Blue Safari: ride near Perito Moreno

Discovering the Perito Moreno with the Blue Safari Experience

Imagine standing at the edge of one of the world’s most spectacular glaciers, the Perito Moreno, with its shimmering blue ice towering before you. The Blue Safari offers a unique opportunity to get closer than most visitors do — combining a scenic boat ride across Lake Rico with a walk along the glacier’s southern wall. For $333 per person, this 8-hour tour from El Calafate blends adventure, awe, and a dash of the raw beauty Patagonia is famous for.

What we love about this experience is how it manages to combine multiple highlights in one day. First, the 20-minute boat ride to the glacier’s base is exhilarating, giving you a new perspective on the massive ice wall. Then, the walk on the glacier itself, with its whimsical shapes and vibrant blues, feels like stepping into a giant, frozen sculpture masterpiece. Two features stand out: the chance to get up close with the ice, and the guided commentary that adds context and depth to every step.

A small caveat is that entrance to Los Glaciares National Park isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need to budget for that separately. Also, since children under 10 cannot participate, it might not be suitable for families with very young kids. This tour appeals most to travelers who crave a personal, immersive experience alongside stunning views and professional guides.

If you enjoy a mix of scenery, adventure, and photography, you’ll find this tour a good match—especially if you are prepared for some physical activity and want to stand face-to-face with this icy wonder.

Key Points

• Close-up glacier experience: The boat ride and glacier walk offer a rare intimacy with the ice.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of the glacier’s geology and history.
• Flexible timing: Ample time at the Passarelas and time to eat your own food make the day adaptable.
• Limited park access included: Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is extra.
• Group size: Usually up to 40 travelers, making for a comfortable group setting.
• Weather dependency: The experience is weather-dependent; poor conditions may lead to cancellations or changes.

In-Depth Look at the Blue Safari Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins in El Calafate, a charming town known as the gateway to Patagonia’s glaciers. The pickup service from central hotels adds convenience, freeing you from navigating transportation on your own. This is especially helpful given the early start and the remote location of the glacier. The group size rarely exceeds 40, which strikes a good balance between social and personal experience.

Journey to Los Glaciares National Park

Once on the bus, the ride to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras is about 7 km from the famous Perito Moreno catwalks. The scenic drive provides a chance to appreciate the Patagonian landscape — vast, windswept plains dotted with lenga forests. The guides we’ve heard from are generally well-informed, offering insights into the park’s ecology and geology, adding educational value to the trip.

The Boat Ride: A Closer Look at the Ice

The highlight of the tour is the 20-minute navigation across Lake Rico. From the boat, you’ll get an entirely different perspective of the glacier — sheer ice walls rising dramatically from the water, with calving sounds echoing in the distance. It’s a taste of what it must feel like to approach a frozen fortress.

Several reviews highlight the thrill of this part, with one traveler noting, “Our guide Camila and Eduardo made the experience even better—they knew exactly where to point to catch the best views and explain the glacier’s features.” The boat is comfortable, and the route offers ideal photo opportunities — bright blue ice, deep crevices, and whimsical formations.

The Glacier Walk: Up Close & Personal

Disembarking on the opposite shore, you’ll take a 30-minute walk to the glacier face. The path is relatively easy but does involve some uneven terrain, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. Once at the glacier, you’re free to admire and photograph the varied blues, whites, and whimsical shapes of the ice. The guides are usually well-versed, sharing stories and answering questions about how the glacier forms and why it’s so dynamic.

Reviews reflect how memorable this part is, with one saying, “It was an excellent experience. We loved touching the ice and feeling its coolness — truly unforgettable.” The guides’ commentary helps you understand the significance of what you’re seeing, making the experience educational as well as awe-inspiring.

Additional Time at the Passarelas

After the glacier walk, the tour includes a visit to the Passarelas, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the glacier from different angles. This 2-hour window allows ample time for photos, soaking in the scenery, and having a picnic or snacks you bring along. Since food isn’t included, travelers should come prepared, especially if they want to avoid the limited options available on-site.

Practical Considerations

While the price includes round-trip transfer and the boat ride, it’s important to remember that park entrance fees are extra and payable in cash or card in Argentine pesos. Also, the tour’s weather-dependent nature means that if conditions are poor, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled. Always check the weather forecast and be flexible.

Authentic Experiences & Reviews

Beyond the scenery, the reviews paint a picture of a well-organized tour. One traveler mentioned, “The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable.” Another added that the experience of touching the glacier and sailing close to the ice was the highlight of their trip.

Some reviewers indicated that food options are limited, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is wise. The focus remains on the glacier and the boat ride, not on dining, but this allows travelers to choose what they prefer to eat and enjoy it at their own pace.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those seeking an immersive encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier — not just from afar but up close. It suits active travelers comfortable with walking and some outdoor conditions. It’s also perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture the glacier’s immediate, vivid beauty. Since children under 10 are not allowed, it’s better suited for teens and adults.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love the Blue Safari?

For travelers who want to see the Perito Moreno Glacier from a fresh perspective, this tour offers a compelling balance of adventure, comfort, and education. The boat ride alone is worth the price, providing a chance to see the glacier from a different angle, while the walk allows for a tactile and visual connection with this icy behemoth. The organized transport and guided commentary add value, making logistics simpler for visitors.

If you’re looking for a way to touch the ice and enjoy the spectacle of calving glaciers, the Blue Safari will satisfy your curiosity and your camera. It resonates especially with those who appreciate an active, engaging experience and are prepared to spend some time outdoors in Patagonia’s unpredictable weather.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding experience or are traveling with young children, you might want to consider other options or longer guided tours that include more amenities. This tour’s focus on personal interaction with the glacier makes it a highlight for adventure seekers and photo buffs alike.

FAQ – Practical Questions Answered

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfer from central hotels in El Calafate is included, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat crosses Lake Rico in about 20 minutes, offering close-up views of the glacier’s ice walls.

Do I need to bring food?
Yes, you should bring snacks or a packed lunch since the tour doesn’t include meals, and the time at Passarelas is your best opportunity to eat.

Are entrance fees to the park included?
No, the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park must be paid separately at the park entrance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 10 are not allowed to participate, so it’s best for teens and adults.

How physically demanding is the walk?
The walk is approximately 30 minutes on uneven terrain, requiring moderate fitness.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes are recommended due to outdoor conditions.

Can the experience be canceled?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling with a full refund.

How many people usually join?
Group sizes typically cap at 40, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience.

What do previous travelers say?
Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge, the thrill of touching the glacier, and the stunning scenery — though some note the need to bring your own food.

In sum, the Blue Safari provides a meaningful way to connect with the Perito Moreno Glacier, blending an exciting boat ride with a walk on the ice, guided by experts. Perfect for those who crave an active, intimate encounter with one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights.