Unesco Jewels: Big Ice Tour at Perito Moreno Glacier

Unesco Jewels: Big Ice Tour at Perito Moreno Glacier

If you’re heading to Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, the Big Ice Tour at Perito Moreno Glacier offers a rare chance to see one of the world’s most impressive glaciers from multiple angles. Priced at $1,161 per person and lasting about 12 hours, this full-day adventure combines boat rides, ice walking, and forest hikes, promising a mix of thrill and serenity. Your guides, like Juan or Maria (if you’re lucky), will help navigate this demanding but rewarding experience.

What we really love about this tour is how it lets you walk directly on the glacier’s surface, exposing you to its deep blue crevasses and sinkholes—things you just can’t see from the walkways. Plus, sailing in front of the glacier offers a stunning perspective that makes the ice seem even larger and more magical. On the downside, it’s a physically demanding outing, so it’s best suited for those in good shape, between 18 and 50 years old. Still, if you’re craving authentic, up-close encounters with this icy giant, this might be just the adventure you’re after.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy active days, love natural wonders, and don’t mind bringing their own lunch—since there are no food options on the glacier itself. It’s perfect for those wanting more than a simple sightseeing bus ride, seeking a hands-on experience that reveals the glacier’s secrets.

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Key Points

• Full-day experience: 12 hours exploring glacier, forest, and boat rides.
• Physical challenge: 3.5 hours of ice walking requires good fitness.
• Unique perspectives: Walk on the glacier and view it from a boat close-up.
• Guided expertise: Guides provide insights into glacier formation and environment.
• Weather consideration: Conditions change daily, offering different experiences each time.
• Limited group size: Small groups of up to 10 enhance personal attention.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The adventure begins early in the morning at the Bajo de las sombras port within Los Glaciares National Park. From there, you’ll board a boat to cross the Brazo Rico, which is as close as you can get to the glacier’s face by water. As you sail, you’ll get a first glimpse at the towering ice walls, and the views are nothing short of spectacular, especially when the sun hits the blue ice—something many reviewers mention as a highlight.

Once ashore, guides will gather you in the shelter where you can leave some belongings and use the facilities. The initial walk takes about two hours through the Patagonian-Magellanic Andean forest, giving a sense of the lush, rugged environment surrounding the glacier. This part is a chance to enjoy the flora and fauna, with the guides offering tidbits about local plant life and the forest’s role in the glacier’s ecosystem.

The highlight of the trip is the 3.5-hour hike on the glacier itself. Before stepping onto the ice, you’ll suit up with crampons—an essential safety feature that turns your ordinary boots into ice grips. Expect to traverse a landscape of deep crevasses, sinkholes, and blue lagoons. Guides like Carlos or Sofia help you understand the glacier’s formation and the environmental importance of this natural wonder.

A crucial tip here: bring your own lunch. There’s no food available on the glacier, so packing a hearty sandwich or snack is wise—many reviewers emphasize this point because you’ll want energy for the demanding walk.

The terrain is irregular but firm—requiring a moderate level of fitness—and only suitable for those between 18 and 50 years old. People with knee issues, pregnant women, or reduced mobility are advised against participating. The walk is physically taxing but deeply rewarding, with viewers often describing it as a “surreal” experience — walking amid deep blue ice that seems to sparkle from within.

After soaking in the icy landscape, you’ll head back via the moraine, retracing your steps through the forest for about two hours. The boat ride back provides another chance to admire the glacier’s sheer size up close, with many adventurers saying it’s “like seeing a piece of the sky on Earth.”

Back at the port, optional visits to the Perito Moreno walkways allow for additional views of the glacier from different angles—an alternative for those who prefer a less demanding experience.

The Experience: Why It Matters

One of the most compelling aspects of this tour is its blend of active and scenic elements. Walking on the glacier isn’t a casual stroll—it’s a physically demanding adventure that demands good footwear, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to get a little muddy or wet. Yet, that effort is rewarded with sights you can’t get from the boardwalks alone.

The boat ride in front of the glacier offers a completely different perspective. Many travelers mention how seeing the ice walls from the water emphasizes their scale and beauty—”it’s like floating in front of a massive, floating ice fortress,” one reviewer shared.

The walk through the Patagonian forest adds a grounding element, reminding you of the glacier’s natural environment and how it’s part of a delicate, interconnected ecosystem. Guides often share insights about how glaciers form and why they are vital to our planet’s health, giving the experience educational as well as exhilarating.

The combination of ice, water, and forest makes this a well-rounded day—if you’re physically prepared, you’ll leave with a sense of having truly connected with one of Earth’s most majestic natural wonders.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $1,161, this tour isn’t cheap, but it reflects the full-day, hands-on nature of the experience—guided instruction, equipment, boat rides, and the sheer effort involved. Many travelers feel that the value lies in the uniqueness of walking on the glacier, which isn’t something you can do on your own or through a less comprehensive tour.

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) means you’ll get personalized attention, and the included hotel pick-up makes logistics easier in El Calafate. Remember, food isn’t included, so planning ahead for lunch is key, but the guides will ensure you’re well-informed about what to bring and wear.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure with breathtaking scenery, the Big Ice Tour offers compelling value. However, if your mobility is limited or you’re not comfortable with physical activity, this might not be the right fit.

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Practical Tips for Your Glacier Adventure

• Bring your own lunch and snacks since there are no food options on the glacier.
• Dress in layers with waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and gloves—weather conditions can change quickly.
• Be prepared for a moderate to high physical level; this tour isn’t for everyone.
• Make sure your passport details are shared in advance for booking and check if your hotel pickup is confirmed.
• Remember, no pregnant women or those with mobility issues should participate.
• The tour changes daily due to weather, so be flexible and enjoy each unique view.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who love natural landscapes and want the thrill of walking on a glacier. It’s perfect if you’re eager for an authentic, close-up experience of Perito Moreno—beyond just viewing from afar. The combination of boat, walk, and forest offers a well-rounded day that will appeal to adventure seekers with good physical health.

Travelers who appreciate detailed guides and don’t mind carrying their own lunch will find it worthwhile. However, it’s definitely not suited for those with limited mobility, or anyone expecting a leisurely day. If your idea of travel leans toward active exploration and immersive scenery, this comprehensive glacier adventure will leave you with memories of a lifetime.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
No, it’s recommended for those between 18 and 50 years old due to the physical demands of walking on the glacier.

What should I bring for the ice hike?
Bring waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a medium backpack, and your own lunch since there are no food vendors on the glacier.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including transportation, hiking, boat rides, and forest walks.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You should bring your own lunch and snacks.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Walking on the glacier itself, seeing deep crevasses and sinkholes up close, and enjoying the boat views of the immense ice walls.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, conditions change daily; weather can affect the experience, but guides adapt, and each day offers a unique view.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, since it’s a small group experience, booking ahead is recommended, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In the end, if you’re chasing a full-day, adventurous exploration of Perito Moreno Glacier, this tour offers a rare combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and personal discovery. It’s an experience that sticks with you long after the ice has melted from memory.

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