, the optional flight makes this an efficient way to see a remote wonder without sacrificing time.
What we love about this experience is the personalized attention and flexibility. The private guide and transfers mean you won’t be stuck with strangers—an advantage for those wanting a more tailored adventure. Plus, the chance to see the glacier from multiple angles, combined with the optional Nautical Safari, offers a multi-dimensional view of the ice walls that will stay with you long after the trip ends.
One potential consideration? The non-refundable nature of the tour and the limited flexibility once booked. If your plans change unexpectedly, refunds aren’t available. Also, since the tour isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible, it’s worth considering if mobility is a concern.
This tour suits travelers who crave a full-day adventure in Patagonia, especially those eager to combine convenience with authentic natural sights. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided insights and want a comprehensive experience—from scenic drives and glacier views to optional boat rides. If you’re short on time but want to see Perito Moreno in all its glory, this private day trip is hard to beat.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points

- Convenience and Flexibility: Private transfers and guides ensure a tailored experience.
- Multiple Viewing Angles: See the glacier from different perspectives, enhancing the sense of scale.
- Optional Add-Ons: Nautical Safari provides a closer look at the ice from the water.
- Flight Option: Time-efficient way to travel from Buenos Aires, with the caveat of no luggage.
- Guided Insights: Knowledgeable guides bring clarity and context to the stunning scenery.
- Non-refundable policy: Plan accordingly since changes or cancellations aren’t allowed.
Planning more time in El Calafate? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Exploring the Tour’s Details
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Starting Point: Flexibility in Departure Locations
Depending on your chosen package, you might start your day from Buenos Aires or El Calafate’s airport. If you opt for the flight from Buenos Aires, your journey begins early with a round-trip flight in Economy Class. This flight is a significant time-saver, especially given the distance, but note it’s without luggage—a common airline policy for short regional flights. On the ground, transfers in El Calafate are private, ensuring smooth transitions between airports and scenic drives.
The Journey to Los Glaciares National Park
Once in El Calafate, the tour’s core begins. An 8-hour guided exploration encompasses a scenic drive with commentary, plenty of photo stops, and a visit to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park hosts Perito Moreno Glacier, a marvel of natural forces—one of the few glaciers worldwide still advancing—and a true highlight of Patagonia.
More Great Tours NearbyGuided Tour and Glacier Views
Your guide will lead you through the park, offering insights into the glacial formation and the ongoing process of ice movement. Expect to see the glacier from various viewpoints, including observation platforms that allow you to gape at the towering blue walls. Many visitors remark on the sense of scale—these ice walls can reach up to 70 meters high—and how the cracking and calving sounds create a visceral connection to natural power.
Up Close with Water: Sailing and Nautical Safari
An optional one-hour sailing offers a different angle—being on the water provides an immersive perspective of the glacier’s enormity. Some reviews highlight the stunning views from the boat, with the ice walls towering above and the turquoise water contrasting sharply against the white ice. If you add the Nautical Safari, you’ll get to navigate close to the glacier’s face, feeling the sheer immensity of the ice from a more intimate vantage point. This shared navigation adds a touch of adventure and allows you to witness pieces of ice breaking off firsthand—a truly spectacular experience.
Practical Considerations
The tour’s all-inclusive price covers park entrance fees, private transfers, a private guide, and the optional boat rides. Not included are food and drinks, so arriving with some snacks or a packed lunch is recommended, especially since the day is long. The non-refundable policy means you should be certain of your plans before booking, but the value lies in the personalized service and comprehensive itinerary.
The Experience in Context
Many travelers report that the guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making complex glacial phenomena understandable. One reviewer mentioned that their guide “explained the ice calving sounds in a way that made us appreciate the glacier’s ongoing dance of destruction and creation.” The flexibility to see the glacier from multiple angles—both land and water—transforms a simple sightseeing trip into a multi-sensory experience.
Travel Logistics and Value
While the price of $490 might seem steep, it includes airfare, private transfers, and guided insights, which would likely cost more if booked separately. The private group aspect means you won’t be mixed with strangers, providing a more relaxed, tailored outing. For travelers in Buenos Aires eager for a full-day escape into Patagonia, this tour offers a convenient and richly detailed way to see Perito Moreno.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
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If you value personalized attention, want to visit Patagonia’s most iconic glacier, and don’t mind the non-refundable policy, this tour is a smart choice. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided explanations and prefer an organized, worry-free day. It’s also ideal if you’re short on time, as the flight option drastically reduces travel time. However, those with limited mobility or traveling with strollers should consider the accessibility limitations.
Final Thoughts
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This private full-day tour offers a robust, all-encompassing way to experience Perito Moreno Glacier without the hassle of independent travel logistics. The combination of scenic drives, multiple viewpoints, optional boat rides, and the option to fly from Buenos Aires makes it a compelling choice for those who want a comprehensive, guided adventure.
The knowledgeable guides truly enhance the experience, making the natural beauty more accessible and understandable. The scenic boat ride adds a breathtaking perspective, bringing you closer to the glacier’s icy walls than land-based viewpoints alone. While the price is on the higher side, the convenience and inclusions—especially for travelers pressed for time—justify the expense.
If you’re a traveler who loves natural wonders, appreciates expert insight, and prefers a private, flexible experience, this trip will be a highlight of your Argentine journey. Just be prepared for the non-refundable policy and ensure the timing aligns with your overall itinerary.
FAQ
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Can I start the tour in Buenos Aires?
Yes, if you choose the flight option, your journey begins from Buenos Aires with a round-trip flight in Economy Class. The flights are scheduled to fit the day’s itinerary—just confirm flight times when booking.
Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private transfers, a private English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the National Park, the optional boat ride, and if selected, the flights from Buenos Aires.
Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or a packed lunch, especially since the day can be long.
How does the optional Nautical Safari work?
The Nautical Safari is a shared boat navigation that offers a close-up view of the glacier’s ice walls, enhancing the overall experience with stunning water-level perspectives.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable clothing, and perhaps a camera and binoculars for better viewing.
Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The multiple viewpoints and boat rides provide fantastic opportunities to capture the glacier’s striking blue walls and dynamic ice formations.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
The tour is non-refundable and cannot be modified or canceled, so plan carefully before booking.
This full-day private tour balances comfort, authenticity, and adventure, making it one of the most practical ways to see the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in style. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply eager to check this natural wonder off your bucket list, it delivers a memorable experience filled with stunning sights and expert insights.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Full-Day in El Calafate
More Tour Reviews in El Calafate
- El Calafate: Nibepo Aike Ranch with Horseback Riding
- El Calafate: Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers Cruise with Lunch
- Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier
- El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise
- El Calafate: Fossil Canyon Trekking at Estancia Cristina
- Nautical Safari: Navigate and feel the energy of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
