Perito Moreno Adventure: Kayak Experience and Walkway Tour

Perito Moreno Adventure: Kayak Experience and Walkway Tour

Imagine standing at sea level and gazing up at the towering, jagged walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier — one of the most iconic sights in Patagonia. Now, picture paddling right into its icy waters, feeling the crisp air and hearing the crackles of the ice as you explore from a whole new angle. This tour from El Calafate offers exactly that: a rare chance to combine a walk along scenic footbridges with a kayaking adventure in the glacial waters.

Priced at $710.66 per person for about four hours of active exploration, this private experience is perfect for those who crave authentic encounters with nature. We love how accessible it is for those with moderate fitness, and the fact that no kayaking experience is necessary makes it welcoming for most travelers. The guides are professional, offering a thorough safety briefing, and you’ll be dressed in high-quality gear to handle the cold waters comfortably.

One of the standout features is the seamless combination of land and water perspectives. On foot, you’ll enjoy incredible views from multiple lookout points, while kayaking puts you directly in front of the glacier, offering a sense of scale and intimacy hard to match from the dry land. A minor consideration is that transfers from El Calafate are not included, so you’ll need to organize your own transportation to the meeting point. This is a great choice for travelers who want a personalized, small-group experience rather than a large tour bus.

This tour suits outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to see Perito Moreno from the water rather than just the usual viewpoints. If you’re confident hiking and paddling, and desire a full, authentic day in Patagonia’s stunning landscape, this is a great pick.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: Kayaking puts you at sea level, offering a rare view of the glacier’s vast face.
• All levels welcome: No prior kayaking experience needed, thanks to professional guidance and gear.
• Flexible exploration: Walkways and lookout points provide multiple angles of glacier viewing.
• Private tour: Only your group joins, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.
• Weather dependent: The tour is weather-sensitive; poor conditions may lead to rescheduling or refund.
• Cost reflects quality: The price covers expert guides, top-notch gear, and a memorable, active day.

A Close Look at the Experience

Starting early in the morning at 9:30 am from the designated meeting point in El Calafate, you’ll be picked up and transported into Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once there, the tour kicks off with a walk along the footbridge system, giving you panoramic views and an up-close look at the glacier’s surface. These viewpoints are carefully chosen to maximize your visual impact, offering vistas of the glacier’s immense scale and intricate crevasse patterns.

The footbridge exploration is a highlight itself. It’s the perfect way to get a sense of the glacier’s size and appreciate the natural artistry of the ice formations. It’s also your chance to snap some memorable photos. The guides are knowledgeable, so as you stroll, they’ll share stories about the Perito Moreno area and its significance in Patagonia.

After the land-based part, you’ll head to the kayak meeting point. Here, you’ll be greeted by guides who will provide state-of-the-art waterproof dry suits, thermal suits, boots, and life jackets. No experience? No problem — the guides are accustomed to beginners and will give you a safety briefing and paddling instructions. The sense of reassurance they offer allows you to focus on the fun and awe-inspiring scenery.

Launching from Los Templanos beach, the kayaking part begins. For about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll paddle toward the glacier, facing it directly. The experience is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re part of the landscape — paddling through icy waters, with the glacier looming large ahead. Stops for photos and explanations about the glacier’s history and formation make this a truly educational experience as well.

The highlight? Facing the glacier’s majestic face from the water, which many travelers describe as a “** postcard moment”. Michelle, in her review, called it “Une aventure incroyable!**,” emphasizing the high quality of the guides and the uniqueness of the experience.

After paddling back to the starting point, the tour concludes, returning you to El Calafate with memories of a stunning landscape and a personal connection to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

The Practical Details

While the tour covers a lot of ground, it’s important to note that transfers from El Calafate are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, which is conveniently located at MilOutdoorCalle 3015 Nº 2028, Calafate. Starting at 9:30 am, the timing works well to make the most of daylight and sightseeing.

The tour includes all necessary equipment, snacks, and hot drinks, making sure you stay warm and energized during your adventure. Because it’s a private tour, your group size remains small, which enhances safety and personal attention. The total kayak time is 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing enough paddling without being overly taxing.

Participants should have moderate physical fitness — paddling and walking on footbridges can be demanding, but nothing extreme. The minimum age is 14, making it a family-friendly activity for adventurous teens. Keep in mind that weather conditions play a key role; if it’s too stormy or icy, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds offered.

Authentic Touches From Travelers

One glowing review from Michelle highlights the professionalism and kindness of the guides, calling the experience “une aventure incroyable,” which translates to “an incredible adventure.” She appreciated the quality of the welcome and the guides’ expertise, emphasizing how it contributed to a unique experience.

Another key point is the stunning views from different vantage points, both from the footbridges and on the water, which travelers say significantly boosted the overall value. The ability to see the glacier from sea level is a rare opportunity that many reviews mention as the highlight.

The combination of physical activity, expert guidance, and awe-inspiring scenery makes this tour stand out as a memorable Patagonia adventure — especially for those who enjoy a good mix of scenic walks and active exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure suits outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers eager to experience Perito Moreno from a different perspective. If you’re comfortable on your feet and paddling, and if you want to avoid large group tours, this private experience is ideal. It’s particularly perfect for nature lovers wanting to get closer to the glacier while enjoying the fresh air and stunning scenery.

While it’s not suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility, teenagers 14 and above will likely find this experience both fun and educational. The small group setting and personalized guides ensure a tailored experience that feels special and authentic.

The Sum Up

This Perito Moreno Kayak Experience offers a rare chance to see the glacier from sea level, combining scenic walks with active paddling. The professional guides and top-quality gear make it accessible and safe, and the quiet waters provide a peaceful, intimate view of one of Patagonia’s most famous landmarks.

While the price may seem high, the value lies in the personalized experience, the stunning natural scenery, and the memories created by paddling up close to the glacier. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want an active, authentic, and visually spectacular outing.

If you’re looking to add a dash of adventure to your Patagonian trip, and you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity, this tour stands out as a rare opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. Just remember to plan for your own transportation to and from the meeting point!

FAQ

• What is the starting time for the tour? The tour begins at 9:30 am.
• Are there age restrictions? Yes, the minimum age is 14 years old.
• Is kayaking experience needed? No, guides provide safety instructions and paddling guidance for beginners.
• What equipment is included? Waterproof dry suits, thermal suits, boots, and life jackets are provided.
• Can I cancel if the weather is poor? Yes, if weather conditions are unsuitable, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded.
• Are transfers from El Calafate included? No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
• How long is the kayaking portion? The kayaking lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• What should I wear? Dress warmly in layers — the gear provided will help keep you dry and protected from the cold.
• Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility? It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness; walking and paddling are involved.
• What makes this tour special? The chance to paddle close to the glacier and enjoy panoramic viewpoints makes it a truly unique Patagonia experience.

This Perito Moreno kayak and walkway tour is a splendid way to step beyond the usual viewpoints and experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles from a fresh, exhilarating angle. For those eager to combine a bit of adventure with breathtaking scenery, it’s hard to beat.