Exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier from Puerto Natales: A Practical and Scenic Day Trip

If you’re based in Puerto Natales, a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier offers a rare chance to see one of the most iconic glaciers in Argentina—all in just a day. For $145 per person, this full-day tour combines door-to-door transportation, a visit to the famous glacier, and some of the most breathtaking scenery Patagonia has to offer.

What we love about this experience is the comfort of private transportation—it’s an easy, stress-free way to cross borders and reach the glacier without the hassle of planning multiple connections ourselves. Plus, the close-up views of Perito Moreno—especially from the observation deck—are genuinely spectacular and will make your long journey worthwhile.

However, keep in mind that the long travel time (around 10 hours each way) means this trip isn’t for everyone. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend more time at the glacier, staying overnight in El Calafate might suit you better. But if a full day of adventure and jaw-dropping vistas sounds appealing, this tour could be a great fit—especially for those eager to tick the glacier off their bucket list during a short trip.

Key Points

Convenient door-to-door service simplifies border crossings and travel logistics
Majestic views of Perito Moreno, with time to explore the observation deck
Comfortable transport, with air conditioning and hotel pickup
Long day, with approximately 16 hours of travel and sightseeing
Good for travelers who prioritize seeing the glacier in a single day, despite the lengthy trip
Not ideal for those seeking more time at the glacier or a more relaxed pace

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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The Itinerary: How Your Day Unfolds

Your day begins early, with pickup from Puerto Natales between 6:30 and 7:30 am. From there, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus that will take you across the border into Argentina. The journey is approximately 6 hours of travel each way, but don’t let that discourage you. This trip is really about the destination—the Perito Moreno Glacier—a true marvel of nature.

The first major stop is El Calafate, a small town often called the gateway to the glaciers. This is a quick 10-minute stop where some passengers hop on or off. It’s also the place to handle border formalities, which means you’ll need to bring your passport.

Once in Los Glaciares National Park, you’ll head straight for the glacier itself. The main attraction here is the sheer magnitude of Perito Moreno—a massive ice formation covering 195 km², with a front wall that stretches 2,500 meters across Lago Argentino and a height of 60 meters above water. The glacier is famous for its calving events, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the water with thunderous noise, providing spectacular photo opportunities.

You’re given about 2 hours and 30 minutes at the glacier, which includes some free time to walk along the observation deck that offers panoramic views of the ice and the surrounding landscape. Multiple reviews mention the up-close boat trip, which adds a different perspective—getting right up to the floating ice and hearing the crackling of the glacier.

What the Experience Means for You

Most travelers find that the views at Perito Moreno are truly awe-inspiring. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “The glacier was awesome. Getting up close with the boat was a wonderful opportunity.” This part of the tour is definitely the highlight and justifies the long drive, especially if you’re pressed for time but eager to see one of the world’s most remarkable glaciers.

Travel and Comfort

We appreciate that the coach is described as very comfortable and clean, with toilet facilities onboard. This makes the long hours on the road more manageable. The hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Natales means you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar border crossings or complicated logistics—everything is arranged for you.

The Downsides: Long Hours and Short Visits

The main drawback is the length of the day. As one reviewer notes, “It’s 5 or 6 hours each way to spend about 2 hours there.” While many find the trip absolutely worth it, others feel the long hours of travel—about 10 hours on the bus—detract from their overall experience. If you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace or time to breathe and explore, staying overnight in El Calafate might be better.

Another factor to consider is that entry fees to the national park are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately, often in Argentinian pesos. This can add to the cost, especially if you’re not prepared.

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Reviews: What Others Say

The reviews echo a mix of admiration and practicality. Several travelers praise the knowledgeable guides that enhance the experience, describing them as friendly and bilingual, adding context to the sights.

One traveler said, “Very knowledgeable bilingual guide added to experience,” emphasizing how a good guide can make a long day more engaging. Others highlighted the stunning views: “The glacier was awesome,” and “The sheer magnitude of this ice mass leaves you breathless.”

However, some reviews mention the short duration at the glacier—about two hours—feeling a bit rushed, especially considering the long journey. “Para un día, el viaje es agotador. No se disfruta el paisaje…”, a Spanish-speaking traveler noted, meaning “For a day, the trip is exhausting. You don’t get to enjoy the scenery at leisure.”

Price and Value

At $145 per person, this tour offers an efficient way to see Perito Moreno without the hassle of arranging your own transport or accommodations. When you factor in the comfort of the coach, hotel pickup, and the chance to see one of nature’s most impressive spectacles, many find it a good value.

That said, you’ll want to weigh the cost of park entry fees and extra expenses like boat rides if you opt for the close-up viewing. For those with limited time, this tour packs a punch, delivering a full-day adventure packed with stunning scenery and smooth logistics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who are based in Puerto Natales and want to maximize their time by visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier in a single day, without the stress of managing border crossings or complicated plans. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind long hours in a bus and want a guided, comfortable experience with viewing opportunities that are well-organized.

However, if you prefer more relaxed travel or want to spend more time at the glacier, consider staying overnight in El Calafate and taking a more leisurely tour from there. This way, you’ll avoid the long bus ride and have extra time to explore the glacier and surrounding areas at a more relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total trip?
The entire day lasts approximately 16 hours, including travel, border crossings, and the glacier visit.

What is included in the tour price?
The air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup/drop-off are included. Park fees, boat rides, and food are not included and are paid separately if you choose to participate in those options.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 2 years, making it accessible for families. Just keep in mind the long hours in the bus, which might be tiring for very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable clothing, and dress in layers—weather can change quickly. Also, carry cash for park fees and optional extras like boat rides.

Are dietary needs accommodated?
Food and drinks are not included in the tour, so you might want to bring snacks or buy meals during stops.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If weather conditions are poor, your operator will offer a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to see Perito Moreno Glacier and don’t mind a long travel day, this tour offers a practical, well-organized way to do so. The comfortable transport, expert guides, and breathtaking views are just what you need for a memorable Patagonia experience. It’s particularly suited for those in Puerto Natales who want to maximize limited time and avoid the logistical headache of planning a border-crossing drive themselves.

However, be prepared for a long day on the bus and a short window at the glacier—if you prefer a more leisurely pace or more time at the glacier, consider staying overnight in El Calafate. Either way, this trip is a solid choice for adventure seekers eager to tick one of Argentina’s most iconic natural wonders off their list.