Perito Moreno Ice Trek: Minitrekking with Walkways and Boat Ride

Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier on a Minitrekking Tour: What You Need to Know

If you’re heading to El Calafate and craving a close-up encounter with one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Perito Moreno Ice Trek offers an inspiring full-day adventure. For around $413 per person, you get a mix of guided glacier trekking, boat ride, and scenic walkways, all wrapped into about 10 hours of awe-inspiring scenery and unique experiences.

What we love about this tour is how it combines expert-led ice walking with scenic boat rides and panoramic glacier views, giving you a full perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guides are knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring safety and enjoyment at every step. The tour’s small-group feel (max 15 travelers) adds a personal touch, making it feel less like a tourist herd and more like a shared adventure.

One potential consideration is the cost, which might seem hefty compared to other day trips, but the inclusion of all necessary gear, transport, and the boat ride makes it a solid value for the experience. Keep in mind, the tour requires a moderate physical fitness level and appropriate clothing. It’s best suited for active travelers who aren’t intimidated by a bit of ice walking or the early start.

This tour is ideal for those who want to see the glacier up close, enjoy guides who are passionate and knowledgeable, and are comfortable with a full day outdoors. It’s particularly suited for visitors who appreciate authentic experiences and are eager to venture beyond the typical viewpoints.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Combines glacier trekking, boat ride, and park walkways.
• Small Group Size: Offers a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides provide detailed info about glaciology, flora, fauna, and the glacier’s unique phenomena.
• Gear Provided: All necessary equipment, including crampons, is included.
• Flexible Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier.
• Moderate Difficulty: Suitable for those with average fitness, but not for very young children or those with mobility issues.

A Deep Dive into the Perito Moreno Ice Trek Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Travel

Your day starts early, with hotel pickup (if you choose that option) in El Calafate, typically between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. The exact timing depends on your hotel’s location, so it’s good to reconfirm the evening before. The transport offers a comfortable way to settle into the day without the hassle of organizing your own transfer.

Traveling along Provincial Route N°11 into Los Glaciares National Park is a scenic drive through Patagonian landscapes—mountains, lakes, and forests—culminating at the park’s entrance, a UNESCO-listed site since 1981. The admission fee to the park isn’t included, so you might want to bring cash or card to cover this.

Crossing Lago Rico: The Boat Ride

Once in Bajo las Sombras port, the adventure truly starts. You’ll board a boat to traverse Lago Rico, which takes approximately 20 minutes. This short cruise offers the first striking views of the glacier’s southern face, setting the tone for the awe-inspiring sights ahead.

Travelers appreciate the boat ride as a peaceful and scenic interlude—“a magical way to see the glacier from a different angle,” as one reviewer shared. It’s an efficient way to reach the glacier’s base without a long hike, letting you maximize your time on the ice.

Approaching the Glacier: A Short Walk and Ice Trek

After disembarking, a 20-minute walk takes you along the lakeshore toward the glacier, where a talk about glaciology introduces you to the science and phenomena behind this icy marvel. This educational moment helps deepen your appreciation before stepping onto the actual ice.

Once on the glacier, guides equip each participant with crampons and give safety instructions. The 1.5-hour trek across the glacier is designed to be moderate—manageable for most and focused on safety. During this walk, you’ll see cracks, glacier mills, small ponds, and ice formations that change with each step.

The guides are praised for being knowledgeable, fun, and safety-conscious. “Our guides on ice were great,” reports a reviewer, emphasizing their professionalism. The ice surface is irregular but solid and secure, providing a remarkable sense of walking directly on a living, moving glacier.

Why the Glacier is Special: The Science and Phenomena

During the trek, guides share insights about the flora and fauna of the region and the unique glacier rupture phenomenon that periodically causes the ice to calve and crash into the water below. These moments are truly spectacular and make the trek more than just a walk on ice—they’re a glimpse into one of Earth’s most dynamic landscapes.

