Imagine a day where you get to stand face-to-face with one of the world’s most spectacular glaciers, walk on its icy surface with crampons, and enjoy breathtaking views of Patagonia’s wild landscapes. This full-day tour starts in El Calafate, Argentina, and promises about 10 hours of adventure, exploration, and awe. For $528 per person, you’ll enjoy transfers, guided glacier trekking, and panoramic walkways — a package designed for those eager to experience nature’s frozen masterpiece up close.

What we love about this tour is the chance to walk on the glacier itself, feeling the crunch of ice beneath your feet while taking in the brilliant shades of blue ice that only glaciers can produce. Plus, the knowledgeable guides bring the landscape alive with fascinating facts about glaciology and the local environment.

A possible consideration is that this is a large-group experience, which might reduce the intimacy of the adventure for some travelers. Plus, participants need a moderate level of physical fitness, so it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility concerns or seeking a very relaxed outing.

This tour suits adventure seekers and nature lovers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to get their hands (and boots) dirty on the ice. It’s also perfect for those who want a comprehensive day that balances glacier walking, panoramic views, and cultural insights.

Key Points

Incredible Glacier Experience: Walking on the ice with crampons is the highlight, with stunning shades of blue and features like deep cracks and seracs.
Expert Guides: Guides provide engaging, knowledgeable commentary in multiple languages, making the experience both educational and fun.
All-Inclusive Day: Transfers, boat crossings, a walk along the lake, and a visit to walkways provide a full view of Perito Moreno.
Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers for the glacier trek, ensuring safety and personalized attention.
Value for Money: Includes gear like crampons and helmets, plus a guided glacier walk, making this a well-rounded, worthwhile adventure.
Potential Drawback: Large tour groups for the bus and boat parts mean you might not get the intimacy of smaller-scale excursions.

Starting in El Calafate, this tour hits the ground running with a comfortable bus transfer, typically beginning around 7 AM or 1 PM. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with guides providing information about the glacier, the park, and Patagonia’s landscape in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Once you arrive at Bajo de las Sombras port, the excitement builds as you step onto a boat for a quick 20-minute crossing of Lago Rico. This crossing offers a stunning view of the southern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, a scene that often leaves travelers speechless. On the boat, you’ll be in good company among other groups, but the real magic begins once ashore.

Walking along the lake’s coast, your guides will share insights into glaciology, helping you understand the ice’s dynamic nature. We loved this part — it sets the tone for what’s to come, with the landscape slowly revealing its grandeur. The guides are especially praised for their knowledge and bilingual skills, often providing detailed explanations in Spanish and English, making the tour accessible to diverse travelers.

Once at the glacier’s edge, you’ll be fitted with crampons and helmets by the guides, a process that takes about 20 minutes. Safety and comfort are prioritized, with small groups of up to 20 people per guide. The walk on the glacier lasts about one hour, but trust us, it feels much longer because of the variety of features you’ll encounter. Expect to see deep cracks, turquoise ponds, seracs, and moulins — natural ice formations that make for spectacular photos.

Walking on the ice is a moderate-level activity — irregular but safe — and many reviewers mention that the experience is surprisingly accessible. As Nicolas_O notes, “The guides are fantastic… I imagined we would climb for 15 on the glacier, but it was a lot longer with quite an adventure feel despite the tour dynamic.”

We appreciated the personalized attention during the trek—guided by experts who give safety instructions and make sure everyone is well-equipped. As LisRenata_D exclaims, “This is the most amazing experience of my life! It’s literally breathtaking.” The ice’s brilliant blue hues and the peace of walking on a frozen landscape make it an unforgettable highlight.

After the glacier walk, you’ll traverse a trail crossing the Bosque Andino Patagónico (Patagonian Forest), completing a three-hour walk along the lake coast, moraine, ice, and woods. This part of the experience offers a different perspective — lush greenery, mountain views, and the relaxing sounds of nature. Many reviewers, like Gaye_W, mention that the views from the walkways and the glacier itself are just as impressive as the trek.

Returning to the port, you’ll embark on a boat trip back, with the possibility of viewing the glacier from the water, adding to the visual feast. You’ll then have the chance to visit the walkways of Glaciar Perito Moreno for about an hour, offering panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities.

In total, this full-day experience combines adventure, scenery, and education. It provides a comprehensive look at the glacier from different angles, with enough variety to keep even the most eager traveler engaged.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The glacier trek is the centerpiece. Walking on the ice provides a rare, tangible connection to one of nature’s most impressive phenomena. As Eva_B points out, “Breathtaking views, informative and friendly guides. The trekking was not too difficult and there was an abundance of stops to take great pictures.” Even those who are not seasoned hikers find the activity manageable and rewarding.

The guides receive praise across reviews for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and language skills. Their ability to explain complex glaciology in understandable terms enhances the experience, making it more than just a walk on ice but a lesson in natural history.

The logistics are well organized, with pickups from El Calafate hotels, boat crossings, and walkways all coordinated smoothly. While some reviews mention minor delays or schedule changes — common in such remote environments — the overall flow remains positive.

The price point of $528 might seem high, but when you factor in gear, transportation, multiple stops, and a full day of guided activities, it offers good value. Remember, the tour limits group size to ensure safety and a personalized experience, which many travelers appreciate.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventure lovers who don’t mind a moderate physical activity, especially walking on uneven ice and trails. It’s an ideal choice for nature photography enthusiasts, given the stunning ice formations and mountain scenery.

It’s also well-suited for families with children aged 8 and above, and those interested in learning about glaciology and Patagonia’s environment. If you’re seeking a comprehensive day that balances adventure with educational insight, this tour covers all bases.

However, if you prefer small, intimate groups or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider a smaller-scale tour or one with fewer participants. Also, keep in mind that for some, the large bus and boat components might feel less personal.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Calafate’s downtown area.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including transfers, glacier walk, and walkways visit.

Do I need to be physically fit?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The glacier walk is considered moderate, with irregular but safe ice terrain.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, the guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, providing explanations in multiple languages.

What is included in the price?
Crampons, helmets, guide services, boat crossings, and a guided walk on the glacier are included. Food and park entrance are not.

Can I bring my own gear?
The tour provides crampons and helmets; bringing your own hiking shoes or waterproof gear can enhance comfort.

Is the glacier trek suitable for children?
Children from age 8 are allowed, provided they meet the physical requirements. Always check with the provider if you have concerns.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a robust, well-organized adventure that lets you walk on one of the world’s most famous glaciers, this full-day Minitrekking Tour delivers on that promise. The combination of boat crossings, scenic walks, and glacier trekking, all guided by experienced professionals, creates a memorable experience that balances thrill with education.

While the tour is geared toward larger groups, many travelers find the safety, expertise, and stunning scenery make it worth the price. It’s best suited for those who value comprehensive guided experiences and want to get as close as possible to the ice, capturing photos and memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re prepared for a moderate physical effort, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and want to learn more about glaciology and Patagonia’s environment, this tour is an excellent choice. Just remember to book in advance — the popularity and limited spots make it a sought-after adventure.

Final Recommendations

For adventure and scenery that few other experiences can match, this tour hits the mark. The guides’ knowledge and the glacier walk are the primary reasons travelers repeatedly praise this experience. If you’re comfortable with the group size and moderate activity level, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for nature’s icy giants.

Anyone looking for an authentic, up-close encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier, while appreciating good organization and professional guides, will find this tour worthwhile. Just be aware of the larger group dynamics and plan accordingly to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.