El Calafate: Minitrekking in the Perito Moreno Glacier

Starting at around $552 per person for a full-day adventure, this tour offers a rare chance to explore one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights: the Perito Moreno Glacier. With a duration of approximately 9 hours, it combines scenic drives, boat rides, and an exhilarating 3-hour glacier trek led by expert guides.

What makes this experience truly stand out is the opportunity to walk on the glacier itself, witnessing the ice formations, crevasses, and turquoise lagoons up close—a rare privilege. Plus, the visit to the famous walkways provides panoramic views that are equally breathtaking, giving you a chance to see the glacier from different perspectives.

A potential consideration is the moderate difficulty of the ice trek, which requires suitable clothing and a decent level of fitness. It’s not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health issues.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to experience Patagonia’s natural beauty firsthand, those interested in glaciology and stunning landscapes, and anyone wanting a well-rounded day combining scenic sightseeing with hands-on glacier exploration.

Key Points

• Unique glacier walk: An immersive 3-hour trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier with guided safety instructions.
• Spectacular views: Panoramic vistas from the walkways and boat crossing offer multiple perspectives of the glacier.
• Expert guidance: Bilingual guides provide insights into glaciology and the region’s geology.
• All-in-one experience: Combines trekking, boat navigation, and self-guided exploration, providing excellent value.
• Comfortable transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics smooth and hassle-free.
• Moderate challenge: Appropriate for travelers with a reasonable fitness level, some preparation needed.

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Exploring the Tour: An In-Depth Review

If you’re heading to El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-see. This full-day tour packs a lot into a manageable itinerary, making it ideal if you’re eager to see the glacier from every angle without just taking photos from afar. The experience begins early with pickup from your hotel, ensuring you’re ready for a day filled with awe-inspiring scenery.

Journey to the Glacier: Scenic Drive and Boat Ride

Traveling in a comfortable coach, you’ll first enjoy a roughly one-hour drive through the Patagonian landscape. During this ride, guides share insights into the region’s geography, geology, and glaciology, setting the stage for what’s to come. It’s a good time to ask questions or simply soak in the expansive views of mountains and forests.

Once you reach the port Bajo de las Sombras, about 70 km from El Calafate, a short 20-minute boat ride across Lago Rico delivers you directly to the front of the glacier’s south face. This crossing is a highlight, as it offers a close-up view of massive ice walls towering above you—think of it as a quick, but memorable, ice voyage.

Setting the Stage at the Glacier

Upon arrival, guides lead you to a cozy shelter with spectacular views of the glacier. Here, you’ll get a brief introduction to glaciology, which helps you appreciate the immense power and beauty of this frozen giant. From this vantage point, you can admire the impressive ice falls and take in the scale of the glacier’s surface.

The Glacier Trek: Walking on Ice

The core of the experience is a moderate-difficulty trek onto the glacier, lasting roughly three hours. Before stepping onto the ice, you’re fitted with crampons and a helmet, a safety measure that reassures many travelers. The guides, typically in small groups of up to 20, walk you through how to navigate the deep crevasses, sinkholes, and seracs that make each step an adventure.

Many reviews highlight how close-up encounters with turquoise lagoons and intricate ice formations are a real highlight. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the guides explained the glacier’s features—it made the walk even more special.” The blue hues of the ice are mesmerizing, and walking on the glacier gives a profound sense of Earth’s natural scale.

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Panoramic Views and the Periglacial Zone

After the trek, you’ll explore the periglacial zone and lateral moraine, offering incredible panoramic views of the glacier’s walls, Lake Argentino, and the rugged Andean mountains in the distance. These vistas are often cited as some of the most stunning scenery Patagonia has to offer, with many travelers commenting on how humbling and inspiring the views are.

Forest Walk and Return Journey

Following the ice adventure, you’ll walk through lush Patagonian forest along a trail that takes about an hour. This part of the walk offers a chance to enjoy Patagonia’s green side, contrasting the icy landscape just experienced. It’s a peaceful way to wind down, with a hot drink and a souvenir waiting at the end at the shelter.

Then, you’ll board a boat back across Lago Rico, offering one last front-row view of the glacier, before returning to El Calafate by bus.

Visit to the Walkways

Along With the glacier trek, the experience includes one hour of free time on the famous walkways of Perito Moreno. These well-maintained trails are perfect for panoramic views and quick, self-guided strolls. Many visitors find this part particularly rewarding, as it allows them to see the glacier from multiple angles and take photos of the ice walls in the best light.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $552, this tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, bilingual guides, the 3-hour glacier trek with crampons and helmets, the boat ride, and a bit of free time at the walkways. The national park entrance fee and food or drinks are not included, so bring some snacks and water.

Practicalities and Tips

• The duration is around 9 hours, so be prepared for a full day.
• The moderate difficulty means you should wear warm, layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and be ready for potentially variable weather.
• It’s not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health conditions, so consider your fitness level carefully.
• Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want more than just a quick glance at the glacier. If you’re interested in glaciology, love scenic landscapes, or simply want to experience Patagonia’s grandeur firsthand, this tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed day.

It’s also ideal for those who are comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor conditions, and who appreciate guided insights into the natural world. If you’re traveling with family or friends, the small group size and varied activities keep it engaging without feeling crowded.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The combination of glacier trekking, scenic boat rides, panoramic walkways, and expert guides offers a comprehensive experience of Perito Moreno. You’ll leave with a sense of achievement, awe, and a camera full of stunning images.

The price reflects the all-inclusive nature of the tour: transportation, guides, safety gear, and boat rides are all covered, making it a convenient option for those wanting a hassle-free adventure.

While the cost might seem high, the value lies in the unique opportunity to walk on the glacier and enjoy diverse perspectives, which are hard to replicate on a self-guided trip.

This tour suits active travelers eager to see Patagonia’s most famous glacier up close and personal, those who want a safe, guided experience with plenty of opportunities to learn, photograph, and marvel at nature’s icy masterpiece.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics easy and comfortable.

How long is the glacier trek?
The ice walk lasts about 3 hours, offering plenty of time to explore and take photos.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, long pants, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a daypack are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6, due to the moderate difficulty and safety gear.

Can I do this if I have respiratory issues or health problems?
This tour is not suitable for people with respiratory issues, recent surgeries, or certain health conditions.

How much free time do I get at the walkways?
You’ll have about one hour to explore the walkways independently after the guided parts.

What is the total duration?
The full experience runs around 9-10 hours, including transfers, trekking, and sightseeing.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks and water.

Is the boat ride mandatory?
Yes, the boat ride is part of the experience, providing a close-up view of the glacier’s face.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 3 days in advance.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience of the Perito Moreno Glacier that balances adventure, scenic beauty, and educational insight. It’s best suited for those who want a full day of engaging activities and are ready to handle moderate outdoor conditions. If you seek to stand on ice, see towering glaciers from multiple viewpoints, and learn about glaciology firsthand, this is a solid choice that delivers real value for your Patagonia adventure.

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