Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier with Box Lunch

A visit to Perito Moreno Glacier is often at the top of any Patagonia itinerary, and this tour from El Calafate offers a solid way to experience one of South America’s most breathtaking sights. Priced at $177 per person, it lasts about 8 hours and includes hotel pickup, guiding, and a handy box lunch for when you’re ready to eat. The tour is operated by RipioTurismo and is generally booked about five days in advance—perfect for planning ahead for a well-organized day.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines comfort with authenticity. The guided nature of the trip ensures you get expert insights into the landscape, wildlife, and geology, making the scenery even more meaningful. Plus, the included scenic drive through diverse landscapes—from the Patagonian steppe to the lush Andean forests—adds educational value and visual variety. It’s also great to see the variety of birdlife—black-necked swans, flamingos, and steam ducks—around Lake Argentino, giving you a glimpse of the vibrant ecosystem.

A potential drawback might be the group size—up to 45 travelers—meaning it can feel a bit crowded during the busiest times. Also, the tour price excludes the $30 entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, which is an unavoidable cost if you want to get close to the glacier itself. Lastly, a review mentioned a hiccup where the lunch was not available as planned due to a booking error, but the company promptly offered a refund, showing good customer service.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized, informative day trip with the convenience of hotel pickup. It’s ideal for those who enjoy nature, scenic drives, and want a guided experience that covers all the essentials without the hassle of planning every detail on their own.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience with guided narration and scenic stops.
• Includes a box lunch, making the day more convenient.
• Short drive from El Calafate (80 km) to the glacier, with varied landscapes.
• Opportunity to see diverse bird species and local flora/fauna.
• Accessible for most travelers with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Extra costs include the park entrance fee, about $30.

In-Depth Review of the Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

The Journey Begins: From El Calafate to the Glacier

Starting at 7:30 am, the tour begins with hotel pickup, which saves you the hassle of arranging transportation. The approximately 80-kilometer drive takes about two hours, but it’s far from boring. As we left El Calafate behind, we crossed the Patagonian steppe, a vast yellow expanse dotted with hardy grasses called Coiron. This landscape alone offers a sense of Patagonia’s rugged, open nature.

The guide, whose name we didn’t catch but who was very knowledgeable, pointed out notable sights along the way. We learned about the diverse ecosystems—from the steppe to the Andean Patagonian Forest—that we’d encounter as we approached the glacier. Be sure to have your camera ready, as the scenery is constantly changing, with panoramic views of Lake Argentino and its Round Bay, home to a variety of bird species like flamingos, black-necked swans, and steam ducks.

Entering Los Glaciares National Park

Once past the park entrance, the landscape shifts from the open plains into lush Andean forests, home to ñires, sour cherries, and lengas. This transition is a reminder of Patagonia’s incredible biodiversity. The guide shared interesting tidbits about the flora and fauna, making this more than just a scenic drive—it’s an educational experience.

Approaching the Glacier

When we arrived at the Perito Moreno Glacier, the sight was unforgettable. The glacier’s massive, ice-blue tongue extends across Lake Argentino, and you can hear the thunderous calving as chunks of ice crash into the water. It’s loud and spectacular—a reminder of the glacier’s dynamic nature.

The tour provides access to several walkways and balconies, carefully positioned to give different perspectives. We loved the way each viewpoint highlighted unique aspects of the glacier’s structure and activity. From some angles, the scale is awe-inspiring, and from others, you can see the intricate blue ice details. Keep your eyes open for ice falling into the lake, a natural spectacle that’s both mesmerizing and slightly nerve-wracking.

The Box Lunch Experience

Included in the tour price is a box lunch, which can be a real time-saver. One review mentioned a mix-up where the lunch was not available, but the company swiftly offered a refund. It’s worth noting that the lunch is a convenient way to fuel up without having to hunt for food during the busy day. Depending on your preferences, you might find the pre-packed meal sufficient during this active day.

Wildlife and Nature

Beyond the glacier, the tour offers opportunities to observe native bird species and appreciate Patagonia’s diverse ecosystems. We loved seeing the flamingos and swans around Lake Argentino, which added a splash of color to the scenery. The guide pointed out flora like ñires and sour cherries, giving us a sense of the landscape’s botanical richness, even if you’re not a botanist.

The Return Trip

After several hours exploring the glacier and surrounding viewpoints, we began the journey back to El Calafate. The return trip provided a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy more scenic views. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

What’s Worth Considering

While this tour hits many marks—scenic views, guided insights, wildlife—there are a few practical considerations. The group size can be sizable, which might mean a bit of crowding at popular viewpoints. The park entrance fee isn’t included in the ticket price, so budget around an extra $30. Lastly, the lunch mishap shows that sometimes logistical issues can happen, but responsive companies will resolve them quickly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a guided, relaxed day with plenty of opportunity to see the glacier from different angles. It’s a good fit for those who appreciate wildlife and scenery, and who prefer not to worry about transportation or planning logistics. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy learning about the environment—our guide’s explanations really enhanced the visit.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

At $177, this tour offers a lot—transport, guiding, scenic stops, and a meal—making it a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive day without the hassle of organizing multiple parts of the trip. The scenic drive alone is worth the price, as it introduces you to Patagonia’s striking landscapes, while the guided explanation makes the experience richer and more meaningful.

If you’re after a familiar, guided adventure that hits the main highlights of Perito Moreno Glacier, this tour delivers. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and enjoy the scenery comfortably. Just be prepared for the possibility of crowds and the extra fee for park entry.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option, making it easy to start and end your day.

How long is the drive from El Calafate to the glacier? The drive is about 80 kilometers and takes approximately two hours, passing through varied landscapes.

What wildlife might I see? You can expect to see various bird species like black-necked swans, flamingos, and steam ducks around Lake Argentino.

Does the tour include the park entrance fee? No, the fee—about $30—is paid separately at the park entrance.

Is there a meal included? Yes, a box lunch is provided, but there was a report of a mix-up with lunch availability, which was promptly rectified by the company.

What is the maximum group size? Up to 45 travelers, which can be a bit crowded at viewpoints, but still manageable.

Can I visit the glacier independently? This tour provides guided access to viewpoints and the glacier, but for a more independent experience, you might explore other options, noting that this tour offers convenience and expert insights.

In the end, this tour balances scenery, education, and comfort. It’s a reliable choice for travelers seeking a well-organized day to see Perito Moreno Glacier without the stress of planning every detail themselves. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a memorable Patagonian highlight, it’s a journey worth considering.