Perito Moreno Glacier Experience with Boat Navigation !!

Experience the Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina

If you’re planning a trip to Argentina’s Patagonia, a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park should top your list. For $120 per person, this roughly 7-hour tour offers a chance to see one of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, complemented by an optional boat navigation that gets you up close at lake level. The tour departs from El Calafate, covering the park’s highlights and giving you a chance to stand face-to-face with centuries of ice that’s carved and shaped the landscape for millennia.

What makes this tour truly stand out are two specific features: the walkways that bring you right next to the glacier, allowing you to hear the ice crack, and the option to sail close to the glacier’s front, offering an unforgettable perspective from the water. The scenery is jaw-dropping, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and organization.

A potential consideration is the weather, which can impact your experience. The tour operates rain or shine, but clear weather will make the views all the more spectacular. This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy immersive natural sights and want a well-organized day with plenty of time for photos and close-up encounters. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate guided tours with detailed commentary and a manageable group size, making the day both informative and relaxed.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Experience the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier from both land and lake levels.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides enhance understanding and appreciation of the glacier’s features.
• Flexible Options: Walking the walkways or choosing to add boat navigation for a closer look.
• Good Value: Includes transportation, insurance, and access for travelers with reduced mobility.
• Weather Dependence: The experience is weather-sensitive, so clear days offer the best views.
• Ideal for Photographers: Plenty of time and vantage points to capture the glacier’s grandeur.

In-Depth Review of the Perito Moreno Glacier Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour offers pick-up from your hotel in El Calafate (note: not from the airport or Airbnb), with transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The entire outing lasts about 7 hours, with roughly 4 hours dedicated to exploring the walkways around the glacier, plus time for the boat ride if you opt for it. Everything is organized to maximize the time spent at the glacier, which is the star of the show.

Your ticket includes insurance and accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility, making it a good choice for a variety of travelers. The admission fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included in the price, so plan for that as an additional expense.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Los Glaciares National Park
Once you arrive, the real magic begins. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, is home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive river of ice roughly 80 meters high at the front, oscillating between 40 and 80 meters above lake level. The walkways are designed to get you close enough to witness the glacier’s bruised, textured surface and listen as chunks of ice crack and fall — a sound that’s both startling and exhilarating.

As one reviewer, Pasi_R, notes: “Enough time to take photos. Pasarela was the best thing for me. Walking a bit to get close to the glacier. Hear when the glacier is moving and cracking.” Their comment highlights how this part of the tour offers the best vantage points to appreciate the glacier’s scale and activity.

Optional Boat Navigation
The highlight for many is the boat ride, which takes you right up to the glacier’s front. From lake level, you witness the glacier’s sheer vertical walls and the oscillating front. The boats can get surprisingly close, and the experience of seeing the ice from below adds a new dimension to your visit. This option is highly recommended if you want to enhance your understanding of the glacier’s size and structure.

The Glacial Walkways and Viewing Points

The walkways are a major strength of this tour. They allow you to stroll along well-maintained paths that bring you as close as possible to the glacier’s edge. You’ll hear the cracking and calving of ice — a sound that makes you feel as if the glacier is alive. The walkways are designed to give you different perspectives, from wide panoramic views to more intimate close-ups of icy crevasses and blue ice.

Many travelers, including Pasi_R, appreciated the time allotted: “Well organized trip with nice tour guide. Enough time to take photos.” This leisurely pace is perfect for capturing memories and absorbing the scale of this natural wonder.

The Guides and Organization

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, describing them as friendly and informative. They help explain the glacier’s formation, the significance of its movements, and the environmental importance of Los Glaciares National Park. This added context turns a sightseeing trip into an educational experience, deepening your appreciation.

The organization is also noted as smooth, with timely pickups and clear instructions. The small group size (maximum 40 travelers) helps keep the experience intimate and flexible, avoiding the feeling of being part of a large, impersonal tour.

Weather and Packing Tips

Weather can be unpredictable — it might be sunny or rainy. Pasi_R mentions, “If it is rainy, then you don’t enjoy the trip that much.” Having a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and layered clothing will ensure you stay comfortable regardless of the weather. Weather conditions can also affect boat operation, so be flexible.

Price and Value

At $120 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included transportation, guide, park entry, and optional boat ride. The walkways and photo opportunities alone make it worth the price, but adding the boat navigation elevates the experience further. The longer time spent at the glacier allows for a more relaxed visit compared to quick, half-day excursions.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers who want a comprehensive, well-organized day at one of Patagonia’s most iconic sites. It appeals to those interested in photography, geology, or simply witnessing a breathtaking natural spectacle. The inclusion of boat navigation makes it especially attractive for visitors seeking a more immersive perspective.

Travelers who prefer a less hurried visit with plenty of time for photos and exploration will find this tour suits their needs well. It’s also suitable for families or less mobile travelers since the access is designed to be user-friendly.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a full-day, thoughtfully organized trip that balances spectacular views, educational commentary, and a bit of adventure, this tour checks all the boxes. The guided walkways allow a close-up encounter with the glacier’s surface, and the lake cruise provides unique perspectives from the water. It’s a chance to see one of the world’s most stunning glaciers in its full glory, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery and capture photos.

The tour’s value for money is clear, especially considering the included transport and expert guidance. It will appeal most to travelers who want a comprehensive experience without rushing, those who enjoy guided commentary, and anyone eager to see the glacier from multiple angles.

While weather can influence the experience, most reviews suggest that with proper planning, your visit will be memorable. For those with an appreciation for natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier — a true icon of Patagonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, insurance, and access for travelers with reduced mobility. The park entry fee is not included. The boat navigation is optional but highly recommended for a closer view of the glacier.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, with about 4 hours allocated to exploring the walkways and enjoying the glacier from multiple vantage points.

Is hotel pickup provided?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in El Calafate is included. Note that it does not cover airport pickups or Airbnb stays; only hotels with reception.

What should I bring?
Weather can vary, so bring layered clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy shoes, and a camera. It’s good to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially rain.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour group is limited to 40 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Do I need to send my passport?
Yes, upon booking, you are asked to send a photo of your passport for confirmation, which is required to secure your reservation.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Yes, accessibility is provided, making it suitable for travelers with reduced mobility and families.

This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an opportunity to witness a natural marvel from perspectives both above and below. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience in Patagonia, the Perito Moreno Glacier with boat navigation offers a well-rounded, awe-inspiring adventure that will stay with you long after you leave.