Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Optional Boat Safari

Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier: Full-Day Tour from El Calafate

Imagine standing in front of a vast, shimmering ice wall that stretches for miles, cracking and calving with thunderous roars. For many travelers, Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is a highlight of their Patagonian adventure. This full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience—starting with hotel pickup, a scenic drive, multiple viewpoints of the glacier, and the chance to see it from the water, if you choose the boat option. Priced at $149 per person and lasting about 8 to 9 hours, it’s a solid choice for those eager to see one of nature’s most impressive ice formations.

Two things we love about this experience: first, how accessible and close-up the views are—thanks to well-designed walkways and lookout points. Second, the optional boat safari offers a unique perspective, sailing right up to the glacier’s face, where you’ll witness ice chunks detach and crash into the water. However, a consideration is that entrance fees aren’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget for those separately and prepare for a full day of outdoor exploration. This tour suits nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone craving an up-close look at this icy marvel with plenty of time to soak in the scenery.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience with guided visits, viewpoints, and optional boat ride
• Flexible itinerary allowing for personal exploration and panoramic views
• Cost considerations: entrance fees are separate from the tour price
• Small group setting enhances comfort and personalized attention
• Ideal for active travelers who don’t mind walking and outdoor weather
• Highly rated guides deliver insightful commentary in English and Spanish

A Deep Dive into the Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

Starting the Journey: From El Calafate to Los Glaciares

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup, often with a friendly, bilingual guide—sometimes named in reviews, like Guadalupe or Natti—who sets the tone with local insights and a warm welcome. You’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive through Patagonian landscapes. As we cross the Patagonian steppe and skirt Argentine Lake, the views already promise a day filled with natural wonders. Stopping to admire the “Curve of Sighs”, a spot with a poetic name, gives travelers a gentle preview of the grandeur ahead.

Arriving at Los Glaciares National Park

Once at the park, you’ll purchase your entrance tickets (not included in the tour price). The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for hosting nearly 200 glaciers, including the Upsala, Onelli, and Spegazzini. The park’s highlight is, without doubt, the Perito Moreno Glacier, which covers an area of approximately 250 square kilometers and is part of the second-largest ice field in the world after Antarctica.

Exploring the Watchpoints: Pasarelas de Perito Moreno

The park offers multiple walkways and viewing balconies—these are a real treat, allowing you to see the glacier from several angles. Your guide will explain the differences in each viewpoint, so you can choose where to spend your time. Many reviewers mention the “incredible natural show” of ice calving, with slabs of ice crashing into Lago Argentino, creating thunderous sounds and a surreal scene. One visitor noted, “its like looking at a postcard”, which captures how stunning the glacier looks from these vantage points.

The Walks and the Ice: Personal Time to Absorb

Most tours allocate about 1.5 hours at the park, giving you ample time to stroll, take photographs, or simply marvel at the icy landscape. Some travelers, like Josie, mention that the guides provide great history and insight in both English and Spanish, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

The Boat Safari: A Different Perspective

The optional boat ride on Lago Argentino is often highlighted as a “wow” moment. For around an hour, you’ll cruise along the Rico Branch, sailing close to the glacier wall and among floating icebergs. Reviewers like Chelsea and Anhna describe it as “very relaxing” and a fantastic way to see the glacier from a different angle. The boat can hold between 65 and 160 people, depending on the day, but the experience generally feels intimate enough for great photos and close-up views.

Some travelers, like Laura, appreciate that the “pre-tour communications” and “well-organized” logistics make the boat trip feel seamless despite large groups. However, others mention that the boat can be crowded, slightly diminishing the sense of solitude.

Lunch, Rest, and Return

The park offers a café and snack bar, so packing a light lunch or bringing snacks is a wise idea if you wish to avoid the park’s prices or restrictions. Some reviews mention that you cannot bring a homemade lunch into the cafeteria, so plan accordingly. Afterward, the return drive to El Calafate takes about an hour, with the tour typically ending around 5 p.m..

What We’re Sure You’ll Love

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness—many reviews mention how helpful, informative, and accommodating they are, often sharing fascinating facts and stories about the glaciers and park. The stunning vistas from multiple lookout points ensure you’ll get perfect photos and unforgettable memories. The boat safari provides a closer, more dynamic view of the glacier, making it a highly recommended add-on, especially if you want to see icebergs up close.

Considerations and Tips

While the tour offers flexibility and plenty of time at each stop, remember that entrance fees are separate, payable in cash, and should be budgeted for. Weather can vary—snow, rain, or strong winds can affect visibility and comfort, so dressing in layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes is essential.

Some reviews mention that the parking and entry process can be chaotic, especially during peak seasons, so patience is key. A few travelers noted that the weather sometimes hampers views or makes walking slippery, but this is part of the adventure.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration, are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, and want to see the glacier from multiple viewpoints. It’s ideal for those who value guided insight combined with time for personal photography and reflection. If you’re eager to see Perito Moreno from every possible angle—land, water, and panoramic viewpoints—this tour covers all bases.

Final Thoughts

For around $150, this tour offers exceptional value, especially considering the included guide, transportation, and optional boat ride. You get a full day immersed in one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights, with ample time to soak in the scenery and learn about this glacial giant from knowledgeable guides.

While entrance fees aren’t included, that’s a minor additional expense for most travelers, and the flexible schedule allows you to tailor your experience. Whether you’re a photography buff eager for dramatic ice shots or a nature lover wanting a close-up encounter with one of Earth’s most impressive glaciers, this tour delivers.

Overall, it’s a well-organized, memorable adventure that balances guided expertise with personal exploration, making it a perfect choice for anyone visiting El Calafate who wants to witness the breathtaking power and beauty of Perito Moreno Glacier.

FAQs

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, most El Calafate accommodations offer pickup service, making it easy to start your day stress-free.

How long is the drive to the park?
The scenic drive from El Calafate takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, passing stunning Patagonian landscapes.

Is the entrance fee included?
No, the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is payable in cash and is not included in the tour price.

Can I bring my own food?
You can bring snacks and refreshments, but note that you cannot bring a homemade lunch into the park’s cafeteria, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, waterproof layers, including gloves, hat, and waterproof shoes. Weather can be unpredictable, and comfort is key.

Is the boat safari crowded?
The boat can accommodate up to 160 people, but reviews suggest that it’s generally manageable, and the experience remains enjoyable.

How much time will I have at the glacier?
You’ll have about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your itinerary, to explore the walkways and take photos.

Can I see ice calving from the viewpoints?
Yes, many visitors report witnessing thrilling calving events, with ice slabs crashing into the water.

What is the group size?
The tour typically caps at 24 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Whether you’re capturing the icy grandeur or standing in awe of its size, this full-day Perito Moreno Glacier tour offers an authentic and accessible way to experience Patagonia’s icy jewel. We recommend it for those who want a balanced mix of guided insight and personal discovery—a true highlight for your South American travels.