An Unforgettable Day at Perito Moreno: Kayak, Walkways, and More

Imagine gliding quietly on icy waters, close enough to feel the cold and hear the thunderous calving of the Perito Moreno Glacier—the third-largest freshwater reserve on Earth. For roughly $580 per person, this 10-hour adventure offers a chance to see one of Argentina’s most iconic sights from water level, complemented by a walk along the famous Perito Moreno walkways and a hearty lunch. The experience is led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who make safety and fun their top priorities.

Two things we love about this tour: First, the unique perspective of kayaking right in front of the glacier, getting close enough to see the ice’s texture and hear the cracking sounds. Second, the ample free time to explore the walkways at your own pace, soaking in the landscape and snapping photos.

One possible consideration? The weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable, and strong winds or rain might limit kayaking or cancel it altogether. However, the tour’s flexible policy ensures you aren’t left high and dry—your guides will reschedule or refund if conditions aren’t safe.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those who want to combine a thrilling water experience with breathtaking scenery. If you’re comfortable walking and are eager to see Patagonia’s famous glacier from multiple angles, this is a superb choice.

Key Points

Authentic perspective: Kayaking puts you directly in front of the glacier, offering a rare and intimate view.
Expert guides: Friendly, safety-conscious guides make the experience accessible, even for beginners.
Flexible free time: After kayaking, you get about two hours to walk the park’s footbridges and enjoy views at your own pace.
Comprehensive package: Includes hotel pickup, transfer, safety gear, snacks, and lunch, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.
Weather-dependent: The activity relies on good weather; cancellations are possible but handled smoothly.
Small groups: Limited to about 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal and attentive experience.

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Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Getting There and Starting the Day

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in El Calafate around 8 or 10 am, depending on your reservation. This early start is a smart choice, giving you plenty of daylight and avoiding the afternoon crowds. After a comfortable drive of about an hour to the park, you’ll arrive at the Los Glaciares National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Kayak Experience

Once at the base near Lago Argentino, you’ll meet your guides who will outfit you with technical clothing, including dry suits, thermal gear, boots, gloves, and life jackets—essential for staying warm and dry in Patagonia’s chilly waters. As several reviewers noted, no prior kayaking experience is necessary. The guides do a thorough safety briefing, explaining how to paddle and handle the kayak, which reassures first-timers.

After warming up with some exercises and safety instructions, you’ll head out from Playa de los Témpanos, paddling towards the glacier front. Expect to be within about 600 meters of the ice, where you’ll have time to take photos and marvel at the blue hues and jagged formations. Many travelers, like Heidi P., found the kayak to be “amazing”, with guides who are friendly, knowledgeable, and safety conscious.

The kayaking segment lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering a close-up view of the glacier’s surface, ice cracking, and perhaps even some calving sounds, depending on weather and wind conditions.

After Kayaking: Exploring the Walkways

Once back on land, you’ll have around two hours to walk the Perito Moreno walkways. These elevated paths stretch for about 5 km and provide various vantage points to admire the glacier’s impressive front. We loved the way these walkways allow you to see different angles of the 3 km-long ice wall—truly a photographer’s paradise.

Many reviews mention how respecting signage and staying on designated paths is part of the experience, with park rangers doing a vital job of conservation. Once you’ve taken in the views, you can relax and grab some snacks or a hot drink, provided as part of the tour.

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Lunch and Additional Relaxation

After the walk, you’ll regroup at the meeting point for a lunch box, which includes a cold chicken sandwich, quiche, nuts, an apple, and cake. While not gourmet, it’s a satisfying meal that keeps you energized for the day’s adventures. The tour also includes hot beverages and snacks, perfect for warming up after the chilly kayak.

Final Moments by the Water

Before returning to El Calafate, you might have the chance to revisit the glacier from different viewpoints or just enjoy a peaceful moment taking in Patagonia’s vastness. The journey back typically takes about an hour, giving you time to reflect on the incredible sights you’ve experienced.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $580, the price might seem steep at first glance. However, it’s packed with value: transportation, expert guides, all gear, snacks, lunch, and flexible free time make for a comprehensive and memorable day. The small group size (max 10 travelers) means you’ll receive personalized attention and safety support, especially important in such a cold environment.

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides, with many saying they felt safe and well-informed throughout. The opportunity to kayak so close to a UNESCO World Heritage Site is rare, and the views from the walkways provide a stunning, panoramic perspective that complements the water-level experience beautifully.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

We think this adventure is perfect for active travelers comfortable with walking and eager to add a splash of excitement with kayaking. It suits those looking for a more immersive, up-close experience of the glacier, rather than just seeing it from afar. It’s also excellent for nature lovers and photographers seeking the best angles and moments.

If you’re a bit nervous about kayaking, rest assured—guides are experienced and provide all necessary equipment. However, if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, the walkways alone are still worth the visit, and the free time allows for plenty of exploration.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an engaging way to see one of Argentina’s most famous natural wonders from an unusual perspective—water level—while also giving you plenty of time to enjoy the park’s incredible scenery. The friendly guides and smooth organization make it accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to kayaking.

For anyone who appreciates a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and comfort, this experience delivers on all fronts. It’s a chance to see Patagonia’s glaciers in a way that will stay vivid in your memory long after the trip ends.

FAQ

Is kayaking experience required? No, guides will explain how to paddle, and technical gear is provided, making it suitable for beginners.
What should I wear? Expect to be dressed in waterproof and thermal clothing, including dry suits, gloves, and boots, to stay warm and dry.
How long does the kayaking last? The kayaking portion lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with safety instructions beforehand.
What about free time? After kayaking, you’ll have approximately 2 hours to walk the park’s footbridges and enjoy the views at your own pace.
Is the tour family-friendly? Yes, minimum age is 14, and children between 14 and 18 need a guardian.
What happens if the weather is bad? The activity is weather-dependent; if conditions are unsafe, guides will reschedule or refund.
Are there any extra costs? The park entrance fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.
Does the tour include transportation? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Calafate are included.
How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is about 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

This comprehensive day out in Patagonia balances adventure and comfort, offering a truly memorable way to experience the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier from multiple angles.