Minitrekking Perito Moreno Ice hike + walkways visit + pick up.

If you’re heading to Patagonia and want to see one of its most iconic sights, the Perito Moreno Glacier, this tour offers an exceptional day out. For around $445 per person, you’ll get to witness the glacier from afar with panoramic views, and more importantly, get on the ice itself through a guided mini ice trek. The tour starts early with pickup from your El Calafate accommodation, and spans roughly 10 hours filled with breathtaking scenery, expert guides, and unique experiences.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines spectacular glacier views from the walkways with the thrill of walking on the ice. The guided trek provides a close-up perspective that’s hard to beat, and the additional visits to the Perito Moreno walkways and moraine scene make this a comprehensive experience.

A possible consideration is that the glacier circuit on the ice is of medium difficulty, with irregular but safe terrain—so travelers should be comfortable with some physical activity. Also, the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which means it’s more intimate and well-guided but requires booking in advance, often around 4 weeks prior.

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those eager to step onto the glacier and learn about its constantly changing surface. It’s perfect for nature lovers, and for anyone who appreciates a mix of scenic panoramas and hands-on adventure.

Key Points

• Unique Glacier Experience: Walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier with professional guides, getting up close to one of Patagonia’s most famous natural wonders.
• Comprehensive Day: Includes transfers, boat rides, walkways, and glacier trekking—all in one well-organized trip.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups of up to 10 travelers ensure personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Scenic Variety: From panoramic views at the walkways to the icy adventure on the glacier itself, you’ll experience Patagonia’s diverse landscapes.
• Safety & Comfort: Guided by experienced professionals, with safety briefings and necessary equipment like crampons, making the ice accessible.
• Authentic Experience: The inclusion of a glacier whiskey shot with ice from the glacier adds a fun, local touch.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer from El Calafate

Your day begins early, with pickup around 7:00 am from your accommodation in El Calafate. The drive to Puerto Bajo Las Sombras takes about 45 miles (70 km), during which your guide will share insights about Los Glaciares National Park and the glacier’s fascinating features. Knowing this ahead of time helps you appreciate the landscape and the ecological significance of the area.

The Walk along the Shore and Safety Briefing

Once at the starting point, you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk of approximately half a mile (1 km) along the lake shore. This gentle stroll sets a relaxed tone before the more active part of the day. Your guides will explain safety procedures and offer a quick overview of glaciology—helpful for understanding what makes this glacier so extraordinary.

The Ice Trek: Up Close with the Glacier

The main highlight is the guided ice walk, where you’ll be grouped with no more than 20 people, each with two guides. This ratio of 10 travelers per guide ensures personalized attention, safety, and detailed explanations. You’ll don helmets and crampons before stepping onto the glacier’s icy surface.

Walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier for about 90 minutes, you’ll experience the constantly shifting ice—ridges, crevasses, and sparkling blue ice formations. As one reviewer noted, “I was initially scared because crampons felt heavy, but I got used to it, and the views are magnificent.” This underscores that the terrain is irregular but safe for those with moderate physical fitness.

Glacier Anecdotes and Glacier Whiskey

After the trek, your guide offers a small glacial treat—a bonbon and a glass of whiskey with ice made from the glacier itself. This little ritual highlights the purity of the ice and adds a memorable flavor to your adventure.

Revisiting the ice, you’ll walk along the moraine, arriving at a panoramic viewpoint with sweeping vistas of the glacier, mountains, and lake. This is a perfect moment for photos and reflection. The return walk through the Patagonian Andean Forest is equally scenic, leading you to a cozy refuge where staff serve hot drinks and a small souvenir—adding a touch of warmth after the icy adventure.

The Boat Ride and Final Panoramas

Before heading back, you’ll take a boat ride close to the glacier’s walls, giving you another perspective of its scale and grandeur. As one glowing review mentions, “The last look at the enormous walls of the glacier from the boat was breathtaking.”

Finally, the day wraps up with a visit to the Perito Moreno walkways. You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the organized trails, enjoy panoramic views, and take a last look at the glacier from different angles—an ideal way to complete your experience.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The tour price of $445 covers most essentials: pick-up and roundtrip transfers, boat ride, guides (bilingual in Spanish and English), crampons, and the glacial whiskey.

