Big Ice Perito Moreno – Longest Ice Hike from El Calafate

Travelers craving a true adventure on ice will find this tour offers a rare chance to walk directly on the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most iconic sights in Argentina. Priced at $895 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 to 14 hours, depending on your pace and conditions, making it a full-day experience that combines nature, thrill, and education. The tour includes a boat ride, all necessary gear like crampons and ice axes, and a bilingual guide to help you navigate the frozen landscape.

What we love most is how the guides tailor the route based on glacier conditions — no two days are exactly the same, ensuring a fresh adventure each time. Also, the opportunity to share a drink of whiskey while gazing at the glacier’s south face adds a memorable, authentic touch.

One potential downside? The tour is quite demanding physically and suitable only for travelers with a strong fitness level. You’ll be on your feet for hours, often walking on uneven, icy terrain. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor challenges and are comfortable with a full day of activity. If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime, active glacier adventure, this tour is an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Incredible Ice Trekking: Walk on the glacier with crampons, exploring natural formations and ice caves.
• Expert Guides: Guides customize the route, ensuring you see the most spectacular features of the glacier.
• All-Inclusive Equipment and Boat Ride: Crampons, axes, and boat transportation are provided, making logistics easier.
• Physical Fitness Required: The tour demands a good level of fitness and stamina.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10-15 participants, allowing for a more personalized adventure.
• Authentic Experience: Learn about the glacier’s formation and enjoy local touches like glacier whiskey.

A Detailed Look at the Perito Moreno Glacier Big Ice Tour

Starting Point and Early Morning Pickup

If you choose the “tour with pick-up” option, you’ll be collected from your hotel or a nearby point around 6:45 am. This early start means you’re heading out with plenty of daylight to enjoy the day. The drive to Los Glaciares National Park, about an hour from El Calafate, is part of the journey where your guide will share insights into the park’s flora, fauna, and glacier phenomena. We appreciated how this informal “master class” set the tone, making the experience both engaging and educational.

For those opting for the “tour without pick-up,” you’ll meet at Puerto Bajo las Sombras, which is the starting point for the boat ride and glacier exploration.

Exploring the Walkways and Glacial Landscape

Once at the park, you’ll get an hour to explore the designated walkways independently, offering panoramic views of Perito Moreno from a distance. Here, you can snap photos, soak in the scenery, and get your bearings before heading to the boat. The admission ticket to the park is included, but keep in mind you’ll need to purchase it locally in Argentine pesos.

The Boat Ride to the Glacier

Next is the scenic boat trip across Rico Lake, lasting about 20 minutes. From the boat, the immense walls of Perito Moreno loom closer, offering a unique perspective from the water. It’s a peaceful cruise, with some travelers describing it as a highlight, especially when combined with the ruggedness of the ice hike that follows.

Approaching the Glacier on Foot and Starting the Ascent

On disembarking at Puerto Bajo las Sombras, guides provide a safety briefing and explain what’s ahead. You’ll then trek along a two-hour walk across well-maintained trails and moraine ridges, always with the glacier visible to your right. The route gradually descends to the ice itself, where you finally get to touch the glacier’s icy surface — a surreal and exhilarating moment.

The Ice Trek: Walking on a Living Glacier

This is the core of the experience. Guides help you put on crampons, and after a brief practice, you set off into the vast ice field. Over the next three hours, you’ll explore natural formations, ice caves, and crevasses, all with constantly changing scenery. The guides adjust the route based on glacier conditions, so no two treks are identical, which keeps the adventure fresh.

One reviewer describes it as “second time I’m going. Guides always attentive,” highlighting the guides’ expertise. They also mention that the route adapts to the glacier’s state, meaning it remains challenging and exciting, not monotonous.

Lunch and Rest on the Ice

Midway through the trek, you’ll pause in a cozy spot to eat lunch with your group. The guides often prepare a simple but hearty meal, giving you a well-deserved break amid the icy splendor. It’s an unusual experience to dine with glacier views all around.

Returning and Relaxing in Comfort

After hours on the ice, it’s time to remove the crampons and head back over the glacier to the starting point, where you can relax in a cafeteria. Here, many savor hot coffee while enjoying views of the glacier’s south face—something that truly feels like a reward after a demanding day.

For an added touch of local flavor, the crew offers whiskey on ice from the glacier itself, a nod to the authenticity of the experience.

End of the Day and Return to El Calafate

If you booked the “tour with pick-up,” a vehicle will be waiting to return you to your hotel in El Calafate, arriving around 7 pm. Without the pickup, your adventure concludes at Puerto Bajo las Sombras, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s sights.

Authenticity and Travel Experience

What sets this tour apart is the combination of active exploration and educational insight. The guides are known for being attentive, customizing routes, and sharing stories about the glacier’s formation and ongoing changes. Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views that change with the weather and season.

The small group size ensures a more intimate experience. Only 10-15 travelers join each tour, fostering camaraderie and allowing guides to better attend to each participant’s safety and curiosity.

The Value for the Price

At $895, the tour isn’t cheap, but when you factor in the boat ride, all gear, and the expert guiding, it offers significant value for those wanting an in-depth, immersive experience. Considering the effort and equipment needed to safely walk on a glacier, many find this a worthwhile investment for the memories and unique perspective they gain.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Given the physical demands, this tour is best for fit travelers comfortable with outdoor activity. It’s ideal for those who want to see inside the glacier, explore natural ice formations, and enjoy panoramic views that only a guided ice hike can provide. The small group size and expert guides make it suitable for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, education, and authentic scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
This tour is designed for travelers with a strong fitness level; it’s not recommended for those under 18 or over 50 due to the physical demands and safety policies.

What is included in the tour price?
Your fee covers crampons, ice axes, the boat ride, and guide services. You’ll need to buy your park entrance ticket locally and bring food, as meals are not included.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect the full experience to span 8 to 14 hours, depending on pace and weather, with most of the time spent actively on the glacier.

Is there any equipment I need to bring?
All necessary gear like crampons and axes are provided. It’s advisable to wear comfortable, layered outdoor clothing, sturdy waterproof boots, and be prepared for cold temperatures on the ice.

Can I join if I don’t have a high level of fitness?
No, the tour requires good physical fitness due to long walks, icy terrain, and the overall physical effort involved.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How large are the groups?
Groups are small, capped at 10 to 15 travelers, for a more personalized experience.

When should I book?
Most travelers book about 29 days in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Puerto Bajo las Sombras (or your hotel if you choose pickup) and ends there unless you opt for the pickup service, which returns you to El Calafate.

Can I participate if I am under 18 or over 50?
No, due to government policies, travelers under 18 or over 50 are not permitted to participate.

For those who love adventure and natural beauty, this glacier tour offers an exceptional way to experience the Perito Moreno up close and personal. The combination of a boat ride, guided ice trekking, and stunning scenery delivers a memorable, authentic experience that’s perfect for active travelers seeking more than just a sightseeing trip.

While the physical effort required is significant, the guides’ expertise and the variety of views make it well worth the effort. It’s an opportunity to see inside one of the world’s most remarkable glaciers and enjoy a day that blends education, physical challenge, and awe-inspiring nature.

If you’re looking for a truly active, immersive, and personalized adventure on ice, this tour hits all the right notes — as long as you’re prepared for a demanding day in the cold.