Nestled in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, El Calafate is the gateway to some of the continent’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive, ever-changing sheet of ice that stretches for miles. For travelers eager to get up close, the Perito Moreno: Nautical Safari tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into this icy marvel, combining scenic drives, walking, and an intimate boat trip on Lake Rico. Priced at around $255 per person and lasting about 7 hours, this experience is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive day immersed in Patagonia’s wild beauty.

What we particularly like about this tour are the stunning vistas during the drive, where you’ll pass the Andean precordillera—a sweeping mountain backdrop—and the close-up view of the glacier’s south wall from the boat. These moments are especially memorable because they bring you right into the heart of nature’s grandeur. The 45-minute nautical safari is a highlight, giving you a rare perspective of the glacier from the water, where you can witness ice calving and the glacier’s scale in a way that photos alone can’t capture.

That said, one consideration is the limited time on the glacier itself—some reviewers, like Piret, mention that more time on the ice would be appreciated. The 3-hour stay includes walking and some hiking, but if you’re eager for extensive glacier exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for most visitors, the balance of sightseeing and boat adventure offers a solid taste of the glacier’s majesty without requiring multiple days.

This tour suits travelers who value authentic natural scenery, enjoy comfortable transportation, and want a guided experience with knowledgeable bilingual guides. If you’re not a fan of long waits or overly hurried schedules, this tour’s structure aims to give you a thorough overview while respecting your time.

Key Points

Breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno Glacier and Lake Rico.
Combines land walk with a boat safari for a full perspective.
Close-up glacier experience with scenic drives through Patagonia’s mountains.
Guided in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear and accessible commentary.
Includes transportation from central El Calafate hotels, offering convenience.
Limited free time on the glacier might leave some wishing for longer exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

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Starting in El Calafate

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in El Calafate. The tour is flexible, with check availability for specific start times, but typically you’ll leave in the morning. The transportation is a comfortable van that will take you roughly 2 hours to the glacier, giving plenty of chances to settle in and enjoy views of the Andean mountains and Lake Argentino along the way.

The Scenic Drive

The journey itself is part of the experience. As you cross the Centinela rivers, you’ll start to see the floating ice on the waters of Lake Rico, hinting at the glacier’s looming presence. The landscape here is as much about the natural grandeur of Patagonia as about the glacier itself—towering mountains, shimmering lakes, and the sense of remoteness that makes this part of the world so special.

Approaching the Perito Moreno Glacier

Once at Los Glaciares National Park, the atmosphere shifts to awe. You’ll enjoy a photo stop with panoramic views before embarking on a walk around the glacier’s visitor platform. This is where you can really appreciate the scale and intricate textures of the ice. The 3-hour window includes walking and light hiking, allowing you to get up close to the ice walls and perhaps observe ice calving if the timing aligns.

A review from a previous traveler notes, “It would be better to have more time on the glaciers,” which highlights that while this tour offers a good introduction, glacier enthusiasts might wish for additional hours to explore more extensively. Still, the guided walk provides a memorable encounter with this natural wonder, with informative commentary to deepen your understanding.

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The Nautical Safari

One of the tour’s star features is the 45-minute boat ride on Lake Rico. From the water, you’ll get a unique perspective of the south wall of the glacier, witnessing ice calving and the sheer scale of this icy giant. It’s a surreal experience that makes the glacier feel alive and dynamic. Many travelers find this part especially impressive, as it offers a closer look at the blue hues and cracks that make the glacier so mesmerizing.

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Return Journey

After the boat safari, you’ll hop back into the van for a 1.5-hour ride back to El Calafate. This allows you to reflect on the day and enjoy more of the dramatic scenery along the way.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

Pricing and Value

At $255 per person, the tour is a fair investment for the comprehensive experience it offers. It includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and the boat ride. However, note that park entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget for that separately. Considering the multiple viewpoints, the boat safari, and the convenience of guided logistics, many find this to be good value for a full Patagonia day.

What to Bring

Dressing warmly is essential—Patagonia’s weather can shift quickly, especially near the glacier where wind chill can be significant. Layers, gloves, a hat, and waterproof gear are advisable. The experience involves walking and light hiking, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.

Group Size and Guides

The tour features a live bilingual guide, ensuring you catch all the details in either English or Spanish. The group size is not specified, but given the pickup from central hotels and organized transportation, it’s likely a manageable group that facilitates interaction without feeling crowded.

Accessibility and Timing

The 7-hour length means you’ll spend most of the day immersed in nature, which is ideal for those with a flexible schedule. If you’re pressed for time or prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit packed, but for most, it strikes a good balance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive view of the Perito Moreno Glacier without multiple days of planning. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided tours with bilingual commentary, want to combine scenic drives, walks, and boat rides, and don’t mind a shorter glacier visit. The boat safari provides an authentic, close-up encounter, making this tour a memorable way to see Patagonia’s icy crown jewel.

If you’re after more time on the glacier or extensive hiking, you might need to look for other options or extensions. But for a well-organized, scenic, and authentic day trip, this tour hits a high note.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation from El Calafate, a bilingual guide, and the boat ticket for the nautical safari. Entrance fees to the park are not included.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat safari lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing a close-up view of the glacier’s south wall.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, including layers, gloves, and waterproof gear, as weather can be chilly and windy near the glacier.

Is there free time on the glacier?
Yes, the itinerary includes about 3 hours for walking, photography, and light hiking, but some travelers wish for more time, especially on the ice.

Can I do this tour in Spanish?
Yes, the tour is guided in both English and Spanish.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full experience lasts about 7 hours, from hotel pickup to return.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something in El Calafate before or after the tour.

Is this suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves walking and some light hiking, so it’s best suited for active visitors. Elderly travelers should consider their mobility.

How early should I be ready for pickup?
Please be ready 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time at your hotel lobby.

This tour offers a solid introduction to one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights. Whether you’re fascinated by glaciers, love boat rides, or want a guided experience that covers a lot of ground in one day, it provides a good balance of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. Just remember, a little extra time on the ice would make it even better—something to keep in mind if glacier exploration is your top priority.