From El Calafate: Perito Moreno walkways + optional Boat Tour

Experience the Majesty of Perito Moreno from El Calafate

If you’re visiting Argentine Patagonia, a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier is a must. This full-day tour, priced at around $65 per person, offers an immersive experience—starting from your hotel in El Calafate, lasting about 8 hours, and including guided walks along scenic viewpoints and the chance to see this massive ice formation up close. The tour typically begins around 10:30 am, making it convenient to soak in the early morning atmosphere of the town before heading out.

What we love most about this experience are two key features: the panoramic walkways that provide unbeatable views of the glacier, and the possibility of adding a boat tour for a truly close-up encounter with the ice walls. The walkways are well-designed, offering varied perspectives and perfect spots for photos. The optional boat ride, which lasts about an hour, takes you right up to the glacier’s face—a thrill for photographers and adventurers alike.

One potential consideration is the cost of the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park, which isn’t included in the tour price. Also, the boat tour, while highly praised, is an optional upgrade, and travelers should be aware of the additional expense. This tour suits those who enjoy natural spectacles, photography, and learning about glaciers from knowledgeable guides, especially if you’re comfortable with some walking and a bit of flexibility in your schedule.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The walkways offer panoramic vistas of the glacier, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
• Up-close Experience: The optional boat tour provides a rare chance to see the glacier face right from the water.
• Comfortable Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easy, with a small group size (max 15) for a more personal experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can explore different trail options, and bringing a picnic can enhance your experience.
• Park Entrance Not Included: Budget for the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park.
• Timing: The full-day tour includes plenty of time to enjoy, but check your schedule for the late-morning start.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Getting Started: From Hotel to Glaciers

Your day kicks off with a hotel pickup in El Calafate, which is a real convenience. Rather than navigating public transport or taxis, you’re whisked away comfortably, often in a small group of no more than 15 travelers. This small-group setting means you’re less likely to feel rushed and can ask your bilingual guide (Spanish/English) plenty of questions. The ride to Los Glaciares National Park takes about an hour, during which your guide might share insights about the region’s geology and history.

Arriving at Los Glaciares National Park: The Gateway to Ice Majesty

Once inside the park, the focus quickly shifts to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Your guide will lead you along the extensive walkways and viewpoints that stretch across the park’s terrain. These walkways are designed for easy access and provide multiple angles of the glacier’s towering ice walls, which can be over 70 meters high. As you stroll, your guide will explain the glacier’s formation, the ongoing calving process, and the park’s ecological significance.

What stands out here is the spectacle of shifting ice—massive chunks sometimes thunder into the lake below, creating a thunderous roar. One reviewer, Laura, highlights the boat ride as the best way to see this: “This was an excellent way to view Perito Moreno glacier! The boat ride is a must to get a close-up experience.” If you choose the optional boat tour, you’ll be transferred to a port called Bajo las Sombras, where you’ll cruise up to the glacier’s face. The boat provides a perspective that is impossible from the viewing platforms alone—close enough to see the ice’s surface textures and possibly witness calving events.

Exploring the Walkways and Lunch Options

The walkways are a major highlight. Your guide will show you a map and recommend different trails, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You’ll want to take your time, soaking in the vastness and hearing the crackling sounds of ice breaking apart. For lunch, the park offers a restaurant, but many travelers prefer to bring a picnic to enjoy with this spectacular view.

The flexibility to bring your own food is appreciated—it’s a chance to relax while taking in the scenery. The three-hour window here gives ample opportunity for sightseeing, photography, or just sitting quietly by the glacier.

Optional Boat Tour: A Close-Up Encounter

The boat tour, included if you select that option, lasts around one hour and allows you to get up close to the glacier’s face. The experience has been highly praised; one reviewer called it essential: “The boat ride is a must in order to get a close-up experience.” Seeing the ice from this vantage point reveals the glacier’s textures and blue hues, and you might even witness calving events—large chunks breaking off into the water, creating a thunderous splash.

Returning to El Calafate: Reflection and Relaxation

After exploring the park and optionally taking the boat ride, you’ll meet your guide for the return trip. The drive back offers opportunities to reflect on the day’s sights or chat about the geology and wildlife of the region. Your transfer is private or semi-private, and the entire experience wraps up with a drop-off at your hotel.

Detailed Analysis of the Tour Components

Transportation and Group Size

The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially since public transport options are limited in this remote region. The group size max of 15 travelers ensures a more personal experience, allowing your guide to give more tailored insights and answer questions comfortably.

Price and Value

At $65, the tour offers a fair balance of cost and experience. The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included, so budget accordingly. The optional boat ride, highly praised by participants, is an extra but adds significant value—turning an already memorable day into a truly spectacular one.

Duration and Timing

The 8-hour schedule is well-paced, giving you enough time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed. The tour starts at 10:30 am, which is a good mid-morning time, allowing some flexibility in your morning routine.

Accessibility and Suitability

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is ideal for those who enjoy scenic walks, photography, and natural wonders. If you’re comfortable with some walking and want a guided experience with insights into the glacier’s history, this tour is a good fit.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

The reviews shed light on what really matters. One traveler, Natalie, expressed disappointment about a booking error regarding the boat tour, but this seems to be an isolated issue. Conversely, Laura’s rave review underscores how impactful the boat ride can be: “Highly recommended!” These perspectives emphasize that the view of the glacier from the boat is a highlight and worth the extra cost if available.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for photographers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see one of the world’s most iconic glaciers without the hassle of planning details themselves. It’s also suitable for those who want a relaxed yet informative day, with options to customize the experience through different viewpoints and the boat ride.

Final Thoughts

The El Calafate Perito Moreno tour offers a balanced mix of guided exploration, stunning vistas, and optional adventures. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to witness one of South America’s most jaw-dropping natural sights with ease and comfort. The panoramic walkways make the glacier accessible and photogenic, while the boat ride adds a level of intimacy with this icy giant. Just remember, entrance fees are extra, and if you want the full experience with the boat, be sure to select that option in advance.

If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and memorable Patagonia outing, this tour delivers, especially for those who value expert guides and small-group camaraderie. It’s an opportunity to stand in awe of nature’s grandeur—an experience you won’t forget.

FAQ

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in El Calafate for convenience.

How long is the drive to Los Glaciares National Park?
The drive takes approximately one hour, providing a relaxed start to your day.

What is the best way to see the glacier?
The walkways provide panoramic views, but the boat tour offers a closer look at the glacier face.

Is the boat tour included in the price?
Only if you select the optional upgrade at booking. It’s highly recommended for a more intimate experience.

How much time do I have at the glacier?
You’ll have about three hours to explore the walkways, enjoy lunch, and take photos.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the park entrance fee is separate and payable upon arrival.

Can I bring my own food?
Absolutely. Bringing a picnic is suggested, especially if you want to enjoy lunch with a view.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved.

What should I wear?
Layers are recommended—weather can change quickly in Patagonia, and you might get close to the glacier or on the boat.

This tour from El Calafate offers a well-balanced, practical way to see the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. With panoramic views, optional boat rides, and expert guides, it’s an authentic Patagonia experience that’s worth every penny for nature lovers and photographers alike.