National Park – Perito Moreno Glacier – (Optional Nautic Safari)

Experience the Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in a Day

This full-day tour from El Calafate to the Los Glaciares National Park offers a chance to witness one of Patagonia’s most stunning natural wonders. For $108.34 per person, you’ll explore the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier, with opportunities for independent walking and, if you choose, a boat ride close to the ice wall. The tour lasts about 7 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient way to see this iconic glacier without the hassle of planning transportation yourself.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: first, the scenic drive along the Provincial Road offers views of the Patagonian Steppe and Magellanic forest, giving you a taste of the varied landscapes. Second, the walks along the pasarelas (boardwalks) provide multiple perspectives of the glacier—some of the best photo opportunities—and the chance to witness the dramatic calving events if you’re lucky.

One consideration is that, like many tours in remote Patagonia, schedules can sometimes be affected by weather or logistical issues, such as the occasional delay in pickup or transportation problems, as a recent review recounted. Travelers should stay flexible and remember that even with minor hiccups, the experience is well worth it. This tour suits those who want to combine comfort, guided insights, and independence to appreciate the glacier’s grandeur.

If you love striking landscapes, enjoy flexible exploration, and want a balance of guided information and free time, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability—just enough to keep things interesting.

Key Points

• Stunning vistas of the Perito Moreno Glacier from multiple viewpoints
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Optional boat navigation offers a unique perspective from water level
• Flexible time for independent walks along the pasarelas
• Educational guides enhance understanding of the glacier and region
• Potential for delays means travelers should stay flexible but will find the experience worthwhile

Deep Dive Into the Glacier Tour

When we talk about Perito Moreno Glacier, it’s impossible not to be affected by its sheer size and the spectacle of ice calving into the lake. This tour sets the scene with a scenic drive that takes you along the Provincial Road—a surprisingly relaxing way to transition from the Patagonian Steppe into the lush, forested areas surrounding the glacier. As you pass by, you’ll get glimpses of the region’s flora and fauna, which adds a welcome sense of authenticity to the journey.

First Stop: Lago Argentino and the “Curva de los Suspiros”

One of the first highlights is the stop at Lago Argentino, Argentina’s largest lake. Here, the calm waters set a peaceful tone, and the view of the lake is a perfect prelude to the dramatic ice walls ahead. The second stop, the “Curva de los Suspiros”, offers an impressive panoramic view of the glacier, giving travelers an expansive perspective of the ice formation stretching into the distance.

Reviewers appreciated these moments, noting that even a brief five-minute stop can set the tone for what’s to come. One traveler called the view “impressive,” highlighting that these scenic breaks are often the most memorable parts of the journey.

Walk Along the Pasarelas

Once in the park, you’ll have around two hours to explore the pasarelas—a network of walkways that extend across points of the glacier. These vantage points are carefully positioned to give multiple angles of the ice wall, which rises about 60 meters above the lake. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness pieces of ice breaking off—a thunderous, awe-inspiring sound that leaves many visitors speechless. One reviewer described this as “a huge breaking noise,” underscoring how powerful and visceral this experience can be.

The walk is relatively relaxed, giving you plenty of time to absorb the scenery, take photos, and simply stand in awe of nature’s craftsmanship. Virginia, a guide praised in reviews, was described as “charming, knowledgeable and friendly,” making the walk even more engaging.

Optional Boat Navigation

The highlight for many is the boat ride that glides close to the massive ice wall. Lasting about 50 minutes, this optional activity is highly recommended for a different perspective—seeing the glacier from the water level is quite spectacular. The boat stops briefly near the ice, allowing for close-up photos of the 60-meter-high ice wall, which is a truly rare opportunity.

While the boat ride incurs an extra fee payable on the day in pesos, many reviewers felt it was well worth the extra expense. One described it as “definitely a necessity,” emphasizing how it adds a new dimension to the experience.

Final Thoughts

Though the tour is well-organized, a recent review noted a delay in pickup due to a broken minibus, highlighting that logistical hiccups are possible. Nonetheless, most travelers find the experience enriching enough to overlook these minor inconveniences. The tour’s small group size—max 10 travelers—ensures a more intimate experience and better interactions with guides.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

The price of $108.34 covers transportation, a professional guide, and the optional boat ride. Tickets to the glacier itself are paid separately in Argentine pesos at the park, and this is something to budget for—roughly a 2-hour window is allocated for sightseeing, giving ample time to walk, take photos, and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Since the tour is booked on average 61 days in advance and receives a 4.5/5 rating from 9 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find great value. The tour is suitable for most people, including those who enjoy some independent exploration and are comfortable with a group setting.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip—balancing guided insights with free time to explore. It suits those who want to see the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier without the hassle of organizing transport or activities independently. If you’re keen on photography, wildlife spotting, or simply marveling at nature’s power, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also good for those who appreciate authentic experiences and don’t mind a small chance of delays, knowing that the stunning scenery more than compensates.

FAQs

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and the optionally navigation boat ride. Tickets to the glacier are paid separately.

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts about 7 hours, including travel, sightseeing stops, and free time at the glacier.

• Is the boat ride mandatory?
  No, it’s optional. Many find it to be a highlight, but you can choose to skip it if you prefer to focus on walking and viewing from the pasarelas.

• What should I bring?
  Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing (weather can change rapidly), a camera, and some pesos for the glacier entrance fee and optional boat ride.

• How crowded does it get?
  Since the group size is limited to 10, it’s relatively intimate. However, during peak season, expect some crowds on the pasarelas and at the park.

• What if it rains or the weather is bad?
  The tour operates rain or shine; weather may impact visibility or the experience of the calving. Always check the forecast and dress accordingly.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if weather or plans change at the last minute.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of the Perito Moreno Glacier for those who want a hassle-free way to see one of Patagonia’s most stunning sights. The combination of scenic drives, multiple viewpoints, and optional boat rides creates a memorable day that balances guided insights with free exploration. It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and memorable landscapes—knowing that even if minor delays occur, the awe-inspiring glacier makes it all worthwhile.