El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier, visit to footbridges with navigation

Discovering the Perito Moreno Glacier with GPS TRAVEL Patagonia

When visiting El Calafate, few sights rival the Perito Moreno Glacier for sheer beauty and dramatic presence. This full-day tour, costing about $190 per person, offers an immersive experience with transportation from your hotel, guided explanations in Spanish and English, and plenty of time to explore the iconic glacier. It lasts about 8 hours, making it a manageable full-day adventure that fits well into most travel plans.

What we love about this tour is how personalized and convenient it feels. First, the hotel pickup and drop-off mean you won’t have to worry about navigating the roads or managing tickets on your own. Second, the walkways provide a chance to see the glacier from various angles and levels—a real highlight for photography and perspective. The optional navigation—a 1-hour boat trip—adds a different dimension by bringing you close to the glacier’s south face, giving you an up-close view impossible from the footbridges.

One potential consideration is the additional cost for the boat trip (around AR$80,000), which isn’t included in the base price. Also, since vehicle access isn’t fully adapted for wheelchairs, travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly. This tour is best suited for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone eager to see one of the world’s most stunning glaciers without the hassle of organizing transport or guides on their own.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in El Calafate
• Guided experience with expert explanations in Spanish and English
• Walkways offer multiple viewpoints over the glacier, enhancing the visual experience
• Optional boat navigation adds an immersive perspective from the lake
• Tour duration of 8 hours is balanced for a full-day but not overwhelming
• Limited to small groups (max 15) for a more personalized experience

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: From El Calafate to the Glacier

The journey begins with a smooth 80 km drive through Patagonian landscape, where your guide—let’s call him Juan—will keep the atmosphere lively with fascinating facts about the environment, history, and local mysticism surrounding this world-famous glacier. As you traverse the Patagonian Steppe and pass through patches of Andean forest, you’ll appreciate the vastness and purity of the landscape.

Multiple stops along the way let you take in views of Lake Argentino, the surrounding flora and fauna, and the mountain ranges. These brief pauses break up the drive and provide excellent photo opportunities. Travelers consistently comment on how the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile, even before reaching the main attraction.

Arrival at the National Park: Exploring the Footbridges

Once at the Perito Moreno National Park, you’ll join your guide to visit the first balcony of the walkway area. These walkways, totaling about 3 km, are thoughtfully designed to give you different perspectives of the glacier—whether from above, at trail level, or from multiple angles.

The layout of the balconies, trails, and stairs means you can choose to focus on specific views or simply wander at your own pace. The explanations from Juan help you understand the glacier’s formation, movement, and the signs of calving—where chunks of ice break off into the lake below.

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Walking and Photography Opportunities

The walkways are a real treat for photographers and nature lovers. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the walkways offered so many different views—each angle reveals something new.” The variety of levels and distances ensure you can get that perfect shot or just soak in the awe-inspiring landscape.

Flexibility is key: the guide explains the trail options, time estimates, and difficulties, so you’re free to explore more or less depending on your energy and interest. The walkways are well-maintained, and the staircases offer dramatic vantage points.

Optional Navigation: Getting Close to the Glacier

For those who want to go a step further, the 1-hour boat trip (costs extra) is a remarkable addition. This navigation brings you close to the south face of the glacier, where you can see the cracks, icebergs, and the scale of the ice wall from lake level. Many reviews mention how this perspective adds a sense of intimacy and grandeur that viewing from the walkways alone can’t provide.

Timing and Flexibility

At about 4 hours into the visit, you regroup with your guide to start heading back to the meeting point, then return to El Calafate. The timing is flexible, allowing you to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Practical Details: Comfort and Costs

The modern vehicle used for transportation is a plus, especially in colder months. Since the entry fee to the National Park isn’t included, we recommend purchasing it online in advance—this saves time and secures your spot. The boat trip, at AR$80,000, is an optional extra but highly recommended for those who want the full experience.

Small group size (limited to 15 travelers) makes for a more intimate experience, and the tours operate in both Spanish and English, making it accessible for international visitors.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

In our view, the strength of this tour lies in its combination of convenience, expert guidance, and diverse viewpoints. The hotel pickup and drop-off save you the hassle of organizing transport, especially in a remote area like Patagonia. The guided explanations enrich your understanding of the glacier’s natural processes, which adds depth beyond just sightseeing.

The walkways provide a variety of perspectives without requiring strenuous activity, making it accessible for most travelers. The optional boat elevates the experience by offering a close-up view of the ice, transforming a great day into an unforgettable one.

While the cost of the boat trip is extra, many find it well worth the additional expense for the extra dimension of the glacier experience. Keep in mind that vehicle access isn’t fully adapted for wheelchairs, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

This tour suits photographers, nature lovers, and curious travelers who want a comprehensive, guided visit with minimal hassle. It’s ideal for those who prefer small groups and a personalized experience that balances education, scenery, and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the transportation arranged for me?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in El Calafate, making travel logistics hassle-free.

Can I visit the Glacier independently?
While you can visit independently, this tour offers guided insights and organized access to the footbridges, which enhances the experience.

How long do I spend at the glacier?
You’ll have about 3 hours at the park, which includes time to explore the walkways and participate in the optional boat trip.

Is the boat navigation included?
No, the boat trip costs around AR$80,000 and is an optional extra, but it adds significant value by bringing you close to the glacier’s face.

Are the walkways accessible for all?
The walkways are well-maintained but not fully adapted for wheelchairs. There is space to take wheelchairs, but some walking may be required.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and camera gear. The weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is advisable.

Final Thoughts

This tour from GPS TRAVEL Patagonia offers an excellent blend of ease, education, and spectacle. It’s especially valuable for those who want to maximize their time at Perito Moreno with guided commentary and the flexibility to explore at their own pace. The small group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the optional boat ride adds a memorable touch.

If you’re after a comprehensive yet relaxed day, and you want to see the glacier from many different angles, this tour hits the mark. It’s well-suited for photographers, nature aficionados, and anyone eager to enjoy Patagonia’s iconic ice without the stress of planning every detail.

Remember, this tour provides a full day of breathtaking scenery, tailored guidance, and a chance to see one of the world’s most extraordinary glaciers up close. For those who prefer a well-organized, intimate experience, it’s an excellent choice.

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