Big Ice: Explore the heart of the Perito Moreno Glacier

Travelers with a taste for adventure and a love of stunning natural landscapes will find a perfect match in the Big Ice tour—an exhilarating trek that takes you onto the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Starting from El Calafate, this full-day experience costs around $909 per person and can last between 7.5 and 12 hours, depending on whether you choose to include the optional walk along the glacier walkways.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to walk directly on one of the most iconic glaciers in the world with experienced guides who know every crevasse and cave. Second, the opportunity to see spectacular blue lagoons and deep fissures that you simply can’t appreciate from the viewing platforms.

A key consideration? The tour demands a fair bit of physical effort, making it best suited for active travelers comfortable with outdoor exertion. If you’re eager to experience the glacier up close and are in good shape, this is a trip you’ll remember. It’s particularly appealing for those craving a more authentic, mountaineering-style adventure in one of nature’s most impressive settings.

Key Points

• Unmatched glacier experience: Walk on the actual ice, exploring crevasses and caves with expert guides.
• Spectacular scenery: Blue lagoons, towering ice formations, and sweeping views of surrounding hills.
• Full-day adventure: Nearly 12 hours including transfers, boat rides, and guided glacier exploration.
• Highly physical activity: Demands good fitness, proper gear, and a readiness for outdoor challenges.
• Expert-led: Guides provide insightful commentary on glacier formation, adding depth to the adventure.
• Additional options: Optional walkways and self-guided glacier trails extend your experience.

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Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Glacier Trek

The adventure kicks off early in the morning, with pick-up from your hotel in El Calafate (or a nearby meeting point if you’re staying outside the main route). A comfortable bus whisks you through the Patagonian landscape, with your guides sharing fascinating tidbits about the Los Glaciares National Park and the glacier’s history. This part of the journey is a great chance to settle in, absorb the scenery, and get excited about what’s ahead.

Your first major stop is the “Bajo de las Sombras” port, about 70 km from El Calafate. Here, you board a boat for a scenic 20-minute crossing of Lake Rico, gliding past the imposing south face of the glacier. The boat ride offers a close-up view of the glacier’s massive ice walls—an awe-inspiring sight that sets the tone for the day.

Once ashore at the refuge, you’ll meet your mountaineering guides, who will help you gear up with crampons, helmets, and harnesses. Safety instructions are thorough, ensuring you’re comfortable before the trek begins. This is a prime moment to take in the panoramic views and get a sense of the scale of what’s to come.

The first part of the trek takes you through a moraine and forest, a two-hour walk that’s both scenic and invigorating. During this section, your guides will point out features such as the surrounding hills of Dos Picos, Pietrobelli, and Cervantes, giving context to the landscape. The walk is a gentle warm-up, helping you acclimate to the environment and prepare for the icy terrain.

Stepping onto the glacier itself is a surreal experience. You’ll be walking on blue-tinged ice, navigating crevasses, sinkholes, and possibly caves—if the conditions allow. The guides share insights into how the glacier formed and its ongoing dynamics, making the experience both exciting and educational. Travelers have described the landscape as “fascinating,” with some noting how the caves offer a different perspective on the natural world.

The core of the experience is a three-hour ice trek. Here, you’ll explore in detail, gaining a true sense of the glacier’s immensity and beauty. Expect to take in views of the surrounding hills, and enjoy the tranquility of floating blue lagoons. A 30-minute lunch break is included, set against the stunning backdrop of ice and sky—an ideal moment to relax and reflect on what you’ve seen so far.

After the hike, you’ll retrace your steps back to the refuge, offering a final opportunity to soak in the glacierscape. From there, a boat ride will take you closer to the south face of the glacier before returning to the port. The day concludes with a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways—about 7 km away—where you can stroll along self-guided trails for panoramic views of the glacier.

The Total Experience

The entire day is quite comprehensive, often lasting up to 12 hours if transportation is included, or about 7.5 hours if you arrange your own transfer to the port. The small group size (limited to 2 participants) helps ensure a personalized experience, with guides attentive to your safety and curiosity.