From Ice to Views: The Pasarelas

After your glacier adventure, a boat ride back to the port marks the end of the ice walk. If you’ve selected the transfer option, the tour continues with a visit to the Pasarelas—the walkways offering panoramic views of the glacier.

Here, you can wander self-guided along trails, enjoy sweeping vistas, and take photos from multiple angles. Many reviewers describe this as a highlight—“the scenery is out of this world,” one says—giving you a chance to appreciate the glacier’s scale and beauty from afar.

If you chose the option without transfers, you’ll need to visit the walkways on your own, which is still straightforward but requires more planning.

Returning to El Calafate

In the late afternoon, the tour concludes with your transfer back to the hotel, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on an incredible day. The return trip offers one last opportunity to soak in Patagonian landscapes.

What Real Travelers Say

The reviews highlight a few consistent themes that are worth passing along. Many praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery—”the walk was out of this world,” says one, and “the guides were very knowledgeable and fun.” These comments underscore how vital good guiding is to the experience’s quality.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One traveler lamented a late start that caused them to miss part of the tour and rush to leave early for the airport. This highlights the importance of confirming pickup times and being punctual.

Another reviewer appreciated the value of the included equipment and how safe and manageable the ice trek felt, noting that “it was quite easy for someone who does a couple of hours of sports per week,” which suggests it’s accessible for many active travelers.

The Cost and Value

While $413 might seem high, keep in mind this covers transport, boat ride, ice gear, and guides, making it a convenient all-in-one package. For those eager to experience walking directly on a glacier with expert supervision, many find this money well spent.

Practical Tips for Booking and Preparing

• Confirm your pickup time, ideally the day before, to avoid missing the tour.
• Bring warm, layered clothing: long trousers, wool or cotton socks, water/windproof jacket, gloves, and sun protection.
• Wear sturdy sports shoes or trekking boots—the ice is irregular but firm, and good footwear makes a difference.
• The tour is best suited for those aged 8 to 65 with moderate fitness. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
• Remember, the park entrance fee isn’t included, so budget accordingly.
• Bringing your passport copy can expedite booking confirmation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines glacier walking, scenic boat rides, and panoramic views, this tour hits all those points. It’s perfect if you’re active and curious, eager to learn from passionate guides, and want a personalized experience in a small group.

Those who have a fondness for authentic, hands-on experiences will appreciate walking on the glacier itself and hearing stories about the phenomena that cause the glacier to calve. It’s a must for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Sum Up

The Perito Moreno Ice Trek with walkways and boat ride offers a comprehensive and memorable glimpse into one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights. The combination of guided glacier walking, scenic boat trips, and panoramic walkways ensures that you leave with a sense of connection to this magnificent landscape.

While the cost is relatively high, the all-inclusive nature — gear, transport, and expert guides— provides good value for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience. The small-group setting enhances the feeling of discovery and safety, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to venture beyond the viewpoints and truly walk on the ice.

If you’re fit, adventurous, and eager to explore, this tour will reward you with unforgettable memories and stunning vistas that will stay with you long after you’ve left Patagonia.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, if you select the option, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making your day more convenient.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including transfers, boat ride, glacier trek, and time at the walkways.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English to accommodate international travelers.

What is the difficulty level?
The ice trek is moderate; it involves walking on uneven, icy terrain but is manageable for most active individuals.

Can children participate?
The minimum age is 8 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear?
Comfortable sportswear, thermal layers, water/windproof jacket, gloves, and sturdy shoes are highly recommended.

Are the park entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included in the tour price.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Is the ice trek safe?
Absolutely. Guides oversee the trek, providing instructions and gear to ensure safety while allowing you to enjoy the experience.

This tour is a fantastic way to get close to Perito Moreno’s icy majesty without feeling like just another tourist. It’s perfect for those who are active, curious, and ready to embrace Patagonia’s wild beauty.