Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation

Discovering the Perito Moreno Glacier with the Blue Safari Tour

If you’re heading to El Calafate, you’ll quickly realize the Perito Moreno Glacier is the star attraction. This full-day tour, priced at around $192 per person, offers a rare chance to get beyond the typical viewpoints and experience the glacier from multiple angles. With approximately 8 hours of adventure, you’ll enjoy boat navigation, scenic walking, and a memorable scenic drive along the lakeshore.

What we love about this experience is how it combines up-close boat rides with a comfortable walk along the lakeshore, giving you a balanced view of the glacier’s grandeur. The guides are knowledgeable, making sure you don’t miss any hidden details, and the scenic boat ride offers a perfect perspective to appreciate the glacier’s size and beauty.

A potential consideration is that tickets for the park are not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to budget for those separately. Also, if you’re expecting to walk on the glacier itself, note that this tour does not include glacier trekking, which might be worth considering if that’s your main goal.

This tour is best suited for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families who want a comprehensive, comfortable way to explore the glacier while capturing stunning photos and learning about the incredible landscape. It’s ideal for those comfortable with small boat rides, mild walking, and who appreciate detailed, guided explanations.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines boat navigation, walking, and panoramic views for a full day of glacier exploration.
• Close-up Views: Boat rides allow you to see the glacier’s surface, calvings, and intricate ice formations from just meters away.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the glacier’s features.
• Flexible Itinerary: Includes time for lunch and exploration, with scenic walks along lakeshores and viewpoints.
• Transport Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier, especially with early or flexible pickup times.
• Limitations: Does not include park entrance tickets or glacier walking, so plan your budget and expectations accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Blue Safari Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins in El Calafate, with a convenient hotel pickup option available. This avoids the hassle of finding your way to the port, especially after a long drive or early morning. The group size is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience compared to large buses.

Transportation is organized smoothly, and the entire journey offers glimpses of the Patagonian Steppe, setting a scenic tone for the day. The bus ride towards Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is comfortable, with most travelers appreciating how well-structured the schedule is.

Crossing Lago Rico and the First Boat Ride

The first significant highlight is the 20-minute boat ride across Lago Rico from the Puerto Bajo las Sombras port — a moment where you can truly appreciate the glacier’s scale from the water. Many reviews mention how enjoyable this part was, with one reviewer noting, “Ride on the top deck and experience the Patagonian winds!” It’s about capturing that perfect shot with the glacier towering behind you.

Approaching the Glacier

Once ashore, a 30-minute walk with views of the glacier’s southern face introduces you to the majestic ice formations. The trail hugs the lakeshore, offering panoramic vistas of the glacier and lush green surroundings. This stretch is easy but involves gentle slopes, stones, and stairs, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

During the walk, expect to see various shades of blue and white ice, with some sections displaying capricious shapes that make perfect photographs. One traveler mentioned, “The glacier is amazing, and I’m glad I saw it, but I wouldn’t go with this company if I wanted a shorter trip,” highlighting that this is an extended, immersive experience.

Up-Close Glacier Viewing from the Water

The second boat ride allows you to sail right up to the glacier’s face, providing an extraordinary perspective of its size and texture. From the water, you can see marbled ice formations and intricate details that are impossible from afar. This part typically lasts about 40 minutes, and many reviews admire the close-up views and truly inspiring nature of this encounter.

Scenic Break and Lunch at the Park

After the boat rides, the tour includes two hours at Los Glaciares National Park’s viewing walkways. Here, you can soak in breathtaking panoramic views and even enjoy a packed lunch. This flexibility allows you to take your time capturing photos, resting, or simply absorbing the immense beauty of the glacier.

A reviewer noted, “Great photos, and the guides Diago and Juan were very informative,” emphasizing the value of knowledgeable guides and scenic vistas.

Returning and Reflecting

The final part of the tour involves a scenic drive back to El Calafate, with the experience leaving many travelers with lasting memories of the glaciers and Patagonian landscape. The entire experience combines adventure, comfort, and education, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded day.

The Value of This Tour

While the price point of $192 might seem high, it reflects the inclusive nature of boat rides, guided walks, and transportation, providing a hassle-free day. Notably, park entrance tickets are not included, so you should budget for these separately, costing around $20-$30.

Many travelers find that the combination of boat navigation and scenic walks provides excellent value, especially considering the expert guides who help you spot details and answer questions throughout the day. The small group size enhances the experience, avoiding the feeling of being just another face on a bus.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides like Diago and Juan make the difference, providing interesting insights and keeping the group engaged. Several mention how organized logistics and timely scheduling add to the overall satisfaction.

However, a few reviewers noted delays in pick-up times or language barriers—something to keep in mind if your expectations include fluent English guides or strict timing. Also, this tour does not include glacier walking; if that’s what you’re after, you’ll need to look for specialized glacier trekking options.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a comprehensive, scenic, and comfortable way to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. It suits photographers, nature lovers, and families who want a well-organized day without the physical demand of glacier trekking. It’s especially good for those who appreciate boat rides and want to learn about the landscape from knowledgeable guides.

It’s less ideal if you’re expecting to walk on the glacier or are concerned about timing and language barriers. Also, travelers on a strict budget should plan for additional park entrance fees.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

The Blue Safari: Perito Moreno Glacier with Hiking and Navigation delivers an engaging and well-rounded experience of one of Argentina’s most spectacular sights. It combines scenic boat rides, gentle walking, and panoramic views that truly capture the essence of the glacier and its surroundings. The knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and flexible schedule make it a strong choice for those who want an authentic, immersive day without excessive physical effort.

For travelers who value photography opportunities, expert insights, and a relaxed pace, this tour hits the mark. Keep in mind, it’s ideal for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a memorable Patagonian adventure without the need for glacier hiking.

In short, this tour offers a balanced mix of nature, comfort, and education, making it a smart pick for anyone keen to experience the immense beauty of Perito Moreno in a practical and enjoyable way.

FAQs about the Blue Safari Tour

Does this tour include walking on the glacier?
No, this tour does not include glacier walking. It focuses on boat navigation, scenic walks along the lakeshore, and views from the park’s walkways.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. It makes the logistics easier, especially if you’re staying in central El Calafate.

How long is the boat ride across Lago Rico?
The first boat ride across Lago Rico lasts about 20 minutes, offering a great perspective of the glacier from the water.

Are park entrance tickets included?
No, tickets to the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to buy them separately at the park entrance.

What should I bring?
Bring food and drinks for the day, as well as comfortable walking shoes for the lakeshore trail. Weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and rain gear if needed.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children aged 6 to 70, as the surface involves gentle slopes, stones, and stairs. Always check if your child is comfortable with boat rides and walking.

Experience the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier with this thoughtfully designed tour that balances adventure and comfort. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it offers unforgettable views and insights into one of nature’s most incredible spectacles.