Perito Moreno Glacier – CALAFATE (Footbridges and Navigation)

Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier with Footbridges and Navigation

Imagine spending a day gazing at one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Argentina — the Perito Moreno Glacier. This full-day tour from El Calafate costs around $245 per person and lasts about 8 hours. It includes hotel pickup, transportation, a boat ride, and entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll see the glacier from multiple angles, both from scenic viewpoints and from the water.

Two highlights stand out: first, the panoramic views from the footbridges and balconies, which allow you to get surprisingly close to the ice face, and second, the boat ride across Lake Argentino, offering a different perspective on the glacier’s immense scale. We love that this tour balances land-based walks with an exciting boat cruise, making sure you’re not just looking at the glacier but experiencing it from various angles.

A small caveat: the tour’s price is on the higher side compared to some other options, and lunch isn’t included, so planning ahead for meals is advisable. Still, for those who want a comprehensive, well-organized day with expert guidance, this trip offers excellent value. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to see the glacier from multiple viewpoints and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

Key Points

• Multiple viewpoints: Walk along the footbridges with stunning panoramic views of the glacier.
• Wildlife and scenery: Spot diverse birdlife like flamingos and black-necked swans around Lake Argentino.
• Boat experience: Take a boat ride to see the glacier from a different angle.
• Expert guidance: Local guides enhance the experience with knowledge and insights.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day seamless.
• Flexibility: You can take photos, walk on the trails, and see the glacier from different perspectives.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Scenic Drive

We start early in the morning, around 8:00 am, with hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicles. From the moment we leave the town of El Calafate, the scenery is captivating. We pass by Lake Argentino, the largest freshwater lake in Argentina, and enjoy views of Redonda Bay, which is teeming with birdlife, including black-necked swans and flamingos. Our guide, whose name might be shared during the trip, provides interesting tidbits about the landscape and wildlife, making the drive as informative as it is scenic.

Reaching the Perito Moreno National Park

Once we arrive at the park, the views of the glacier unfold before us. The panoramic balconies and footbridges offer a close-up look at the icy face, which can stretch over 60 meters high in some areas. Here, the beauty of the glacier is undeniable — its blue hues contrasting with the stark landscape, and the sound of cracking ice echoing in the air. We loved the way this set of trails allows for different perspectives: some spots let you see the glacier’s full length, while others are perfect for snapping detailed photos of the ice formations.

Walking and Photography Opportunities

The walk along the footbridges is a highlight — you can get surprisingly close to the glacier’s face, and the scenery changes with the weather and time of day. As Dawn_T noted in her review, “just loved the footbridges and navigation. Both brought me closer to the glacier,” especially when the sun made the ice sparkle. The paths are well-maintained, and most travelers, regardless of age or fitness level, find them accessible and rewarding.

The Boat Ride: A Different Perspective

After some time on land, it’s time for the boat ride across Lake Argentino. This part of the tour offers a unique view of the glacier’s massive ice walls from the water. It also provides excellent photo opportunities — the floating platform lets you marvel at how the glacier rises from the lake, with icebergs and calving sounds adding drama to the scene. The boat ride is a relaxing way to see the glacier from a different angle, and most travelers find it well worth the additional time.

Free Walks and Optional Lunch

Following the boat, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the trails further or relax on the viewing platforms. Note that lunch isn’t included, so it’s wise to bring snacks or plan to buy something at the park’s facilities. Some reviews suggest that the overall structure of the tour makes it easy to manage your own schedule for breaks and photos.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture the glacier’s grandeur from multiple points of view. It’s also great for travelers who appreciate guided, organized excursions that offer both comfort and insight, as well as those who want to avoid the hassle of arranging their own transport and park entry.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other glacier excursions, this tour’s combination of land-based footbridge walks and a boat ride provides a well-rounded experience for a reasonable price. Guests consistently praise the professional guides who enrich the journey with local knowledge, making the visit more than just a sightseeing trip. The included park entrance fee simplifies logistics, while the hotel pickup ensures a smooth start and end to your day.

The 8-hour duration strikes a good balance — it’s long enough to see the glacier from various angles without feeling rushed. Although the price is somewhat higher than basic visits, the added value comes from the quality of the experience, the scenic diversity, and the convenience.

Why It’s Worth Considering

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized day with plenty of photo opportunities and scenic views, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suitable for those who want a stress-free experience and enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides. The combination of footbridge views and a boat cruise captures the glacier’s scale and beauty perfectly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour from El Calafate offers an excellent way to experience the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It combines scenic drives, walks on accessible trails, and a boat ride that together create a memorable day. For travelers who value guided insight, multiple viewpoints, and convenience, it’s a solid choice.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, that can be easily managed with a packed meal or snacks bought locally. The small group size (up to 30 travelers) ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and the professional guides help turn a simple sightseeing trip into a meaningful adventure.

If you’re keen on capturing the glacier’s enormous ice walls, hearing the cracking sounds of calving, and enjoying a comfortable, well-organized outing, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for those who want a balanced mix of scenic beauty, wildlife spotting, and expert narration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and the boat ride.

What’s included in the tour price?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional local guide, air-conditioned transportation, entry to the park, and a boat ride on Lake Argentino.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour fee, so plan to bring snacks or buy something at the park.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most of the walkways and viewpoints are accessible, but if you have specific mobility concerns, it’s best to check with the tour provider for detailed accessibility info.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Look out for black-necked swans, flamingos, and various other bird species around the lake and park.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 62 days in advance to secure their spot, suggesting this tour is popular.

What’s the best time of year to visit?
While not explicitly stated, the review mentions that sunny days make the glacier sparkle, indicating that clear weather enhances the experience — which is typical in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Generally yes, given the manageable distances and accessible walkways, but individual mobility should be considered.

Whether you’re eager for iconic glacier views or a relaxing boat cruise, this Perito Moreno Glacier tour from Calafate offers a well-rounded, scenic, and enjoyable experience. It combines the thrill of close-up ice encounters with peaceful vistas, guided by local experts who bring the landscape to life. Perfect for those who want a hassle-free, memorable adventure into one of Argentina’s most breathtaking landscapes.