Perito Moreno Full Day Minitrekking with Transfer and Walkways

Perito Moreno Full Day Minitrekking with Transfer and Walkways – A Deep Dive

If you’re heading to El Calafate, a tour that combines glacier trekking, scenic walkways, and convenient transfers is bound to be a highlight. Priced at around $361 per person, this 10-hour adventure takes you right to the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, with the chance to walk on the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.

What we love most about this experience are two things: first, the guided ice walk with crampons, which lets you explore a massive, blue-hued glacier up close—an unforgettable moment. Second, the logistics are smooth, with hotel pickups (when options are chosen) and a comfortable boat crossing that adds to the sense of adventure.

A consideration worth noting is that the full tour with transfers can stretch up to 10 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day on the move. The tour size is relatively intimate, with groups limited to 15-20 people, ensuring attentive guides and a less crowded experience. If you’re keen on breathtaking ice landscapes and guided glacier walks, this tour hits all the marks, especially for those who enjoy a bit of physical activity paired with spectacular scenery.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure combining glacier trekking, scenic walkways, and boat transfer
• Expert guides with excellent English and local knowledge
• Moderate physical activity suitable for travelers with average fitness
• Small group sizes for a more personal and engaging experience
• Includes crampons and safety gear, with detailed instructions
• Requires park entry fee (not included), approximately ARS45,000 per person

A Complete Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pick-up options available for added convenience, especially if you choose the with transfer package. For those opting out of transfers, you’ll meet at Puerto Bajo las Sombras—a scenic spot on Route 11.

The buses are comfortable, and your guides will provide info about the area, the glacier, and the tour itself, often in multiple languages like Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Using audio guides in the bus, you’ll get a sense of the land’s grandeur before arriving at the port.

The Boat Crossing: Lago Rico

Once at Bajo las Sombras port, you board a small ship to cross Lago Rico, a trip that takes about 20 minutes. This boat ride alone is worth doing, as it offers a front-row seat to the ice-capped wall of Perito Moreno looming across the lake.

This part of the tour is universally praised—several reviews emphasize how breathtaking the views are from the boat, with some even savoring a glass of whisky with glacier ice at the end. It’s a great way to set the tone for the day, bringing you close to the glacier’s dynamic front face.

Walking on the Glacier

After disembarking, guides lead small groups—up to 20—along a short hike toward the glacier. This 20-minute walk along the lakeshore includes a talk about glaciology, giving you context about the ice’s formation, cracks, seracs, and moulins.

Once you arrive at the glacier, your guides fit you with crampons and helmets—necessary safety gear that makes walking on the ice both safe and exhilarating. The ice trekking lasts about 1.5 hours and is rated as moderate difficulty.

During this walk, you’ll see a mesmerizing array of deep cracks, turquoise ponds, and towering seracs—an Instagram-perfect scene. Reviewers mention the varieties of blue ice and the cracks and seracs as highlights, with one guest describing it as “a special and beautiful experience.”

Guided Ice Walk

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. One reviewer called Sebastián “energizing and knowledgeable with a great sense of humor,” making the trek not just educational but fun. The safety instructions are clear, and the irregular but firm ice surface allows for confident steps, though some might find it a bit challenging.

Post-Trek Exploration and Walkways

After the ice walk, you’ll trek around the moraine—gaining panoramic views of the massive glacier, the mountains, and Lake Argentino. You’ll also walk through the Andean forest, adding a touch of Patagonia’s lush greenery.

If you’ve chosen the with transfer option, the tour includes a one-hour guided visit to the walkways at Perito Moreno. Here, you’ll walk along self-guided paths that offer spectacular panoramic views of the glacier’s towering front wall, with some reviewers noting the walkways are as good as the glacier trek itself.

The Return Journey

The tour concludes with a boat trip back to the port, where you’ll see the glacier’s walls from a different perspective. Then, the bus takes you back to El Calafate, with some flexibility depending on the season and weather conditions.

The full experience, with transfers, lasts around 10 hours — a long day but packed with highlights. For those booking without transfer, expect about 5 hours total, mostly focused on the glacier and walkways.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Multiple travelers call this a "must-do" and praise the organized nature of the trip. Helen mentions that the views from the walkways are “equal to, if not better than” those from the trek, which is important if you’re short on time or prefer less physical effort. On the other hand, some reviews note that walking on the glacier was “a great experience,” with breathtaking scenery and excellent guides.

A few travelers mention group size as a positive, with small groups making the experience more intimate. Many rave about the guides’ knowledge, especially in explaining the glacier’s features and glaciology.

Price and Value

While $361 might seem steep, several reviews highlight the value for money, considering the transportation, boat crossing, gear, and guided walk. A key point from reviewers like Nicolas is that the ice walk feels like a true adventure, and the small group size makes it more personal.

Some reviewers suggest that the experience is worth every penny, especially if you’re keen on walking on a glacier and seeing one of the world’s most famous ice formations up close.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Book well in advance: This tour is popular and often booked 82 days ahead, so plan early.
• Physical fitness: Moderate activity, with uneven ice terrain, so comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen are a must.
• Park fees: The entry to Los Glaciares National Park (ARS45,000) is not included, so budget accordingly.
• Weather readiness: Patagonia weather is unpredictable—bring layers, waterproofs, and sunglasses.
• Lunch options: Pack a lunch if you want to eat in the woods before boarding; no food is included in the tour.
• Language: Guides are fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, but some reviews mention the English narration might be less detailed for non-Spanish speakers—so manage your expectations if you don’t speak Spanish.

The Sum Up

This full-day guided tour offers a well-rounded experience of Perito Moreno Glacier, combining scenic boat rides, intimate glacier walks, and panoramic walkways. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided, educational experience that balances adventure with comfort.

The guided ice walk is a significant highlight—it’s a rare opportunity to walk on one of the most famous glaciers in the world. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it more personal and engaging, even if the full day can be long.

If you’re looking for a balanced, authentic Patagonian adventure and don’t mind a full day of activity, this tour will likely exceed your expectations. The stunning scenery, combined with the expert guidance, makes it a worthwhile splurge for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour allows participants from 8 years old, but children should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and walking on uneven ice.

How long is the glacier walk?
The ice trekking lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a total moderate difficulty level, suitable for most physically fit travelers.

Do I need special clothing or gear?
The tour provides crampons and helmets. It’s best to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, and sunscreen.

Are park entry fees included?
No, the park entry fee (ARS45,000) is not included and must be paid separately.

Can I do the tour without transfers?
Yes, but the total duration drops to about 5 hours, and you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What is the group size?
Groups are limited to 15-20 people, creating a more intimate experience compared to large bus tours.

What if the weather is bad?
Patagonia’s weather is unpredictable. The tour may be rescheduled or affected by weather conditions, but guides will do their best to ensure safety and enjoyment.

In the end, the Perito Moreno Full Day Minitrekking tour offers an excellent way to experience one of the world’s most stunning glaciers. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, safe, and memorable adventure—just be ready for a full day of awe-inspiring scenery and a bit of physical activity.