However, you’ll need to purchase your entry ticket to Los Glaciares National Park separately—this can be bought on-site with Argentine pesos, adding a small extra step. Food isn’t included, so packing a snack or lunch might be wise if you’re hungry after the trek.

The tour is well-priced considering all the included activities and the personalized attention—especially given the small group size and expert guidance.

Detailed Experience Breakdown

The Drive to Puerto Bajo Las Sombras

Traveling from El Calafate, we appreciated the smooth, comfortable transfer—an efficient start to a busy day. The guide’s commentary about the park’s geology and ecology added depth, making the journey educational as well as scenic.

Shoreline Walk and Glacier Safety

The short walk along the lake’s edge is a gentle warm-up—great for acclimating to the day’s pace. It also sets expectations about how close you’ll get to the glacier, and the safety briefing reassures first-timers concerned about trekking on ice.

The Glacier Walk

This is where the experience truly shines. The guides’ expertise transforms the irregular but stable ice into a playground of blue crevasses and towering ridges. The irregular surface might seem daunting at first, but guides ensure safety and fun. As one reviewer put it, “The view is magnificent,” which doesn’t quite capture the awe of standing on a vast, shifting ice sheet that’s carved by nature over centuries.

Post-Trek Relaxation and Views

The small refreshment at the moraine scene, coupled with the panoramic vantage point, provides a well-earned break. The whiskey with glacier ice is a delightful touch—adding a physical reminder of the glacier’s icy purity.

The Walkways and Final Viewing

The walkways allow space to breathe in the scale of the glacier from a distance, contrasting nicely with the intimate trek on the ice. The views of the glacier’s massive walls, interspersed with the distant mountain backdrop, are unforgettable.

Authenticity and Value for Travelers

This tour combines the best of Patagonia’s scenery with hands-on adventure, all within a manageable day. The small group setting enhances safety, comfort, and the chance to ask plenty of questions, making it ideal for curious travelers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The inclusion of a boat ride, glacier whiskey, and access to the walkways ensures you’re not just observing but actively experiencing the glacier’s grandeur. Plus, the fact that the tour is limited to 10 participants means it doesn’t feel rushed or crowded, allowing you to savor every moment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Ideal for travelers who want an active, immersive experience of the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy learning detailed facts about glaciers and want the security of guided instruction. Because of its moderate difficulty, it suits people with reasonable mobility and a spirit of adventure.

In summary, if your goal is to stand on one of the most striking glaciers in the world, enjoy spectacular views, and get a bit of a thrill, this tour will serve you well. The combination of scenic diversity, expert guides, and authentic glacier contact makes it a top pick in El Calafate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to book this tour in advance? Yes, it’s highly recommended to book at least 29 days ahead, as it’s a popular experience with limited spots—especially during peak season.

What is the best age range for this tour? The tour is suitable for people from 8 to 65 years old. It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness, and the glacier circuit is of medium difficulty.

What should I wear for the ice trek? Dress in warm, layered clothing, and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes. The guides provide helmets and crampons, but good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.

Is the glacier walk safe? Yes, guided by professionals with safety briefings and proper equipment. The ice surface, while irregular, is firm and safe for those within the age and fitness limits.

What’s included in the tour price? Roundtrip transfer from El Calafate, boat ride, bilingual guides, crampons, and a complimentary drink with glacier ice.

What expenses are NOT included? Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park must be purchased separately, and food isn’t included.

How long is the entire tour? About 10 hours, including transportation, glacier activities, and sightseeing at the walkways.

Can I request an English-speaking guide? Yes, the tour offers bilingual guides, and many reviews praise the guides’ clear, engaging explanations.

What kind of footwear should I bring? Sturdy, waterproof shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces—think hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with good grip.

Is the experience suitable for photographers? Absolutely, the panoramic views, ice formations, and towering glacier walls provide countless photo opportunities, especially from the walkways and boat.

To sum it up, the Minitrekking Perito Moreno Ice Hike + Walkways Visit offers a well-rounded, authentic Patagonia adventure. It’s perfect for those who want to combine scenic panoramas with the thrill of stepping onto a historic glacier. The guided approach, small group size, and variety of activities ensure you’ll leave with vivid memories and a true appreciation of this natural wonder.