Discover the Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier: An Authentic Full-Day Adventure

A visit to Perito Moreno Glacier is often cited as a must-see highlight of Argentine Patagonia—and for good reason. This full-day tour, priced at $226 per person, offers a well-rounded experience that combines land-based viewpoints with a one-hour boat ride, giving you multiple perspectives of one of the world’s most spectacular glaciers. Starting early from El Calafate, the tour spans about 8 hours, making it a manageable day that rewards you with jaw-dropping scenery and lively guides.

What we love most about this tour? First, the opportunity to walk along the walkways—these are designed for easy access, yet they offer stunning angles that let you appreciate the glacier’s immense scale. Second, the boat cruise through the Rich Branch of Argentino Lake provides a close-up view of the glacier’s frozen walls and calving activity, something land-based viewpoints can’t quite match.

One thing to keep in mind: park entrance fees are not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to plan on purchasing those separately either online beforehand or at the gate. Also, while the experience is tailored to most travelers, the day involves a good amount of walking and standing—so comfort is key.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive, nature-focused day with knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with insights and friendly service. If you love breathtaking vistas, close-up glacier views, and a touch of adventure, this trip is a perfect fit.

Key Points

All-in-One Experience: Combines walking, sightseeing, and boat navigation for a complete view of Perito Moreno.
Expert Guides: Bilingual guides enrich your understanding with engaging commentary and local insights.
Flexible Viewing: Multiple viewpoints from walkways and a boat offer varied perspectives.
Authentic Up-Close Encounters: The boat ride gets you within 150 meters of the glacier’s face, highlighting its scale and activity.
Good Value: Includes transportation, guides, and park access, making it a straightforward purchase.
Limited Group Size: Up to 20 travelers, ensuring more personal attention and smoother logistics.

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Early Pickup and Transport

The adventure begins with hotel pickup—a convenience that makes the day seamless. The group then travels comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle for about 80 km from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno area. This ride offers a chance to relax and get excited, while the guide might share some background on the park and glacier.

Arriving at the Glacier: Walkways and Viewing Platforms

Once at the Perito Moreno National Park, you’ll notice the extensive walkways—called Pasarelas—which are designed to give visitors multiple vantage points on the glacier. These walkways are a highlight because they enable you to see the glacier from different angles, revealing its sheer size and dramatic features.

Reviews often mention the “extraordinary” views from these walkways, with visitors noting plenty of time to explore and enjoy the scenery. Dianne_Y highlights how there’s “lots of time to see all points of interest,” which is reassuring for those who want a leisurely experience without feeling rushed.

The Boat Navigation: Up Close and Personal

The boat cruise is a standout part of this tour. For approximately one hour, you’ll sail across the Rich Branch of Argentino Lake, getting within 150 meters of the glacier’s south face. This perspective is invaluable for appreciating the scale of the ice walls, which often rise over 60 meters above the water.

Christian_A describes this as a “terrific” complement to the land views, emphasizing how the boat offers “views from a different perspective.” Watching the glacier calve—gigantic chunks breaking off and plunging into the lake—is mesmerizing and truly memorable.

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Additional Highlights: The Viewing Platforms

After the boat ride, the tour continues with more time on the Pasarelas, where you can observe the glacier from various levels and angles. This part is ideal for photography and soaking in the enormity of this natural wonder.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Park Entrance: Remember to purchase your National Park entrance tickets—either online or at the gate. The tour price excludes this fee.
Lunch Options: While lunch isn’t included, there are snack bars and restaurants at the park, so you can grab a quick bite.
Weather Preparedness: The weather can be variable—bring layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes for walking the walkways.
Timing: The 9:00 am start time makes for a full, but well-paced day.

Authenticity and Travel Value

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their enthusiasm and depth of information. Dianne_Y mentions, “Guide was terrific,” and Christian_A appreciated the “terrific views from a different perspective.” These elements turn what could be a simple sightseeing trip into an engaging, educational experience.

The small group size (maximum 20 travelers) means you’ll likely get personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere—especially helpful when navigating busy walkways or waiting for the boat.

Overall Impressions

This tour strikes a good balance between comfort, education, and adventure. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see Perito Moreno from multiple viewpoints without the hassle of organizing multiple activities themselves. The combination of land and water experiences offers a comprehensive appreciation of this natural marvel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a well-organized, full-day exploration of one of the most stunning glaciers in the world with a friendly guide, this is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone eager to see the glacier up close and from afar. The moderate walking and boat ride are manageable for most, but those with mobility concerns should check the walkways’ accessibility.

Those who enjoyed the reviews praising the “spectacular views” and “knowledgeable guides” will find this tour rewarding. It offers solid value by including transportation, guiding, and the boat trip, making it a hassle-free way to experience Perito Moreno without expensive add-ons.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier is a solid choice for travelers wanting an immersive, multi-perspective experience. It combines the awe-inspiring sight of a continuously calving, 60-meter-high ice front with the intimacy of a boat cruise that brings you just meters from the ice. The guides’ expertise and the variety of viewpoints ensure you’ll leave with both stunning photos and a deeper appreciation for this natural wonder.

While you’ll need to manage your own park entrance fee and bring some layered clothing, the convenience of hotel pickup, the small group size, and the comprehensive itinerary make this an excellent value. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned glacier enthusiast, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded adventure that captures the essence of Argentina’s southernmost glaciers.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, allowing for a full day of exploration and avoiding the afternoon crowds.

Is transportation included?
Yes, your pickup at your hotel and the return trip are included, making the day hassle-free.

Do I need to buy park entrance tickets separately?
Yes, you should purchase your National Park entrance tickets either online beforehand or at the gate. The cost is not included in the tour price.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat ride lasts approximately one hour, offering close-up views of the glacier’s south face.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. There are also snack bars and restaurants at the park if you want to purchase a quick meal.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but given the walking involved on walkways and the boat ride, those with mobility issues should consider their comfort levels.

Can I buy the park tickets on the day?
Yes, you can purchase them at the park entrance with cash or credit card, but buying online in advance can save time.

What makes this tour a good choice?
The combination of land and water views, expert guides, and manageable group size creates a rich, enjoyable experience for anyone eager to see the Perito Moreno Glacier in a single, well-organized day.