Practical Tips

• Weather is highly variable; dressing in layers, with waterproof gear, is essential.
• You’ll need hiking shoes, preferably waterproof, to navigate the uneven ice and moraine.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, and a hat—UV exposure is intense on the ice.
• Pack food and drinks, as well as a daypack for your gear.
• A medical form must be filled out beforehand, and it’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with certain health issues.

Authenticity and Guides: Knowledge You Can Trust

One aspect we particularly appreciated is the expert guidance. Guides are well-versed in the glacier’s geology and tell stories that make the landscape come alive. According to reviews, guides are “knowledgeable and friendly,” making the experience both educational and fun. Their safety instructions are clear, and their familiarity with the terrain reassures even the most cautious trekkers.

Another highlight is the stunning scenery. From the boat rides, which offer close-up views of the ice walls, to the panoramic vistas from the walkways, every moment offers a picture-perfect scene. The deep blue lagoons and gigantic crevasses create a landscape that’s hard to forget. It’s a good idea to bring a camera with a good zoom, but remember to keep safety in mind when taking photos.

Many reviewers describe the trekking experience as “challenging but rewarding,” emphasizing that the physical demand is part of what makes it memorable. The glacier caves are a special treat, with a few mentioning the feeling of stepping into an otherworldly space carved into centuries-old ice.

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The Value of the Experience

At over $900, this isn’t a cheap outing, but the price reflects the all-inclusive nature—boat rides, guides, equipment, and the unique access to the glacier itself. For travelers eager to walk on a glacier in a way few ever do, the cost is justified by the unparalleled scenery, expert guidance, and the physical challenge.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for active travelers aged 18 to 50 who are comfortable with outdoor physical activity. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, back, or heart problems, or anyone expecting a leisurely sightseeing tour. If you are seeking an adventure that combines mountaineering, stunning visuals, and knowledgeable guides, this tour will deliver.

For families or less active travelers, the physical demands and safety equipment might be prohibitive, but the self-guided glacier walk or viewing platforms could be better options.

Final Thoughts: Is Big Ice the Right Choice for You?

If you’re craving an authentic, hands-on glacier adventure and don’t mind a challenging trek, this tour delivers in spades. The experience of walking on the blue ice, exploring caves, and feeling the scale of the glacier beneath your feet is something few other natural sights can match. It’s a true mountaineering experience that combines adventure, education, and jaw-dropping scenery.

Travelers who value guides with expertise, well-organized logistics, and the chance to access a World Heritage site in a highly personalized setting will find this tour worth the investment. The included boat rides and walkways add variety and help round out the day.

In essence, this tour is a bucket-list contender for those who want to go beyond viewing from afar and truly touch and explore the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s not for everyone, but for the adventurous soul, it offers one of the most memorable days in Patagonia.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or teenagers?
No, the tour is generally recommended for ages 18 to 50 due to the physical demands and safety requirements.

What should I wear during the trek?
Bring warm outdoor clothing, waterproof gear, hiking shoes, gloves, a hat, and sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but you’re encouraged to bring food and drinks for the day.

How long is the boat ride?
The crossing at “Bajo de las Sombras” takes about 20 minutes, providing a close-up view of the glacier’s face.

Can I participate if I don’t have mountaineering experience?
While no prior experience is necessary, you should be physically fit and comfortable with outdoor exertion and following safety instructions.

What about weather conditions?
The tour proceeds rain or shine; weather variations mean gear is crucial but won’t cancel your adventure unless safety conditions are compromised.

Is the glacier accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, due to the terrain and safety equipment requirements, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What is included in the price?
Boat rides, tour guides, technical equipment for glacier trekking, and transfers are included. Entrance fees and personal gear are not.

To sum it up, the Big Ice tour offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in a way few get to experience. It’s a demanding but rewarding full-day adventure that combines nature, physical activity, and expert guidance—perfect for travelers eager to add a true mountaineering element to their Patagonian journey. If you’re prepared for the effort and want to see the glacier from the inside out, this is a bucket-list experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby